Airports Galore: Which Country Has The Most?

Air travel has become an integral part of the world's transportation system, with over 100,000 flights taking off daily. The number of airports varies across countries, with some small countries like San Marino and Malta managing with just one airport, while larger countries like the United States and Russia have thousands. So, which country has the most airports?

The United States has the most airports in the world

The United States' vast airport infrastructure is reflected in its presence in the list of the world's top 50 busiest airports. As of 2023, 16 US airports were among the top 50, with five of them in the top 10. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, in particular, has consistently ranked as the world's busiest airport since 1998, except for a brief dip in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This airport, located in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, handles an impressive volume of passenger traffic, solidifying its top position year after year.

The United States' dominance in the aviation landscape is further emphasized by the fact that it welcomed approximately 50.87 million international visitors in 2022, a significant increase from the previous year. This highlights the country's appeal as a popular destination for international travellers.

Beyond the sheer number of airports, the United States also boasts some of the most well-known and influential aviation hubs in the world. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, for example, is the largest airport in Texas and the second-largest in the country. It ranks third globally for aircraft movements and ninth for passenger traffic. Additionally, Denver International Airport is a major hub, serving 25 airlines and offering non-stop service to over 215 destinations worldwide.

The United States' extensive airport network not only enhances domestic connectivity but also plays a crucial role in facilitating international travel and promoting economic growth. The country's airports cater to a diverse range of airlines and passengers from all over the world, solidifying its position as a leader in global aviation.

Brazil has the second-most airports

The United States takes the top spot, with over 13,500 airports, serving a population of 300 million. As one of the most influential nations, the US attracts individuals from across the globe, with Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport serving over 100 million passengers annually.

Russia, with 1,218 airports, is the first non-American country on the list, followed by Mexico, with 1,714.

Brazil's busiest airport is the Guarulhos International Airport in São Paulo, which served nearly 40 million passengers in 2014. This airport is a hub for international travel, with modern terminals capable of handling a large volume of passengers. Other notable airports in Brazil include the Brasilia International Airport, the Congonhas Airport, and the Viracopos-Campinas International Airport.

Brazil's extensive airport network plays a pivotal role in fostering the country's economic prosperity, facilitating the movement of people and goods. The country's aviation industry is set to continue thriving, with ongoing investments aimed at enhancing its airports and connecting Brazil to the world.

Russia has the third-most airports

Russia's two most prominent airports are located in the capital city of Moscow: Sheremetyevo International Airport and Domodedovo Airport, the country's largest international gateway. Together with Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg, these three airports are among the busiest in Russia.

While Russia boasts an impressive number of airports, only 227 of them have scheduled services registered by the Federal Air Transport Agency, Rosaviatsia. The country's westernmost airport is Khrabrovo Airport (KGD) in Kaliningrad, while its easternmost is Lavrentiya Airport, a small airstrip in Chukotka, which is also the easternmost airport on the continental earth.

Russia's aviation landscape is served by various airline companies, including Aeroflot, Russia's flagship carrier, and S7 Airlines, the country's largest domestic airline. The country's vast airport network plays a crucial role in connecting its far-flung regions and facilitating travel within and outside of the country.

While the United States and Brazil claim the top two spots in terms of the number of airports, Russia's extensive aviation infrastructure underscores its status as one of the world's largest nations and a significant player in global air travel.

Canada has over 1,000 airports

Canada's leading airports include Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, and Edmonton International Airports, as well as Ottawa MacDonald International Airport. Toronto Pearson International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Canada, located in Mississauga, about 20 km west of Toronto in the province of Ontario. It has five runways and two active terminals, with a total passenger capacity of around 47 million per year. The airport serves as a hub for major Canadian airlines such as Air Canada and WestJet and connects Canada with numerous destinations worldwide.

Montreal / Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport is another important aviation hub in Canada. It is one of the busiest airports in the country, serving as a hub for Air Canada and offering flights to both domestic and international destinations. Vancouver International Airport is also a key player in Canadian aviation, serving around 7.3 million passengers in 2020.

Canada's rich tapestry of tourist attractions, including iconic landmarks such as Niagara Falls, the CN Tower, Grouse Mountain, and Banff National Park, contributes to the country's appeal as a travel destination. The expansion of infrastructure, particularly at the larger hubs, points to a positive growth forecast for Canadian aviation.

China is rapidly building new airports

China's aviation industry is expanding rapidly, with new airports being a key part of its growth strategy. Dalian, a city of 7.5 million people, is currently constructing the world's largest airport on a man-made island. The Dalian Jinzhou Bay International Airport will cover a 20-square-kilometer island with four runways and a 900,000-square-meter passenger terminal. The airport aims to handle 80 million passengers per year across 540,000 flights, with the first phase due to open in 2035.

Beijing's second airport, Daxing (PKX), opened on October 1, 2019, to much fanfare. The airport was built to relieve the strain on Beijing Capital International Airport, which had limited capacity. Daxing Airport serves as the Beijing base for China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and China United Airlines. The construction of new airports in China is not limited to major cities like Beijing. More remote regions, including Inner Mongolia, Guizhou, Xinjiang, Sichuan, and Heilongjiang, have also seen five or more airports built in the last decade.

The expansion of China's aviation industry has global implications. The nation's three largest airlines, Air China, China Southern Airlines, and China Eastern Airlines, are set to become even bigger international players, challenging the dominant US airlines. The increased competition may push down prices for passengers, and new routes may emerge, with stopovers in cities like Guangzhou instead of the more traditional major airports for transfers. China's aviation market is projected to become the world's largest by 2022, surpassing the United States.

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