Airports Growing: How Many Take Flight?

The number of airports is a topic of interest, especially in relation to economic growth and regional development. As of 2023, the United States has the most airports in the top 50 list globally, with 16 airports, including five of the top 10. While the number of public airports in the US has decreased since 1990, private airport numbers have increased. This shift may be due to the decline in regional flights and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has been ranked as the world's busiest airport since 1998, except for 2020 due to travel restrictions. The number of destinations and passengers served by an airport positively impacts regional economic development, with airports acting as major employers and hubs for tourism.

The number of public airports in the US has decreased since 1990, while the number of private airports has increased

This change may be surprising given the overall increase in air passenger traffic in the US. However, it can be partly explained by the significant decline in regional flights, which was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic caused a lull in airline passenger traffic, with most airports not seeing pre-COVID numbers again until 2023.

The distinction between public and private airports refers to usage, not ownership. A public airport is defined by the FAA as "an airport available for use by the general public without a requirement for prior approval of the airport owner or operator". Prior approval is required for private airports.

Airports are major employers and important hubs for tourism and other types of transit. They are also major sources of air and noise pollution and are vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels.

The US has the most airports in the world, with 15,095 as of 2009. As of 2023, the US also has the most airports in the top 50 list by passenger traffic, with 16.

The number of passengers at US airports has been increasing, with the majority of airports seeing pre-COVID numbers again in 2023

According to reports, San Jose Mineta International Airport and Oakland International Airport handled more passengers in 2023 compared to 2022. However, these airports are still below their pre-pandemic passenger numbers. San Jose accommodated 12.1 million passengers in 2023, a 6.7% increase from 2022, while Oakland handled 11.2 million passengers, a 0.8% increase. Despite this progress, both airports remain well below their 2019 passenger numbers, with San Jose 22.7% lower and Oakland 16.3% lower.

Other US airports have also experienced significant growth in passenger traffic over the past two years. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) stands out with a remarkable 26.7% increase in passenger numbers, nearly double that of any other top-ten airport in the country. This growth is driven by its unique position as a hub for three legacy airlines: United, American, and Delta. Additionally, LAX serves as the primary West Coast gateway for American Airlines.

Orlando International Airport (MCO) has also witnessed rapid growth, benefiting from the surge in leisure travel post-pandemic. Budget airlines, such as Breeze Airways, have contributed to this growth by establishing operating bases at the airport. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has seen a nearly 20% increase in passenger numbers, thanks to United Airlines' aggressive expansion.

Nashville International Airport (BNA) and Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) have also experienced impressive passenger growth, becoming popular destinations for fall travelers. Nashville International is set to undergo a major renovation to accommodate its growing passenger numbers, while Raleigh-Durham has seen a duel for influence between American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, with both carriers offering nonstop flights to international destinations.

While the aviation industry has made significant progress, it is important to note that the nature of commercial airline operations has evolved since 2019. Airlines have adapted to the changing needs of their customers, resulting in altered route networks that differ from their pre-pandemic status. Despite these adjustments, the recovery from the pandemic has been promising, with the majority of US airports regaining their pre-COVID passenger numbers in 2023.

Airports can be major employers and important hubs for tourism and other types of transit

Airports are often major employers, with some of the largest hubs in the world having rosters well into the tens of thousands. For example, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) has a workforce of approximately 63,000 individuals, while London Heathrow Airport (LHR) claims to be the largest single-site employer in the UK, with over 76,000 workers.

Airports are also important hubs for tourism and other types of transit. They are strategically positioned to serve as central points for connecting flights, often located in regions with high population density or where major airlines have a strong presence. This allows for convenient connections between various destinations, both domestic and international.

The hub-and-spoke system used by airlines involves concentrating passenger traffic and flight operations at hub airports, which serve as transfer or stop-over points to help passengers reach their final destination. This system creates economies of scale, allowing airlines to serve city-pairs that could not be economically served on a non-stop basis. It also increases passenger loads, as flights from a hub to a spoke carry travellers from multiple spoke cities.

The number of airports globally and in the US specifically has changed over time. As of 2009, there were approximately 44,000 "airports or airfields recognizable from the air" around the world, with 15,095 in the US. However, the number of public-use airports in the US has decreased since 1990, falling from 5,589 in 1990 to 5,193 in 2022. On the other hand, the number of private-use airports in the US has increased over the same period, rising from 11,901 to 14,776.

In summary, airports play a crucial role in facilitating tourism and transit while also contributing significantly to local employment. Their strategic location and efficient connection systems make them vital links between different regions and countries, enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers.

Airports can have a positive impact on regional economic development

Airports are vital for the economic development of a region. They are not just travel hubs; they are major employment centres, providing a wide range of job opportunities, from pilots and air traffic controllers to ground staff, security personnel, and maintenance crews. Additionally, they create jobs in related sectors such as transportation, tourism, and various services.

Airports also act as gateways for the smooth movement of goods and people, with efficient air transport speeding up product movement and promoting international trade and investment. They contribute to government revenue through taxes, customs duties, fees, and other charges, which can be reinvested in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and public services.

The presence of an airport benefits businesses near it by improving connectivity, attracting foreign investments, and broadening export opportunities. This leads to a surge in demand for housing, offices, and commercial spaces, resulting in a boom in real estate development.

Airports are also crucial in the global supply chain, especially for time-sensitive and high-value goods, and their role in facilitating efficient logistics directly impacts the productivity and competitiveness of various industries.

Research has shown that for every million passengers, airports can create 2,000 to 4,000 jobs in various roles. The economic impact of airports extends beyond their immediate boundaries, with local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, vehicle rental agencies, and taxi services benefiting significantly from their presence, resulting in more job opportunities and higher wages in these sectors.

Furthermore, the growth of nearby infrastructure, such as hotels and commercial centres, boosts the construction and real estate sectors, leading to more jobs for professionals such as architects, engineers, and project managers. The job prospects stemming from airports usually offer attractive pay packages and benefits, enhancing living standards within the community and stimulating domestic spending, thereby strengthening the overall regional economy.

Improved integration into the global air transport system is a key driver of economic growth, offering various economic opportunities by linking businesses and people to the worldwide economy. Being well-connected to air transport has several benefits, including boosting international trade, increasing economic efficiency, improving supply chain efficiency, promoting investment, and fostering innovation.

Airports are vital for growing tourism, as flying is the main way people travel internationally. They attract visitors by providing excellent facilities, reasonable prices, and easy access to various places. Airports actively market their destinations to airlines and travellers, and with well-developed airports, tourism is boosted further by attracting more airlines and routes, leading to increased competition and lower airfares.

In conclusion, airports have a significant positive impact on regional economic development by creating jobs, improving connectivity, boosting various industries, and enhancing tourism. They are essential drivers of growth and development in the global economy.

The US has the most airports in the top 50 list worldwide, with 16 airports

The United States boasts an extensive network of airports, catering to both domestic and international travel demands. As of 2009, the US had approximately 15,095 airports, the highest in the world. Notably, 16 of these US airports feature in the top 50 list worldwide. This prominence reflects the country's vast geographical expanse and the convenience of air travel over long distances.

The US has witnessed a dynamic shift in its airport landscape, with the number of public-use airports decreasing since 1990, while private airports have gained traction. In 2022, there were 5,193 public airports, down from 5,589 in 1990. Conversely, private airports increased from 11,901 to 14,776 during the same period. This shift may be attributed to the decline in regional flights and the rise of private aviation.

Several US airports stand out for their high passenger traffic and strategic locations. Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport consistently ranks among the busiest, catering to a large volume of travellers. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is unique as one of the few airports globally serving as a hub for three legacy airlines, making it a prominent gateway.

The US airport landscape is also characterised by its diverse range of services and facilities. Larger airports, such as those in major cities, often feature extensive terminals, multiple runways, and comprehensive passenger amenities. These may include restaurants, lounges, and even on-site hotels, enhancing the travel experience and catering to diverse customer needs.

Additionally, the US has a robust system of commercial airports operated by government entities or airport authorities. These airports play a pivotal role in facilitating domestic and international travel, connecting people and businesses across the country and beyond.

In summary, the US boasts a significant presence in the top 50 airports worldwide, with 16 entries on the list. This prominence is underpinned by a large number of airports, a dynamic aviation industry, and the country's vast geographical expanse. The US airport landscape is constantly evolving, adapting to changing travel trends, technological advancements, and the evolving needs of passengers and airlines.

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