Ruth Haines
The United States is home to some of the world's busiest airports, with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport taking the top spot as the busiest airport in the US and the second busiest in the world. Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, and Denver International Airport are also among the busiest airports in the US, with high passenger traffic and aircraft movements. These airports serve as major hubs for airlines and offer a range of amenities, contributing to the efficient operations and convenience of travel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Busiest airport in the world | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Atlanta, Georgia |
| No. of passengers in 2024 | 108 million |
| Busiest airport for international passengers | Dubai International Airport (DXB) |
| No. 2 busiest airport in the world | Dubai International Airport |
| No. 3 busiest airport in the world | Chicago O'Hare International Airport |
| No. 4 busiest airport in the world | Tokyo Haneda International Airport |
| No. 5 busiest airport in the world | Dallas Fort Worth International Airport |
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What You'll Learn
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest in the world
- Dubai International Airport is second-busiest
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is third-busiest
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport had the biggest jump in rankings
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport is eighth-busiest
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest in the world
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) has been the busiest airport in the world since 1998, with the exception of 2020 when travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted air travel. However, it quickly regained its top position in 2021 and has held it since.
In 2024, ATL served approximately 108 million passengers, a 2% decrease from its 2019 volume. This decrease can be attributed to the pandemic's impact on travel. However, it is worth noting that ATL's passenger numbers in 2024 were still impressive, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
The airport's success is due to its unmatched capacity, efficient operations, and commitment to providing a smooth travel experience. ATL's ability to manage high traffic volumes while minimizing delays has made it a favorite among travellers, particularly those seeking reliable and convenient international connections.
As a key hub for Delta Air Lines, ATL benefits from a large domestic and international network. Additionally, its location in Atlanta, a city with a population of 6.6 million, ensures consistent demand throughout the year. Unlike other major city airports, ATL does not face significant competition from secondary airports, further solidifying its position as the primary gateway for the city and the world.
With its extensive network, efficient operations, and ability to meet the growing demand for air travel, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is expected to maintain its status as the world's busiest airport for the foreseeable future.
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Dubai International Airport is second-busiest
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the world, a position it has held every year since 1998, except in 2020 when travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted air travel. In 2024, Atlanta's airport served about 108 million passengers, although this was still about 2% below its 2019 passenger volume.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the second busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic as of 2024. It is the primary international airport serving Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and is the busiest airport in the Middle East. Dubai International Airport handled over 92 million passengers, over 2.2 million tonnes of cargo, and registered over 440,000 aircraft movements in 2024. The airport's growth outpaced the annual forecast in 2022, with annual passenger numbers reaching 66 million. Dubai International Airport is also the busiest airport for Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 movements and the airport with the highest average number of passengers per flight. Terminal 3 is the third-largest building in the world by floor space and the largest airport terminal globally.
Dubai International Airport was conceptualized to function as Dubai's primary airport and the region's busiest, without the need for relocation or the building of another airport when passenger figures increased. The airport's location was chosen to attract passengers from the city of Dubai, instead of them travelling to the busier Sharjah International Airport. The original master plan for the existing airport initially involved a dual-terminal and one-runway configuration over two phases, with provisions for two more passenger terminals in the future. The opening of Terminal 2 in 1998 marked the first step of phase 1 of the new development master plan launched in 1997. In the second stage, the Sheikh Rashid Terminal (Concourse 1) opened in April 2000. The concourse connects to the check-in area via a 300-metre tunnel containing moving walkways.
Dubai International Airport's strong recovery and robust growth in its customer base have propelled its ranking as the second busiest airport worldwide. However, the planned expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) may lead to DXB's closure by 2035. This expansion will likely result in DWC becoming the world's largest and busiest airport in terms of passengers, cargo, and aircraft movements.
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Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is third-busiest
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the world's busiest airport, a title it has held every year since 1998, except in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is a close contender, ranking third in the world's busiest airports.
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is located in the US state of Texas, halfway between the major cities of Dallas and Fort Worth. It is the primary international airport serving the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and the North Texas region. The airport spans across portions of Dallas and Tarrant counties and includes parts of Grapevine, Irving, Euless, and Coppell.
The history of the airport dates back to 1927 when Dallas first proposed a joint airport with Fort Worth. However, Fort Worth declined, leading to the development of separate airports in each city: Love Field in Dallas and Meacham Field in Fort Worth. In the 1940s, there were attempts to establish a joint airport, but disagreements between the two cities halted progress. It was only in 1961, after a federal order, that officials finally agreed on a location for a new regional airport, resulting in the construction of the Dallas/Fort Worth Regional Airport, which opened in 1974.
Today, DFW is the largest hub for American Airlines, which is headquartered near the airport. It is also the second-largest single airline hub in the world and the United States, after Delta Air Lines' hub in Atlanta. DFW has been recognised for its Best Overall Concessions Program, offering a range of dining, gaming, and specialty retail options for travellers. The airport is currently undergoing a $3 billion expansion plan for Terminal C, which will welcome nine new gates in 2026.
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Shanghai Pudong International Airport had the biggest jump in rankings
The expansion of visa policies played a crucial role in attracting more travellers to Shanghai Pudong International Airport. By relaxing visa requirements, the airport became more accessible to a larger number of potential passengers, increasing overall traffic. Additionally, the resumption and expansion of international flights contributed significantly to the airport's jump in rankings. As more international routes were introduced or reinstated, the airport experienced a surge in passenger numbers, especially with the recovery of the Asia-Pacific region.
Operational enhancements also played a part in the airport's success. By improving the efficiency and effectiveness of airport operations, including enhanced infrastructure, streamlined processes, and optimised resource management, Shanghai Pudong International Airport was able to handle a larger volume of passengers and flights more effectively. This, combined with the unwavering growth of the aviation industry in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in China, propelled the airport's rapid ascent in the rankings.
The jump in rankings for Shanghai Pudong International Airport reflects the dynamic nature of global air travel and the resilience of the aviation industry in navigating challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and economic uncertainties. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to monitor the strategies employed by airports worldwide to adapt to changing demands and maintain their positions in the top rankings.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport's remarkable rise in the rankings highlights the increasing importance of the Asia-Pacific region in global air travel. With continued growth expected in this region, along with regions like India, China, Latin America, and Africa, the landscape of the world's busiest airports may undergo further shifts in the coming years, presenting new opportunities and competition within the aviation industry.
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Chicago O'Hare International Airport is eighth-busiest
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is the eighth-busiest airport in the world. While it is ranked third in the US, it is still behind Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which has been the world's busiest airport since 1998, excluding 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dubai International Airport is ranked second globally, with Dallas Fort Worth International Airport also ahead of Chicago O'Hare.
In 2024, around 80 million passengers travelled through O'Hare, an increase of 8.3% from 2023. However, this number still represented a 5% decrease from 2019 levels. Despite this, the airport is "building up for higher growth", according to Erbacci from the Airports Council International (ACI).
The ACI's ranking of the world's busiest airports is based on total passengers, including those enplaned, deplaned, and in direct transit. In 2024, global passenger traffic reached approximately 5 billion travellers, a 9% increase from the previous year and a 4% rise from pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
The US has the most airports in the top 50 list, with 15, while China follows closely with 11. North America has the most airports in the top 50, with 17, followed by East Asia with 14.
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Frequently asked questions
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, is the busiest airport in the world. It has been the busiest airport every year since 1998, except in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport served approximately 108 million passengers in 2024.
Dubai International Airport in the United Arab Emirates was ranked second busiest in 2024, serving over 92 million passengers.
Three other US airports were ranked among the top 10 busiest in the world in 2024: Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, and Denver International Airport.
London has the busiest city airport system in the world by passenger count.
