Lois Larson
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the US, with 50.9 million passengers and 341,835 flights per year. Atlanta Airport accounts for 11.1% of the country's total enplanements, which were over 943 million in 2023. The airport has retained its top spot in 2024, with 108 million passengers, according to Airports Council International.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Busiest airport in the US | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) |
| Number of passengers in 2023 | 50.9 million |
| Number of flights per year | 341,835 |
| Number of flights per day | 1,000 |
| Number of passengers in 2024 | 108 million |
| Second busiest airport in the US | Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) |
| Number of passengers in 2024 | 87.8 million |
| Third busiest airport in the US | Denver International Airport (DEN) |
| Number of passengers in 2024 | 82.4 million |
| Busiest airport in the US based on daily flights | Chicago O'Hare International Airport |
| Busiest airport in the US by area | O'Hare International Airport, Chicago, Illinois |
| Airport with the most variety of airlines | John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York |
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What You'll Learn
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest
Hartsfield-Jackson Airport has retained its position as the world's busiest airport since 1998, except for 2020 when air travel was impacted by COVID-19. In 2024, it was reported to have 62.7 million seats, with its capacity increasing by 2% from 2023. In May 2025, it retained its top spot with 5.5 million seats, with its capacity unchanged from May 2024.
The airport's success underscores Atlanta's position as a major international gateway. It has a single terminal and covers a little over 7 square miles. Despite its size, it is far from the biggest airport in the US, which is Denver International Airport. However, Denver is only the third busiest airport in the country, demonstrating that bigger doesn't always mean busier.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport's high volume of passengers and aircraft movements means travellers should be prepared to deal with crowds at most times of the year.
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Chicago O'Hare International Airport is second busiest
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is the busiest airport in the US, with over 20 million more passengers than the second-place finisher, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. However, Chicago O'Hare International Airport is a close contender for the title of busiest US airport.
In 2023, Chicago O'Hare International Airport was ranked second busiest in the US for aircraft movements, with 720,582 movements. In 2024, it was ranked 10th busiest in the world, with 47 million seats. In May 2025, it had the biggest increase in capacity compared to May 2024, jumping to 6th place in the global rankings.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport offers the most daily flights of any airport in the US. In 2024, it served 80 million passengers, an increase of 8.3% from 2023. However, it is still down about 5% from 2019 levels.
While Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport maintains its position as the busiest airport in the US and the world, Chicago O'Hare International Airport consistently ranks among the top busiest airports globally and is the second busiest airport in the US.
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Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is third busiest
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the US in terms of passenger numbers. However, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is a close third, with 39.2 million passengers in 2023, according to one source. Another source, ranking the world's busiest airports in 2024, placed Dallas-Fort Worth third, with 87.8 million passengers. This was an increase of 7.4% from 2023.
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport's ranking as the third busiest airport in the US is impressive, given that it accommodates fewer airlines than other major airports. For example, New York's JFK Airport accommodates over 90 airlines, whereas Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport served 689,569 aircraft movements in 2023.
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport's high ranking is likely due to a combination of factors, including its size, the number of destinations it serves, and the efficiency of its operations. The airport is a major hub for several airlines, including American Airlines, and offers a wide range of domestic and international destinations.
The airport's efficient operations also contribute to its high ranking. It is known for its streamlined processes, reducing delays and supporting smoother connections for passengers and airlines. The airport's design and infrastructure likely play a significant role in its ability to handle high passenger traffic and maintain efficient operations.
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport's ranking as the third busiest airport in the US highlights the importance of this transportation hub in the country's aviation network. Its high passenger volume and aircraft movements contribute to its status as a key gateway for domestic and international travel.
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Denver International Airport is fourth busiest
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the US, with 50.9 million passengers and almost 1,000 flights per day. However, Denver International Airport is not far behind, ranking fourth busiest in the US and sixth busiest in the world.
Denver International Airport's traffic has increased substantially since the pandemic, with 82.4 million passengers in 2024, a 19% increase compared to 2019. This increase in air travel has contributed to its ranking as the fourth busiest airport in the US.
Denver International Airport is also the second-largest airport in the world. While it may not be the busiest, its large size means that travellers should be prepared to walk when navigating this airport.
Denver's high ranking as one of the busiest airports in the US and the world is due to several factors. One reason may be the airport's capacity and the number of airlines it accommodates. A large number of airlines and flights can contribute to a higher volume of passengers and a busier airport. Additionally, the recovery of air travel and the expansion of international flights post-pandemic could also be factors in Denver International Airport's increased traffic and busy status.
Denver International Airport's position as the fourth busiest airport in the US highlights its significance as a major transportation hub. Its high passenger volume and busy status contribute to its importance in the global aviation community and the economy, similar to other hub airports in the US. Denver's ranking among the busiest airports showcases the growth and recovery of air travel, particularly in the North American region.
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Los Angeles International Airport is fifth busiest
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the US, with 50.9 million passengers and almost 1,000 flights per day. However, Los Angeles International Airport is no less busy, coming in fifth place. In 2022, it handled 40.9 million passengers, which is only 3.3 million passengers less than Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, which holds the third spot.
Los Angeles International Airport is one of the largest international airports in the US by area. It is a major hub for airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. The airport offers non-stop flights to numerous destinations worldwide, making it a popular choice for travellers.
The airport is known for its modern facilities and efficient operations. It provides a range of amenities, including restaurants, shops, and entertainment options, enhancing the overall travel experience. Los Angeles International Airport is also easily accessible and well-connected to the city, making it a convenient choice for travellers.
The high passenger volume at Los Angeles International Airport can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the airport serves the Greater Los Angeles area, which is one of the most populous metropolitan regions in the country. Additionally, Los Angeles is a major tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. The presence of a large international airport facilitates the influx of tourists and contributes to its high passenger traffic.
Los Angeles International Airport's ranking as the fifth busiest airport in the US underscores its significance in the country's transportation network. Its ability to efficiently manage a large volume of passengers and flights is a testament to its efficient operations and infrastructure. As air travel continues to grow, the airport's role as a key transportation hub becomes even more critical, ensuring seamless connectivity for travellers across the globe.
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Frequently asked questions
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the busiest airport in the US and the world for passenger volume. In 2023, it handled 50.9 million passengers, which is over 20 million more than the second-busiest airport in the US, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport handles almost 1,000 flights per day. In 2024, the airport saw 108 million passengers, which was a 3.3% increase from 2023.
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is the second busiest airport in the US. In 2025, it was ranked third in the world for passenger traffic.
Denver International Airport is the third busiest airport in the US. In 2024, it saw 82.4 million passengers, a 19% increase from 2019.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is the busiest airport in the US by daily flights.
