Lois Larson
The size of an airport is more than just a statistic – it enables operational capabilities such as accommodating high passenger traffic, handling extensive cargo, and hosting multiple terminals and support facilities. US airports are known for their large size, with several appearing among the world's largest each year. Two airports in Texas stand out in size: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport. But which is bigger?
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What You'll Learn
- The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is the third-largest airport in the world by area
- DFW is the third busiest airport in the world, transporting nearly 87 million passengers in 2024
- Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is the seventh-largest airport in the world by area
- IAH is Houston's main airport and the second-largest hub for United Airlines
- DFW covers 69.63km² (26.9 square miles) and has five terminal buildings with 174 gates
The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is the third-largest airport in the world by area
DFW airport has five terminal buildings, including Terminals A, B, C, D, and E, with a total of 174 gates. Terminals C and D have airport hotels. The airport is served by 187 domestic and 51 international destinations. The terminals are designed in a series of opposing semicircular buildings, with the International Parkway and other road systems running in between. On the inside of each semicircle terminal is a parking lot.
Ground transportation is accessible from the inner, landside (pre-security) areas of each terminal, with the airside departure gates (post-security) located on the outside of each semicircle. The gates are numbered by the terminal—for example, A28 is in Terminal A and D18 is in Terminal D. Terminals A and B are connected by airside walkways, and Terminal A can also be reached from Terminal B via an elevator or lift to the Skylink walkway, which has moving walkways. Terminal E cannot be reached by foot from the other terminals.
DFW is the largest hub for American Airlines and served more than 57 million passengers in 2023, with 405,925 aircraft movements. In 2024, the airport transported nearly 87 million passengers, making it the third busiest airport in the world.
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DFW is the third busiest airport in the world, transporting nearly 87 million passengers in 2024
The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is the third busiest airport in the world, transporting nearly 87 million passengers in 2024. This is according to the Airports Council International (ACI) World, which released its 2024 rankings of the busiest airports worldwide in April 2025. The report examined data from over 2,700 airports around the globe.
DFW Airport's ranking as the third busiest airport in the world is a testament to its role as a critical transportation hub for both domestic and international travel. In 2024, the airport recorded 743,203 takeoffs and landings, solidifying its position as a major aviation nexus. This achievement is even more remarkable considering the challenges faced by the aviation industry, such as supply chain issues, aircraft manufacturing delays, and the lingering effects of the pandemic.
DFW Airport's high ranking is not just about passenger numbers. With about 87.82 million passengers in 2024, the airport saw a remarkable 7.4% increase in traffic compared to 2023. This growth reflects the resilience and strength of Texas as a key player in global air transportation. DFW Airport's performance is also notable given the context of global challenges, as ACI World Director Justin Erbacci acknowledged.
The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is the largest hub for American Airlines and serves as the airline's headquarters. Its vast sprawl is situated between the major cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, offering a convenient location for travellers. The airport's size and capacity have made it a preferred choice for flight transfers and aircraft movements, contributing to its ranking as the third busiest airport in the world.
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Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is the seventh-largest airport in the world by area
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is one of the largest airports in the world by area, ranking third according to some sources. However, Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is even bigger, as it is the seventh-largest airport in the world by area.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) spans 44.5 square kilometres (17.19 square miles) or 40.46 square kilometres (15.6 square miles) according to different sources. It is Houston's main airport and the second-largest hub for United Airlines in the country, after Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. In 2023, IAH served more than 46 million passengers with 399,805 aircraft movements. The airport has five terminals named A to E, which are accessible through three main entrances. Terminal A primarily handles domestic and Canadian flights that are not operated by United Airlines, while the other terminals serve a mix of domestic and international flights.
IAH is located 37 kilometres north of Houston and is owned by the City of Houston. The airport was previously known as Houston Intercontinental Airport before being renamed after former President George Bush. It has been a significant hub for United Airlines since merging with Continental Airlines in 2010. IAH offers flights to all continents except Antarctica, contributing to its high ranking among the world's largest airports by area.
In comparison, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) covers 69.63 square kilometres (26.9 square miles) or 26.88 square miles, according to different sources. DFW is located between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth in Texas and serves as a critical hub for American Airlines. The airport features semicircular terminals with parking lots on the inside of each semicircle. It has five terminals, including Terminals A, B, C, D, and E, with a total of 174 gates. DFW is known for its convenient Skylink light rail service, connecting all terminals post-security.
While DFW is indeed large, spanning almost 27 miles, Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) surpasses it in size. With its vast area and high passenger traffic, IAH solidifies its position as one of the largest airports in the world by area.
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IAH is Houston's main airport and the second-largest hub for United Airlines
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is the second-largest airport in the world by area. It is the world's third busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic. DFW is larger than Houston's primary airport, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). However, IAH is Houston's main airport and the second-largest hub for United Airlines.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is Houston's largest airport by area and the second-busiest in Texas. It is located about 23 miles (37 km) north of Downtown Houston. The airport has a total area of 17.19 square miles (44.5 square kilometres). It is the twelfth busiest airport in the United States for total passenger traffic and the seventh-largest in the world by area.
IAH is a major hub for United Airlines, which dominates the airport's passenger market with a 58.7% market share. United has recently invested in the airport's Terminal B, and it is the only airline that operates in that terminal. The airline has been expanding its operations at the airport, adding new routes to Munich, Germany; Santiago, Chile; and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, in 2014. IAH is also a focus city for Spirit Airlines, which recently opened a crew base at the facility.
IAH offers flights to a large number of domestic and international destinations covering five continents. It is the busiest airport in Texas for international passenger traffic and has nonstop flights to every inhabited continent. It is also one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States, with plans to increase capacity further through the IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program.
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DFW covers 69.63km² (26.9 square miles) and has five terminal buildings with 174 gates
The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is a massive airport, covering an area of 69.63km² (26.9 square miles). To put that into perspective, it's larger than Manhattan! This sprawling airport is strategically positioned between the major cities of Dallas and Fort Worth in Texas. It serves as the largest hub for American Airlines and is renowned as the third-largest airport in the world by area. Not only is DFW impressive in terms of size, but it also boasts a substantial passenger volume, ranking as the third busiest airport globally. In 2024, DFW transported a remarkable 87 million passengers.
DFW's vast expanse accommodates five terminal buildings, each with its own unique layout and amenities. Terminals A, B, C, D, and E collectively contribute to the airport's impressive infrastructure. These terminals are cleverly designed, with the International Parkway and other road systems running between them. Each terminal has its own dedicated parking lot, making it convenient for travellers. Terminals C and D even feature airport hotels, providing added convenience for those with layovers or waiting for connecting flights.
The terminals at DFW showcase a distinctive design, with each one forming a semicircle. This semicircular structure is not just aesthetically pleasing but also functional, with the airside departure gates located strategically on the outside of each semicircle. The gates are numbered according to their respective terminals, making navigation easier for travellers. For instance, gate A28 indicates that it is located within Terminal A, while gate D18 belongs to Terminal D.
The efficient Skylink light rail service ensures seamless connectivity between all terminals post-security. Passengers can easily move between terminals without having to backtrack or exit the secure area. Additionally, walking airside is possible between all terminals except for one, Terminal E, which is slightly further away. Nonetheless, the convenient layout and transport options within DFW contribute to a more pleasant travel experience.
With 174 gates in total, DFW has an extensive capacity to handle a high volume of aircraft movements. The large number of gates allows for efficient management of incoming and outgoing flights, contributing to the smooth flow of air traffic. This efficient gate system, along with the ample terminal space, enhances the airport's ability to accommodate numerous passengers and flights, solidifying its reputation as one of the world's busiest and largest airports.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Dallas/Fort Worth Airport is bigger than Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Covering 69.63km² (26.9 square miles), Dallas/Fort Worth is the third-largest airport in the world, while Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport covers 44.5km² (17.19 square miles).
Dallas/Fort Worth Airport has five terminals, including Terminals A, B, C, D, and E.
There are 10 gates in each of the two concourses in Terminal A at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport, for a total of 20 gates.
Dallas/Fort Worth Airport served nearly 87 million passengers in 2024, making it the third busiest airport in the world.
