Ruth Haines
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) has been named the busiest airport in the world in 2024 by Airports Council International (ACI) World. ATL serves more than 150 domestic and 70 international routes and is among the most connected airports in the world. The airport has retained its title since 1998, when it first claimed the busiest airport crown.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the Airport | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) |
| Ranking in 2024 | 1st |
| Number of passengers in 2024 | 108,067,766 |
| Number of restaurants, shops and service outlets | Over 300 |
| Number of gates | 39 |
| Year it first claimed the title of busiest airport in the world | 1957 |
| Year it claimed the title of busiest airport in the world | 1998 |
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What You'll Learn
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the busiest airport in the world for all passengers
- Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the busiest airport in the world for international passengers
- Atlanta's airport is investing $1 billion in upgrades and construction over the next decade
- Atlanta's airport is expanding its infrastructure to maintain its position at the top
- Atlanta's airport has over 300 restaurants, shops, and service outlets
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the busiest airport in the world for all passengers
The airport's success is attributed to its top-tier amenities, ideal location, and seamless passenger flow. ATL offers a wide range of restaurants, shops, and service outlets, enhancing the travel experience for its customers. Its location in Atlanta provides geographic advantages, with mostly ice-free weather, making it well-suited to serve a significant portion of the Eastern and Midwestern American population.
The City of Atlanta has also played a significant role in the airport's development. In 2011, the city embarked on a 20-year master plan to expand the airport's capacity and enhance the customer experience through modernisation. This plan aimed to enable the airport to serve more than 120 million passengers by 2031. The airport is currently undergoing significant development projects to ensure it maintains its position as the world's busiest airport.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has a rich history, evolving from an abandoned racetrack that went bankrupt to becoming the world's busiest airport. The determination of Atlanta's leaders, such as William B. Hartsfield, the city's “father of aviation,” has been instrumental in its success. The airport first claimed the title of the world's busiest airport in 1957, albeit only between noon and 2 p.m. each day. However, it was not until 1998 that it secured and retained the title for all passengers.
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Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the busiest airport in the world for international passengers
Dubai International Airport (DXB) has been ranked as the busiest airport in the world for international passengers. As of 2024, the airport handled over 92 million passengers, 2.2 million tonnes of cargo, and registered over 440,000 aircraft movements. This represents an annual increase in passenger traffic, with 66 million passengers recorded in 2022. The airport's growth can be attributed to its convenient location near Dubai, attracting passengers from the city who would otherwise travel to the busier Sharjah International Airport.
DXB is the primary international airport serving Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and is the busiest airport in the Middle East. It is also the second busiest airport in the world by overall passenger traffic, after Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The airport's capacity is 90 million passengers annually, and it serves over 270 destinations across all inhabited continents.
The airport's success is a result of Dubai's standing as a premier global destination for tourism, trade, and business. The airport's facilities include three terminals, three concourses, two cargo mega terminals, an airport-free zone, an expo center, a major aircraft maintenance hub, and a flower center for perishable goods. Terminal 3 at DXB is the third-largest building in the world by floor space and the largest airport terminal globally.
Dubai Airports' CEO, Paul Griffiths, commented on the airport's achievement, stating that it highlights Dubai's status as a leading hub for tourism, commerce, and connectivity. The airport's performance and high volume of international passengers have solidified its position as the busiest in the world for international passenger traffic.
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Atlanta's airport is investing $1 billion in upgrades and construction over the next decade
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the world's busiest airport. It has retained this title since 1998, and in 2024, it served over 150 domestic and 70 international routes. To maintain its status as the world's busiest airport, ATL is investing $1 billion in upgrades and construction every year for the next decade.
One of the major projects underway is the construction of two giant canopies that will extend from the North and South sides of the Domestic Terminal. These canopies will not only be aesthetically pleasing but also functional, as they will protect passengers from adverse weather conditions and improve traffic flow by housing elevated walkways between the parking decks and the terminal.
Another key project is the widening and extension of Concourse D. The concourse will be widened from 60 feet to 99 feet and extended by 288 feet. To avoid disrupting the airport's operations, the renovation will be carried out in a modular fashion, with only 6-8 out of the 39 gates closed at any given time. This approach allows for the concourse to remain almost fully operational during the construction.
Additionally, ATL is focusing on enhancing the customer experience and improving accessibility. This includes the construction of a new digital board that greets passengers with messages from the City of Atlanta and Georgia leaders as they exit the plane train toward baggage claim. The airport is also committed to making the airport more accessible for passengers with disabilities and improving sustainability practices.
Furthermore, ATL is expanding its facilities with the goal of adding up to 1 million square feet of warehouse space. This includes the construction of a vehicle staging area to alleviate cargo truck congestion and additional parking capacity for cargo aircraft and vehicles. These upgrades are expected to total more than $200 million in investments.
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Atlanta's airport is expanding its infrastructure to maintain its position at the top
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is currently the busiest airport in the world. In 2024, it served over 108 million passengers, and this number is expected to grow to 110 million in 2025 and 125 million by 2029. To maintain its position as the world's busiest airport, ATL is undergoing significant expansion and upgrades.
One of the most notable expansion projects is the widening of Concourse D, which is considered one of the tightest areas for travellers. The concourse will be widened from 60 feet to 99 feet and extended by 288 feet, resulting in a 75% increase in square footage for passenger boarding. This project is being carried out using a unique building technique with prefabricated modules, allowing the concourse to remain operational during the renovation. The expansion will also increase seating capacity and hold room sizes, improving the overall travel experience for passengers.
In addition to the Concourse D expansion, ATL has also outlined a 20-year master plan that began in 2015, focusing on five key areas. These include two independent facilities for domestic and international passengers and seven gate concourses. Upgrades are being made to increase the airport's capacity and enhance the customer experience through modernisation. The airport is investing $1 billion in upgrades and construction every year for the next decade, with a priority on minimising disruptions to traffic.
The airport's success is attributed to its ideal location, top-tier amenities, and seamless passenger flow. With its ice-free weather and convenient access to much of the Eastern and Midwestern American population, Atlanta has long been a hub for aviation. The determination of the city's leaders to invest in its economic development and refuse to let odds stand in their way has contributed to the airport's growth.
As ATL continues to expand and accommodate increasing passenger traffic, it remains committed to maintaining its position as the world's busiest airport.
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Atlanta's airport has over 300 restaurants, shops, and service outlets
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the world's busiest airport, with over 300 restaurants, shops, and service outlets. It has retained this title since 1998, and in 2024, it was still ranked as the busiest airport in the world by ACI World.
The airport's success is attributed to its top-tier amenities, ideal location, and seamless passenger flow. ATL offers a wide range of culinary options, including quick cafes, gourmet restaurants, bars, and fast-food outlets to suit all tastes and preferences. One Flew South in Concourse E is a popular choice for travellers seeking a high-end dining experience, especially for sushi lovers. The Atlanta Chophouse & Brewery in Concourse A offers a refined dining experience with steaks and craft beer in a lively atmosphere. For those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, the Atlanta Braves All-Star Grill is an ideal spot to unwind with a drink.
In addition to its culinary offerings, ATL also boasts a variety of shops and service outlets. Travellers can find unique souvenirs, Atlanta merchandise, travel necessities, and books at shops like the 11 Alive Travel Store in Concourse B, All ATL in Concourse D, and ATL Luggage & Gifts in Concourses C and D. For those looking to treat themselves, the airport offers salon and spa services at Be Relax Spa in Concourse B, and chiropractic care at The Chiroport in Concourse A.
To accommodate the high volume of passenger traffic, ATL has undergone significant expansion and upgrades. The airport has invested in its infrastructure, with plans to spend $1 billion on upgrades and construction every year for the next decade. The ongoing ATLNext program includes widening and extending Concourse D, as well as constructing a new 11-storey, four-star hotel to enhance the traveller experience further.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the busiest airport in the world.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport serves more than 150 domestic and 70 international routes. It was the first airport in the world to serve more than 100 million passengers in a single year.
The airport's success is due to its top-tier amenities, ideal location, and seamless passenger flow. Atlanta's mostly ice-free weather and its ability to reach much of the Eastern and Midwestern American population also play a role.
Atlanta's airport was once an abandoned racetrack that went bankrupt. In 1957, it first claimed the title of the world's busiest airport, albeit only between noon and 2 p.m. each day. In 1961, a new "jet age" terminal opened, but it was already stretched past capacity within a year.
The airport is undergoing significant development projects to maintain its position. Concourse D is being widened from 60 feet to 99 feet and extended by 288 feet, with a focus on minimizing disruptions during construction. The airport is also investing $1 billion in upgrades and construction annually for the next decade.
