Us Major Airports: How Many Are There?

The United States boasts a vast network of airports, with over 19,700 airports across the country, according to the 2011-2015 National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS). Of these, around 5,000 are open to the public, and just over 500 serve commercial flights. The US's large land area and the popularity of domestic flights contribute to a high volume of air travellers passing through both major and smaller airports.

There are over 19,700 airports in the US

The United States boasts an extensive aviation network, with a vast number of airports spread across the country. As of 2022, there were 5,193 public airports in the US, a decrease from 5,589 in 1990. However, the total number of airports, including private ones, is far more significant. According to sources, there are over 19,700 airports across the United States, ranging from small airstrips in remote locations to bustling international hubs.

This large number of airports can be attributed to several factors. One reason is the sheer size of the country; at over 9,826,675 square kilometres, travelling by car between some destinations would be impractical and time-consuming. As a result, air travel is a popular choice for both domestic and international trips, contributing to the high volume of air passenger traffic in the US.

Another factor is the inclusion of various types of facilities in the count. The total number of airports includes civil and joint-use civil-military airports, heliports, STOL (short takeoff and landing) ports, and seaplane bases. It is worth noting that sole-use military airports are generally excluded from this count but have been included in more recent years.

Among the over 19,700 airports, about 5,193 are categorised as public airports. These public airports consist of commercial service airports and general aviation airports. Commercial service airports, as the name suggests, cater to commercial passenger flights and play a crucial role in domestic and international travel. On the other hand, general aviation airports may serve a variety of purposes, including private flights, flight training, and aerial work.

The US also has a substantial number of private airports, which have been increasing in recent years. In 2022, there were 14,776 private airports, up from 11,901 in 1990. Private airports are often used for specialised purposes, such as corporate or recreational flying, and may have restrictions on public access.

The vast array of airports in the US provides a comprehensive transportation network, connecting people within the country and to the rest of the world. With such a large number of options, travellers can conveniently access various destinations, contributing to the country's economic growth and global connectivity.

5,193 are public airports

The vastness of the United States, covering 9,826,675 km², means that domestic flights are common, with many travellers opting for air travel over long-distance driving. This demand is met by a large number of airports spread across the country.

According to the 2011-2015 National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS), there were over 19,700 airports in the United States. This number includes both public and private airports. The distinction between public and private airports refers to usage, with public airports open to the general public without prior approval, while private airports require approval from the owner or operator before use.

In 2022, there were 5,193 public airports in the U.S., a decrease from the 5,589 public airports operating in 1990. This decline is attributed, at least in part, to the significant reduction in regional flights, which was particularly pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the decrease in public airports, air passenger traffic in the United States has consistently increased over the last decade, leading to a growing number of domestic and international passengers, as well as overall passenger-miles flown.

Public airports in the U.S. include well-known hubs such as Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and John F. Kennedy International Airport, which consistently rank among the busiest airports in the country by passenger numbers. These airports serve as major gateways for both domestic and international travel, connecting people to various destinations within the U.S. and around the world.

5,589 public airports were operating in 1990

The vastness of the United States is reflected in the large number of airports it has. The country is home to over 19,700 airports, with 5,170 of these open to the general public and 503 serving commercial flights. The number of public airports has decreased since 1990, when there were 5,589 in operation.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) defines a public-use airport as one "available for use by the general public without a requirement for prior approval of the airport owner or operator". This is in contrast to private-use airports, which require prior approval. It's important to note that this distinction is based on usage, not ownership.

The large number of airports in the US can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the country's vast geographical size means that air travel is often the most efficient way to cover long distances. This is especially true for domestic flights, as highlighted by the fact that North America covers over 9,826,675 km² in total.

Secondly, the US has many diverse landscapes and cities, which attract both business and leisure travellers alike. This diversity is reflected in the range of airports, from large international hubs to smaller, regional airports.

The busiest airports in the US, determined by passenger numbers, include Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. These airports serve as major gateways to the country, accommodating both domestic and international travellers.

While the number of public-use airports has decreased, the number of private-use airports has increased over the years, rising from 11,901 in 1990 to 14,776 in 2022. This shift may be attributed to a decline in regional flights, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, air passenger traffic in the US has consistently increased over the last decade, indicating a thriving aviation industry.

503 airports serve commercial flights

The United States boasts an extensive network of airports, with over 19,700 airports spread across the country, according to the 2011-2015 National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS). This vast infrastructure facilitates domestic and international travel, catering to the diverse travel needs of Americans and visitors alike.

Out of this impressive number, 5,170 airports are accessible to the general public, reflecting the country's commitment to aviation accessibility. Among these public airports, 503 airports offer commercial flight services, forming a critical component of the nation's transportation landscape. These commercial airports play a pivotal role in connecting people, fostering economic growth, and facilitating travel across the United States.

The large number of airports in the United States can be attributed to several factors. One key reason is the country's vast geographical expanse, spanning over 9,826,675 square kilometres. This vast area presents significant challenges in terms of overland travel, making air travel a convenient and efficient option for covering long distances. As a result, a robust network of airports has emerged to cater to the needs of travellers.

Another contributing factor is the diverse range of airport categories in the United States. Airports are classified based on factors such as the volume of passenger traffic, the nature of operations, and their role in the national airport system. This categorisation includes primary airports, which handle more than 10,000 passenger boardings annually, and non-primary commercial service airports, which serve between 2,500 and 10,000 passengers each year. Additionally, reliever airports play a crucial role in alleviating congestion at commercial service airports, enhancing overall accessibility.

The United States also maintains a significant number of military airports, which serve specific defence and security purposes. These airports are not generally accessible to the public but are essential components of the country's military infrastructure.

The busiest airport is Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

The Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the United States. In 2023, the airport served approximately 104.7 million passengers, a significant increase from the previous year. This growth was driven by both domestic and international travellers. The airport has consistently ranked as the busiest in the world for many years, owing to its strategic location and extensive flight network.

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is located 10 miles south of Downtown Atlanta, Georgia. The airport covers 4,700 acres and has five parallel runways. The elevation of the airport is 1,026 feet (313 meters) above sea level. The airport features a large terminal complex spanning 156.1 acres (63.2 hectares) with 192 gates, including 152 domestic and 40 international gates. There are over 263 concessions, including food, retail, and other services.

The primary airline operating at the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is Delta Air Lines, which accounts for about 75% of passenger traffic. The airport also serves as the headquarters for Delta Air Lines. In addition to passenger traffic, the airport handled a significant amount of cargo, handling over 730,000 metric tons in 2022.

The Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport has a significant economic impact on the Atlanta region, contributing approximately $34.8 billion annually. The airport provides essential connectivity for travellers, with nearly 776,000 takeoffs and landings recorded in 2023.

The airport has maintained its status as the world's busiest airport since 1998, except for a brief period during the pandemic. It surpassed 100 million passengers in 2015 and has continued to grow, making it a vital transportation hub in the United States.

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