Ruth Haines
There are many airports around the world, and some are more famous than others. Airports are often judged by their size or the number of passengers they serve. The world's largest airport by area is King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, which covers nearly 300 square miles. However, this airport is not in the top 100 for passenger traffic. The world's busiest airport is often considered Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia, which has held the top spot since 1998, except for 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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What You'll Learn
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport: busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic
- Beijing Daxing International Airport: largest airport terminal in the world
- King Fahd International Airport: largest airport by area in the world
- London: busiest city by air-passenger traffic
- Dubai International Airport: busiest international airport
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport: busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, located in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, is the world's busiest airport by total passenger traffic. It has held this distinction every year since 1998, except in 2020 when its passenger traffic decreased due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. Atlanta quickly regained its top position in 2021 and has maintained it since. In 2024, the airport served approximately 108 million passengers, a slight increase from the previous year.
The airport's history of being one of the busiest can be traced back to as early as 1957 when it was the ninth busiest airport in the country by flight count and passenger count. Over the years, the airport has undergone several expansion projects to accommodate the growing passenger traffic. In 1977, construction began on the present midfield terminal complex, which opened in 1980 and was designed to handle up to 55 million passengers annually. To cater to the increasing international air traffic, Concourse T was extended in 1987, and Concourse E was added in 1994.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has continued to invest in infrastructure to enhance its capacity. In 1999, the airport initiated the "Focus On the Future" development program, which included multiple construction projects to prepare for a projected demand of 121 million passengers by 2015. The airport is one of the few in the world capable of triple simultaneous landings, thanks to its five runways. The fifth runway, along with a new control tower, further increased the airport's capacity for landings and take-offs.
The airport's efficient management and strategic expansions have solidified its position as the world's busiest by passenger traffic. Its proximity to a large population base and efficient flight operations contribute to its high passenger volume. Additionally, Atlanta's status as a hub for Delta Air Lines, one of the world's largest airlines, further enhances its reputation as a leading global aviation hub.
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Beijing Daxing International Airport: largest airport terminal in the world
When it comes to the most famous airport in the world, there are several contenders. Airports such as LAX, JFK, Heathrow, and Dubai International Airport are often mentioned as being famous, with their own distinct identities. However, one airport that stands out in terms of size and grandeur is Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX).
Beijing Daxing International Airport, also known as Beijing New Airport, is an impressive aviation hub located in the southern suburbs of Beijing, China. It is one of the two international airports serving Beijing, along with Beijing Capital International Airport. The airport was completed on June 30, 2019, and officially opened on September 25, 2019, with flights for the public beginning the following day. The airport serves as a hub for several airlines, including China United Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines.
Beijing Daxing boasts the largest single terminal building in the world, spanning an astonishing 7.5 million square feet or 700,000 square meters. Its unique design, resembling a gigantic starfish with five "tentacles" (concourses), was created by renowned architect Zaha Hadid. The terminal features an abundance of natural light, movable seating, interactive LED art screens, and five traditional Chinese courtyards designed in collaboration with artist Xu Bing.
The airport is equipped with modern technological features, including radio-frequency identification for baggage tracking, geothermal heat pumps, and facial recognition security access. It is easily accessible via various means of transportation, including the Daxing Airport Express of the Beijing Subway, which connects the airport to the urban area of Beijing. The airport also has two underground railway stations and three metro stations built beneath the terminal building.
In terms of capacity, Beijing Daxing is designed to handle a large volume of passengers, cargo, and aircraft movements. The initial phase targets 72 million passengers, 2 million tons of cargo, and 620,000 aircraft movements. With its four civilian runways and one military runway, the airport is prepared to manage up to 300 takeoffs and landings per hour.
Beijing Daxing International Airport is not just a transportation hub but also a cultural destination. It showcases Chinese art and culture through its collaboration with Beijing's Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) in designing art spaces throughout the terminal. The airport also offers a variety of dining and retail options, catering to both local and international tastes.
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King Fahd International Airport: largest airport by area in the world
King Fahd International Airport (DMM) is the largest airport in the world by land area, spanning an area of 776 square kilometres (300-301 square miles). To put this into perspective, the airport is larger than the neighbouring country of Bahrain and is about the size of the entire city of New York's five boroughs combined. The airport's total area is even bigger than the city of Mumbai, which has a total area of 603.4 square kilometres.
The airport is located in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, and is an integral part of the country's future development plans. Its vast size and ongoing expansion efforts ensure that the airport is well-positioned to become a major hub for both passenger and cargo traffic. With its broad array of flights provided by top airlines, the airport links Saudi Arabia to major destinations in Asia, Europe, Africa, and beyond. Its strategic positioning amplifies its significance as a transit hub for travellers crossing multiple continents.
The airport's basic infrastructure was completed by the end of 1990, which allowed the U.S.-led coalition forces to use the airport during the Gulf War in early 1991 for the storage of military aircraft. The airport was inaugurated and opened to commercial traffic on 28 November 1999, and all airlines transferred their operations from the much busier Dhahran International Airport, which has since been converted for military use.
King Fahd International Airport boasts a wide runway system consisting of two parallel runways, each spanning more than 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) in length. These runways are long enough to accommodate large aircraft, including the Boeing 747 and Airbus A340. The airport also has a towering control tower that stands at 80-85.5 meters (262-281 feet) tall, ranking it among the tallest air traffic control towers worldwide. This height allows for visibility of all operational parts of the airport.
The airport's six-story main terminal building has a total area of 327,000 square meters (3,520,000 square feet). The terminal features contemporary conveniences such as duty-free outlets, dining venues, lounging areas, prayer spaces, and business amenities. Approximately 9.7-10 million passengers use King Fahd International Airport annually, and 37 airlines operate flights in and out of the airport.
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London: busiest city by air-passenger traffic
While the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, is the world's busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic, London has the busiest city airport system by passenger count. London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is Europe's busiest airport, with a seat capacity of 4.5 million as of May 2025. It was also the fifth busiest airport in the world in 2024, with 83.9 million passengers, a 5.9% increase from 2023.
London's Heathrow Airport has been described as "world-famous" and is recognisable to many, even if some travellers dislike flying through it due to its size. Heathrow is also considered one of the world's largest airports, with five terminals and two runways. It is the primary hub for British Airways and a primary base for Virgin Atlantic. Heathrow Airport is located 14 miles west of Central London and is owned and operated by Heathrow Airport Holdings.
London's second-largest airport, Gatwick, is also one of the busiest airports in the UK and the world. It is located 29.5 miles south of Central London in West Sussex, offering flights to more than 200 destinations in 90 countries for around 46 million passengers annually. Gatwick is the second-largest airport by total passenger numbers, aircraft movements, and the world's busiest single-use runway. It serves as a base for several major airlines, including British Airways and EasyJet UK.
London's dominance in air-passenger traffic is further highlighted by its additional airports, such as London City Airport, London Stansted Airport, and London Luton Airport. London City Airport is located in the Royal Docks area of the city and is the closest airport to the financial district, catering to business travellers. London Stansted Airport is situated in Uttlesford, Essex, and serves as a base for several European low-cost carriers. Luton Airport, located in Bedfordshire, is another significant airport in the London area, offering flights to various domestic and European destinations.
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Dubai International Airport: busiest international airport
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is one of the world's busiest airports. In May 2025, it ranked as the busiest international airport in the world, with 5.2 million seats. It is also the busiest airport in the Middle East, the second-busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic, the busiest airport for Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 movements, and the airport with the highest average number of passengers per flight. In 2024, the airport handled over 92 million passengers, 2.2 million tonnes of cargo, and registered over 440,000 aircraft movements.
Dubai International Airport is located in the Al Garhoud district, 2.54 nautical miles (4.70 km; 2.92 mi) east of Dubai's city centre, and covers 2,900 hectares (7,200 acres) of land. Terminal 3 is the third-largest building in the world by floor space and the largest airport terminal globally. The airport is known for its punctuality and efficiency, despite its massive size and constant flow of people. It offers a range of services and facilities, such as high-end lounges, dining options, and shopping.
The airport has introduced advanced technologies and processes to improve operations and enhance the customer experience, ensuring a seamless flow of passengers. Biometric screening, touchless check-in, and autonomous cleaning robots are some of the innovations utilised to ensure passenger comfort and safety. The Airport Operations Control Centre is divided into two halves, with one side dedicated to the dnata team for coordinated services, towing, cleaning, and luggage processing. The automated baggage handling system employs conveyor belts, sorting devices, and cutting-edge technology to efficiently manage luggage.
Dubai International Airport plays a crucial role in the region's aviation industry, serving as a vital link between the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Africa. In 2022, the airport experienced robust growth, with annual passenger numbers reaching 66 million. The airport's expansion plans in the 1970s, including the construction of a new terminal and runway extensions, enabled it to accommodate wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 747 and Concorde.
Dubai International Airport is also recognised as one of the world's most famous airports, featuring in discussions alongside well-known airports such as LAX, JFK, and London Heathrow (LHR). Its unique characteristics, such as cutting-edge infrastructure and innovative technology, have contributed to its reputation and global recognition.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many famous airports around the world, but Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (ATL) is the busiest airport in the world.
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport has been the world's busiest airport since 1998. In 2023, it funnelled over 104.6 million passengers through its multiple terminals. Its convenient location on the east coast of the United States, less than a two-hour flight time from 80% of the American population, makes it a global air traffic hub.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the fourth busiest airport in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year due to its prime location at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa. Other famous airports include Denver International Airport (DEN), Heathrow Airport (LHR), and Beijing Capital International Airport.
Yes, the Noida International Airport in Jewar, India, is currently under construction and is expected to be Asia's largest airport upon completion.
