Us International Airports: How Many Are There?

The United States has a vast network of international airports, connecting the country to every corner of the globe. As of 2023, there were around 150 international airports in the US, a number that is constantly changing to meet the growing demand for international travel. These airports range from massive hubs like John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York to smaller regional gateways. The US also boasts over 19,000 airports in total, including public and private, making it the country with the most airports in the world.

What is an international airport?

An international airport is an airport with customs and border control facilities, enabling passengers to travel between countries. International airports are usually larger than domestic airports and feature longer runways. They can accommodate heavier aircraft, such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380, commonly used for international and intercontinental travel.

The first airport to operate scheduled international commercial services was Hounslow Heath Aerodrome in London, England, in August 1919. However, it was soon closed and replaced by Croydon Airport in March 1920. The first international airport in the Americas was Douglas Municipal Airport in Arizona, which opened in 1928.

International airports can handle a wide range of traffic, from hundreds to thousands of flights daily. They are a gateway to different cultural experiences and are often a hub for connecting flights, serving both domestic and international travel. These airports have extensive operations, including air traffic control, and provide services to airlines and passengers worldwide.

The design and construction of international airports are influenced by various factors, including technology, politics, economics, and geography, as well as local and international law. They often require the construction of additional infrastructure, such as high-speed railways and expressways, to connect them to urban areas.

In the United States, there are 483 international airports out of over 19,700 total airports. These include well-known airports such as John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

How many international airports are there in the US?

The United States is home to a vast network of airports, catering to both domestic and international travellers. While not all airports are designated as international, there are still several major international airports located across the country.

Defining an International Airport

An international airport is equipped with customs and border control facilities, enabling passengers to travel between countries. They are typically larger than domestic airports, with longer runways to accommodate heavier aircraft commonly used for international travel.

Major International Airports in the US

The US has several prominent international airports that serve as gateways to the country and beyond. These include:

• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), California
• Miami International Airport (MIA), Florida
• O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Illinois
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Georgia
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO), California
• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Texas
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), New Jersey
• George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Texas
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Washington
• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Massachusetts

Regional and Smaller International Airports

In addition to the major hubs, there are several regional and smaller international airports across the US, providing more limited international connections. Notable examples include:

• Orlando International Airport (MCO), Florida
• Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), Michigan
• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), Pennsylvania
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Virginia
• Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), North Carolina
• Denver International Airport (DEN), Colorado

Number of International Airports in the US

While it is challenging to provide an exact figure, there are over 19,700 airports in the US, with 5,170 open to the general public. Out of these, 483 are considered international airports.

The US boasts a comprehensive network of international airports, from major hubs like JFK and LAX to regional gateways such as MCO and PHL. These airports play a crucial role in facilitating international travel and contributing to the nation's economic growth and global connectivity.

What are some examples of major international airports in the US?

The United States boasts a vast network of international airports, from major hubs to regional gateways. These airports facilitate millions of international passengers annually, contributing significantly to the country's economic growth and global connectivity. Here is a list of some of the major international airports in the US:

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York

JFK International Airport is one of the busiest international gateways in the US. Located in Queens, New York City, JFK has nine terminals and over 90 airlines operating from them. The airport is easily accessible by rail, bus, or car, making it a convenient option for travellers. In 2024, JFK was expected to handle over 61 million passengers annually, solidifying its position as one of the busiest airports in the country.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), California

LAX is the second busiest airport in the US and sixth globally. With more passenger airlines than any other US airport, LAX is a bustling hub for travellers. The airport also features the iconic Theme Building, resembling a flying saucer. In 2023, LAX handled 575,097 flights, a slight increase from the previous year.

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Illinois

Chicago O'Hare International Airport is a major hub for flights across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The airport features four terminals, including an underground tunnel connecting Concourses B and C in Terminal 1. O'Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world, handling approximately 73.9 million passengers in 2023, with projections for even higher numbers in 2024.

Miami International Airport (MIA), Florida

MIA serves as a gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean. Located just 13 kilometres from downtown Miami, MIA handles a significant volume of international flights and is well-connected by highways and public transportation. In 2023, MIA set a record by handling 52.3 million passengers, including 23.2 million international travellers.

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Texas

DFW is one of the largest airports in the world by area. With multiple terminals, modern facilities, and a wide range of dining options, DFW is a significant hub for international travel, especially to Europe and Asia. In 2024, DFW is projected to handle approximately 80 million passengers, continuing its position as one of the world's busiest airports.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Georgia

ATL is known primarily for its domestic traffic but also handles a substantial number of international flights. It serves as a primary hub for Delta Airlines and is crucial for travellers heading to Europe and Latin America. In 2023, ATL set a record by serving more than 104.6 million passengers, making it the world's busiest airport in terms of passenger numbers and aircraft movements.

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Virginia

Located near Washington, D.C., Dulles International Airport is a major gateway for flights to Europe and the Middle East. Its proximity to the nation's capital makes it a significant player in international travel. In 2023, Dulles recorded a total of 25.1 million passengers, including a record-breaking 9.3 million international travellers, reflecting its importance as an international gateway.

Denver International Airport (DEN), Colorado

DEN is the largest airport in the US by total land area and the second largest worldwide. The airport features the Jeppesen Terminal and three concourses connected by an underground train service. DEN has been increasing its international routes, especially to Europe and Latin America. In 2024, DEN is projected to handle between 81 and 82 million passengers, surpassing its previous record.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO), California

SFO is a major hub for trans-Pacific flights, especially for travellers headed to Asia. SFO's international terminal is the largest in North America. The airport also offers convenient access to the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system. In September 2024, SFO recorded 32,599 flights, including both domestic and international destinations.

These airports, along with many others across the US, play a crucial role in connecting the country to the rest of the world, facilitating travel, trade, and cultural exchange.

What are regional and smaller international airports?

The US has over 19,700 airports, 5,170 of which are open to the public and 503 of which serve commercial flights. These include regional and smaller international airports.

Regional airports are those that serve short and medium-range routes and point-to-point destinations. They are vital in connecting smaller communities to global travel and commerce. Large hub airports rely on regional airports to feed their networks. For example, in 2019, more than 50% of Chicago O'Hare's traffic came from regional airlines.

Regional airports are facing challenges due to resource constraints, with several losing all commercial service and over 150 losing at least 25% of their air service. However, they remain important for keeping small communities connected to the world.

Smaller international airports can be found across the world, from the Caribbean to Laos. These airports often have shorter runways and fewer daily flights compared to larger international airports. Some smaller international airports include Charles Kirkconnell International Airport in the Caribbean, which has a single runway and services four daily flights, and Juancho E Yrausquin Airport, which services the small Dutch island of Saba in the Caribbean and has the shortest commercial runway in the world.

What are secondary international airports?

Secondary international airports are an important part of the aviation ecosystem, serving as auxiliary facilities to complement the services of major international and regional airports. These airports often cater to leisure travellers, cargo operations, and provide relief during adverse weather conditions or congestion at primary airports. They are also popular among low-cost carriers due to their lower landing and takeoff fees.

Secondary airports are often smaller and less glamorous than their larger counterparts, but they play a crucial role in the aviation network. They are typically used as backup facilities, but they also serve a more nuanced and essential function. For instance, they are increasingly important for cargo operations, especially with the growth of e-commerce and the complexity of supply chains. The proximity of secondary airports to distribution centres and highways makes them attractive options for cargo carriers.

Additionally, secondary airports can act as relief points during emergencies or adverse weather conditions at major airports, helping to alleviate congestion and maintain the resilience of the aviation network. They are also hubs for low-cost carriers, making air travel more accessible to a wider range of passengers. These carriers operate with business models that eliminate as many expenses as possible, and by using secondary airports, they can offer significantly lower fares than competing legacy airlines.

Secondary airports offer passengers a more relaxed atmosphere, quick access to parking and gates, and easy connectivity to the final leg of their journey. To enhance their competitiveness, these airports are now also investing in premium services, such as shared-use lounges, to provide a memorable traveller experience.

In summary, secondary international airports are vital connectors that support economic growth and ensure the resilience of the aviation network. They may not always grab the headlines, but their role in the aviation industry is critical and will only become more so as the industry continues to evolve.

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