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The United States is home to some of the world's biggest and busiest airports, with an incredible amount of foot and flight traffic. With over 19,700 airports across the country, 5,170 of which are open to the general public and 503 serving commercial flights, it can be hard to determine which are the major airports. However, there are several ways to measure this, including the number of passengers, the number of flights, and reader polls.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of airports in the US | Over 19,700 |
| Number of airports open to the general public | 5,170 |
| Number of airports serving commercial flights | 503 |
| Busiest airport in the US | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport |
| Number of passengers at the busiest airport | 50.9 million |
| Number of flights at the busiest airport | 341,835 |
| Number of flights per day at the busiest airport | 1,000 |
| Second busiest airport in the US | Los Angeles International Airport |
| Number of passengers at the second busiest airport | 40.9 million |
| Third busiest airport in the US | Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport |
| Number of passengers at the third busiest airport | 39.2 million |
| Airports considered large hubs by the FAA | Airports that account for at least 1% of total US passenger enplanements |
| Airports considered medium hubs by the FAA | Airports that account for between 0.25% and 1% of total US passenger enplanements |
| Best airport in the US according to a travel magazine | Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport |
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What You'll Learn
Busiest US airports
The United States is home to some of the world's biggest airports, with an incredible amount of foot and flight traffic. Ranking the busiest airports in the US depends on various criteria, such as annual passenger traffic, total cargo throughput, and passenger enplanements.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the US by passenger count. Atlanta Airport handled 50.9 million passengers on 341,835 flights per year, which is almost 1,000 flights per day. This makes Atlanta one of the busiest airports in the world.
Other major US airports by passenger numbers include:
- Los Angeles International Airport (40.9 million passengers)
- Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (39.2 million passengers)
- Denver International Airport (37.8 million passengers)
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport (35.8 million passengers)
In March 2025, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport remained the busiest airport in the US with 5,369,683 scheduled seats. Chicago O'Hare International Airport was also one of the busiest airports in the country that month, with 3,991,850 seats.
Other notable mentions include Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, which won the top spot in a travel magazine's 2024 reader poll for its ease of navigation and amenities. Additionally, New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, a major hub for transcontinental flights, is one of the most important global airports.
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Biggest US airports
The United States is home to some of the world's biggest airports, with an incredibly high volume of foot and flight traffic. While some airports are large in terms of geographical size, others are considered big due to the number of passengers they handle.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the US, handling 50.9 million passengers on 341,835 flights per year. That's nearly 1,000 flights per day, making Atlanta one of the busiest airports worldwide.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport is the second-busiest airport in the US, with 40.9 million passengers annually. LAX is one of the major airports in the country, known for its iconic theme building and multi-storey control tower.
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is the third-busiest airport in the US, serving 39.2 million passengers each year. DFW is a large airport with multiple terminals and runways to accommodate the high volume of air traffic.
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Denver International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving 37.8 million passengers annually. DEN is the primary economic engine for Colorado, generating over $47.2 billion for the region annually. The airport is known for its extensive public art collection and Colorado-inspired rotating exhibitions.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is the fifth-busiest airport in the US, with 35.8 million passengers passing through each year. O'Hare is a major hub for several airlines and is known for its efficient operations and convenient connections.
Other notable mentions include Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston (IAH), and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), which was ranked the best airport in a 2024 reader poll for its ease of navigation and amenities.
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US airports with the best customer experience
The US is home to some of the world's biggest airports, with North America covering 9,826,675 km² in total, making domestic flights a popular mode of transport. There are over 19,700 airports in the country, with 5,170 open to the general public and 503 serving commercial flights.
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) has been rated the best airport in the country by a 2024 survey conducted by Travel and Leisure. The survey asked readers to rate airports based on check-in/security, restaurants/bars, access, shopping, and design. The airport scored highly for its ease of navigation and amenities.
The Airports Council International (ACI) also recognizes airports with exceptional customer experiences through its Airport Service Quality (ASQ) program. The ASQ Awards are given to airports that demonstrate a commitment to improving the customer experience, often through the application of technology like self-service and biometrics. In 2023, over half of the world's travelers passed through an ASQ airport, highlighting the program's influence in shaping standards for airport services.
While specific rankings may not be available, several US airports are worth mentioning for their focus on customer experience. Atlanta International Airport, for example, is one of the busiest airports in the US, handling 50.9 million passengers in 2023. Large airports like Atlanta International often implement measures to manage disruptions effectively, as this is a defining issue for passengers.
Other major US airports include DFW, LAX, JFK, SeaTac, and DCA, which are considered "hubs" by the FAA due to their high volume of passenger traffic. These airports continuously strive to enhance the customer experience, and their efforts are recognized through initiatives like the ASQ Awards.
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US airports with the best amenities
With over 19,700 airports in the United States, 5,170 of which are open to the public and 503 serving commercial flights, it's no surprise that some of these airports have excellent amenities to offer. Here are some of the US airports with the best amenities:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
This airport is one of the busiest in the United States and offers efficient public transit options, with the ability to get to and from the airport faster and more cost-effectively via public transportation than by driving.
Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA)
ABIA, as the locals call it, is filled with airport locations of iconic local shops and restaurants. It embraces Austin's moniker of the "Live Music Capital of the World" with various live music acts around the airport. ABIA also used to have an expansive outdoor terrace that was open to the public. It is a common stopover for those headed to Central and South America, the Caribbean, New Zealand, and Singapore.
Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
Detroit's airport features fine restaurants, extensive shopping options, and cleanliness. However, it is the major, futuristic touches that stand out, such as the ExpressTram, an automated train that carries passengers along the Edward H. McNamara terminal, and a 39-foot-wide fountain inspired by flight map lines.
Portland International Airport (PDX)
Portland International Airport has consistently been ranked as one of the best domestic airports for several years. It is known for its ease of check-in and security, dining options with local favourites, access via light rail line from downtown Portland, and on-time performance.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
SFO boasts the Wag Brigade, which brings therapy animals for travellers, including dogs, cats, a rabbit, and even a pig. The airport also has a yoga room and a SkyTerrace where you can watch the planes.
Indianapolis International Airport
Indianapolis International Airport has been a perennial favourite, even as it grew to accommodate nearly 10 million passengers a year. Travellers praise its outstanding design features, such as being the first airport in the US to earn LEED certification for an entire terminal campus, as well as its convenient shopping and dining options, including outposts of local favourites.
Other Notable Airports
Other major US airports with notable amenities include Denver International Airport (DEN), Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), which are among the busiest in the country. These large hubs often offer unique features such as pools, restaurants helmed by award-winning chefs, movie theatres, and access to therapy animals.
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US airports with the best art and exhibitions
There are over 19,700 airports in the United States, with 5,170 open to the general public and 503 serving commercial flights. Some of the busiest airports in the country include ATL, LAX, ORD, DFW, DEN, JFK, SFO, SEA, LAS, and MCO. Many of these airports are known not only for their passenger traffic but also for their impressive art installations and exhibitions. Here are some of the US airports with the best art and exhibitions:
Sacramento International Airport
Sacramento International Airport boasts a range of art installations, including the standout "Leap" by Lawrence Argent. Installed in 2011, "Leap" depicts a gigantic red rabbit caught in mid-leap as it bounds towards a suitcase on the floor, adding a touch of magic to the airport experience.
Denver International Airport
Denver International Airport is known for its extensive list of art exhibits, showcasing the work of local artists. One of the most notable pieces is "Mustang" by Luis Jiménez, a 32-foot-tall cast-fiberglass sculpture of a rearing horse with glowing red eyes. Other notable pieces at Denver International Airport include "Field of Air" by Ned Kahn, a large-scale sculptural installation of aluminum blades of grass that move with the wind, and "Welcome to My Office" by Seward Johnson, a trompe l'œil painted bronze statue of a reclining businessman.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
The SFO Museum at San Francisco International Airport offers a diverse range of exhibits, from local student art to exceptional photography, sculptures, and mosaics. The airport's newest terminal, Harvey Milk Terminal 1, showcases over two dozen newly commissioned and purchased artworks, providing a cultural experience for travelers.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is home to "Vendor with Walkman" by Duane Hanson, a life-size realistic sculpture of a man in his 30s wearing a red t-shirt, blue pants, and a baseball cap while listening to a cassette player. Hanson's sculptures, made from materials such as polyester resin and fiberglass, have become popular attractions at the airport, with "Vendor with Walkman" being described as the airport's "most popular vendor."
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is committed to maintaining an impressive and noteworthy collection of regional art. Visitors can expect to find a range of sculptures, paintings, and woven textiles that showcase the diverse culture and talent of the region.
In addition to these airports, many others, such as Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Albany International Airport, and even airports outside the US like Doha Hamad International Airport and Seoul Incheon International Airport, are enhancing their spaces with art installations and cultural programs, ensuring that travelers have a more engaging and inspiring experience during their layovers.
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Frequently asked questions
The US is home to some of the world's biggest airports, with several airports handling millions of travellers each year. Here are some of the major airports in the US:
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Denver International Airport (DEN)
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the US, handling 50.9 million passengers on 341,835 flights per year.
While Atlanta may be the busiest, it is not the largest airport in the US. Washington Dulles International Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas, are among the largest.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) uses passenger boarding numbers for a half calendar year to determine Airport Improvement Program (AIP) entitlements. Airports are also ranked according to total cargo throughput.
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) was rated the best in an influential travel magazine's 2024 reader poll due to its ease of navigation, amenities, restaurants and shops. Denver International Airport is also one of the world's busiest airports and has been undergoing renovations to improve traveller experience.
