Jazmin Li
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the largest airport in the United States in terms of passenger volume, serving approximately 45 million passengers in 2022 and over 104.6 million passengers in 2023. It has been the busiest passenger airport worldwide since 1998. On the other hand, New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), spanning 21.04 km² (8.1 square miles) in Queens, is the biggest airport in New York and the 9th largest in the nation. In 2023, JFK served about 62,440,306 passengers, making it one of the busiest airports in the US.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Area | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) covers an area of 4,700 acres, while John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) spans 5,200 acres. |
| Number of Runways | ATL has five runways, whereas JFK has four. |
| Passenger Traffic (2022) | ATL handled 72,409,517 passengers in 2022, ranking as the busiest airport in the world. In the same year, JFK served 35,980,179 passengers. |
| Cargo Volume (2021) | ATL processed 3.9 million metric tons of cargo in 2021, compared to 1.3 million metric tons handled by JFK. |
| Number of Terminals | ATL has one main terminal with seven concourses, totaling 152 gates. JFK has six terminals and four operational concourses, offering 125 gates. |
| Destinations Served | ATL serves around 290 domestic and international destinations, while JFK offers flights to approximately 200 destinations worldwide. |
| Hub Status | ATL serves as a primary hub for Delta Air Lines, as well as a focus city for several other carriers. JFK is a major international gateway and a hub for JetBlue Airways, along with a base for other airlines. |
| Operating Hours | ATL operates 24 hours a day, while JFK has a curfew and is closed between 00:00 and 6:30 a.m. |
| Location | ATL is located 7 miles south of downtown Atlanta, Georgia. JFK is situated in the borough of Queens, about 16 miles southeast of Midtown Manhattan, New York City. |
| Year of Opening | ATL began operations in 1926 as a municipal airport, while JFK opened in 1948 as New York International Airport and was later renamed after John F. Kennedy in 1963. |
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What You'll Learn
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the USA
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the busiest airport in the United States. Located in Clayton County, Georgia, approximately ten miles south of downtown Atlanta, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta served over 104.6 million passengers in 2023, making it the largest airport in the world by passenger volume. The airport has held this top position since 1998, serving around 55.4 million passengers annually.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta's impressive passenger numbers are due in part to its role as a crucial domestic and international transit hub. The airport offers 220 destinations and is known for its efficient connections, boasting the most connections of any airport in the United States. This has made it a vital component of daily American life, with air travel being the quickest way to travel long distances in a country of its immense size.
The airport's large passenger volume has led to expansions to meet the high traffic. In 2024, it was reported that Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport covered 12,264 acres, making it bigger than Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), JFK, and Miami International Airport (MIA) combined. This expansive space allows for a hub-and-spoke design and four runways.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport's status as the busiest airport in the USA is further solidified by its recognition as a significant cultural hub. The airport is known for its architectural design, boasting a unique flying-saucer-shaped Theme Building. Additionally, the airport features art installations and sustainability initiatives, enhancing the overall experience for travellers passing through.
While Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport stands out for its passenger volume, other airports, such as Denver International Airport (DEN), impress with their sheer size. Denver International Airport is the largest airport in the USA and the second-largest in the world in terms of area, occupying a colossal amount of space with six runways and enough land to accommodate six more.
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JFK is New York's biggest airport
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is New York's biggest airport. Located in the Jamaica neighbourhood of Queens, 16 miles southeast of Midtown Manhattan, JFK is the largest airport in the New York metropolitan area, covering 21.04 square kilometres (5,200 acres) of land. With a passenger traffic of 62 million in 2023, it is one of the busiest airports in the world.
JFK is a major international airport serving New York City and its metropolitan area. Over 90 airlines operate from the airport, offering nonstop or direct flights to destinations on all six inhabited continents. The airport features five passenger terminals and four runways, with two new terminals planned as part of a $13 billion expansion programme.
JFK originally opened in 1948 as New York International Airport but was commonly known as Idlewild Airport. It was renamed in tribute to President John F. Kennedy following his assassination in 1963. The airport is known for its modern facilities, including restaurants, shops, and entertainment options.
JFK is a hub for several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and JetBlue Airways. It is easily accessible by car, bus, shuttle, or other vehicle transit via the JFK Expressway or Interstate 678 (Van Wyck Expressway).
With its vast area and efficient design, JFK handles immense passenger volumes and cargo operations, connecting continents and supporting regional economies. It is renowned for its distinctive architecture and plays a vital role in global connectivity and economic growth.
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ATL has the most connections of any airport
Atlanta Airport (ATL) is not only bigger than JFK, but it also has the most connections of any airport. ATL has 261 served destinations, including 193 domestic and 68 international points. In comparison, JFK, which spans 21.04 km² (8.1 square miles), is undergoing a $13 billion expansion plan to include two new terminals.
ATL's two main terminals are on opposite sides of the airport area, with five separate buildings in the middle that are only accessible to passengers. The domestic terminal, or Hartsfield Terminal, is on the west side of the airport, while the international terminal, or Maynard H. Jackson Terminal, is on the east side. The airport has a total of 192 gates, with 152 domestic and 40 international gates. All airport buildings and terminals are connected by an underground automated train, which operates approximately every two minutes and carries over 200,000 passengers per day.
The efficient handling of international transfers is a notable feature of ATL. The airport offers a seamless transfer process, with a special immigration checkpoint located close to the other terminals. Even with baggage collection and re-check, passengers typically have less than 60 minutes to transfer. Additionally, the airport provides a free 24-hour international shuttle connector between the domestic and international terminals, ensuring a smooth transition for travellers.
The extensive ground transportation options at ATL further enhance its connectivity. The airport offers convenient connections to hotels, downtown areas, convention centres, and the Airport's Rental Car Center. The Rental Car Center is easily accessible via the SkyTrain, which operates six two-car trains with a capacity of 100 passengers and their baggage. Moreover, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) provides train and bus services to metro Atlanta, ensuring easy access to and from the airport for travellers.
With its vast number of served destinations, efficient transfer processes, and robust ground transportation network, Atlanta Airport (ATL) stands out as a leader in airport connectivity, catering to the high volume of air traffic and international connections that characterise US aviation.
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JFK has the most international flights
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is New York's biggest airport, covering 21.04 square kilometres (or 5,200 acres) in Queens, New York City. It is the busiest of the seven airports in the New York airport system, the sixth busiest airport in the US, and the busiest international commercial airport in North America.
JFK airport is a major international airport serving New York City and its metropolitan area. Over 90 airlines operate from the airport, with nonstop or direct flights to destinations across all six inhabited continents. It is the primary international air freight gateway in the US, with 21% of all US international air freight by value moving through JFK in 2008.
The airport features five passenger terminals and four runways. Terminal 4, which is used by Delta Air Lines for its main international flights, expanded its Arts & Culture program in 2024, showcasing photography, murals, and the first-ever freestanding hologram device in an airport. Terminal 5, which opened in 2008, is managed by JetBlue Airways and used by multiple airlines, including Aer Lingus, which offers pre-cleared immigration from Ireland.
JFK has undergone significant expansion and upgrades over the years, including a $13 billion expansion plan announced in 2018, which included two new terminals, runway upgrades, and a ground transport network. The airport is easily accessible by car and features a 505-room hotel with an observation deck and infinity pool.
With its high volume of international flights, cargo, and passenger traffic, JFK plays a crucial role in the aviation industry and contributes significantly to New York's status as a global transportation hub.
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ATL is the largest airport in the US
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the largest airport in the United States. Located in Clayton County, Georgia, approximately ten miles south of downtown Atlanta, ATL is the world's busiest airport by passenger volume, serving over 104.6 million passengers in 2023. This figure represents a significant increase from the 45 million passengers the airport served in 2022. With 220 destinations, ATL serves around 55.4 million passengers annually on average.
The airport's vast size and passenger volume reflect the United States' significance as a global travel and trade centre. The country's immense size and preference for air travel due to the underdevelopment of other transportation methods contribute to the prominence of its airports. U.S. airports handle an estimated half of the world's air traffic, and ATL exemplifies this, functioning as a crucial hub for both domestic and international travel.
ATL's status as a significant transportation hub is further emphasised by its extensive network of connections. It offers more connections than any other airport in the United States, positioning it as a vital gateway for travellers. This is reflected in its ranking as the busiest airport in the world by passenger volume since 1998.
The airport's infrastructure also contributes to its prominence. While the number of runways and terminals varies across different sources, ATL's expansive scale facilitates its ability to accommodate a high volume of passengers and flights. The airport's continuous growth and development further solidify its position as a leading aviation hub.
In comparison, New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), while also a significant aviation hub, is smaller than ATL. Spanning 21.04 km2 (8.1 square miles) in Queens, JFK is New York's biggest airport and the ninth-largest airport in the nation. It served approximately 62.4 million passengers in 2023 and is known for its TWA Flight Centre, a historic landmark.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the largest airport in the United States by passenger volume, serving around 55.4 million passengers annually. It has been the busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic since 1998. JFK, on the other hand, served about 62.4 million passengers in 2023.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is New York's biggest airport, spanning 21.04 km² (8.1 square miles) in the eastern borough of Queens. It is the 9th largest airport in the US and the biggest in New York.
Besides ATL and JFK, other busy airports in the US include:
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Denver International Airport (DEN)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Orlando International Airport (MCO)
