Ruth Haines
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the world, with 150 nonstop destinations across six continents. It has held this title every year since 1998, except in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The airport's hometown carrier, Delta, operates over 1,000 daily flights to more than 200 destinations worldwide. Dubai International Airport ranks second, with 92 million passengers and flights to 85 countries on six continents. Other notable mentions include Istanbul Airport, with nonstop flights to over 300 destinations, and Denver International Airport, serving over 215 destinations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport with the most destinations in 2024 | IGA Istanbul Airport, Turkey |
| Number of nonstop destinations | 309 |
| Number of passengers per year | 90 million |
| Annual capacity | 200 million |
| Second most connected airport | Frankfurt Airport, Germany |
| Number of destinations | 330 |
| Third most connected airport | Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, France |
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What You'll Learn
Istanbul Airport: 309 nonstop destinations
Istanbul Airport, which opened in 2018, has been named the world's most connected airport, with 309 nonstop destinations. This Turkish hub has surpassed pre-pandemic air traffic levels, largely thanks to Turkish Airlines, which serves more countries than any other airline. Around 90 million passengers a year pass through this global hub, making it the seventh busiest airport in the world, with an annual capacity of 200 million.
Istanbul Airport's prime East-meets-West location in Turkey gives it an advantage over other airports. For example, London Heathrow, which is on an island at the edge of continental Europe, and whose expansion plans are hampered by its densely populated location.
Istanbul Airport has a great network of flights to destinations all over the world. There are 96 or 97 airlines flying from Istanbul to 313 or 377 airports around the world, as of April 2025. The airport has non-stop passenger flights scheduled to 315 destinations in 118 countries. At present, there are 45 domestic flights from Istanbul.
The route with the most departures from Istanbul Airport is to Antalya, with an average of 108 flights every week. The top international destinations are Tehran and Athens. The longest flight from Istanbul is a 4,395-mile (7,073 km) non-stop route to Mexico City, which takes around 14 hours and 20 minutes. There is also a near-as-long flight to Los Angeles, with a flight time of 13 hours and 50 minutes.
Istanbul Airport's rise to the top spot comes as global air traffic has not only reached pre-pandemic levels but is now tracking above 2019 figures. Half of the global top 20 airports are in Europe, with the United States and China each having four airports, and two in the Middle East.
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Frankfurt Airport: 330 destinations
Frankfurt Airport, Germany's main international airport, is located in Frankfurt, Germany's fifth-largest city. It is also known as Flughafen Frankfurt Main and Frankfurt Main Airport. The airport is centrally located in the Frankfurt/Rhine-Main region, Germany's third-largest metropolitan region. It is surrounded by the Frankfurt City Forest, with a western portion of the grounds lying within the town of Kelsterbach. The airport is about 12 km (7.5 mi) southwest of central Frankfurt, near the Autobahn interchange Frankfurter Kreuz, where two of the most heavily used motorways in Europe (A3 and A5) meet.
Frankfurt Airport covers an area of 2,300 hectares (5,683 acres) of land and features two passenger terminals with a capacity of approximately 65 million passengers per year. It is the busiest airport by passenger traffic in Germany and the 6th busiest in Europe. In 2024, it was the 22nd busiest airport worldwide by total number of passengers, with 60.786 million passengers using the airport in 2016. This number increased to 64.5 million in 2017 and nearly 70 million in 2018.
Frankfurt Airport is the busiest airport in Europe by cargo traffic, with a freight throughput of 2.076 million metric tonnes in 2015. It serves as the main hub for Lufthansa, including Lufthansa City Airlines, Lufthansa CityLine, and Lufthansa Cargo, as well as Condor and AeroLogic. As of 2022, Frankfurt Airport serves 330 destinations in 5 continents, making it the airport with the most direct routes in the world.
The airport has excellent transport connections, with regional and long-distance train stations just a few minutes' walk away, offering connections to destinations in the Rhine-Main region, the rest of Germany, and Europe. There are also numerous bus services, rental car options, car-sharing services, and taxis available at the airport. For those driving their own cars, there are multi-level parking garages (mostly underground) along the terminals, and a long-term holiday parking lot south of the runways connected by shuttle bus.
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Chicago O'Hare: 278 unique destinations
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is the fifth most connected airport in the world, with 278 unique destinations. It is the most connected airport in North America. ORD is located on the northwest side of Chicago, Illinois, approximately 17 miles (27 km) from the Loop business district. The airport covers 7,627 acres (11.92 sq mi; 30.87 km2) and consists of four terminals (1, 2, 3, and 5) with nine concourses. Terminal 5 is the international terminal and is separate from the other three terminals, accessible via the Airport Transit System (ATS) train.
Chicago O'Hare has a loud, busy, and crowded atmosphere, with mixed reviews regarding the cleanliness of its terminals. However, it offers several unique amenities, including a yoga room and an interfaith chapel. The airport provides Wi-Fi and mobile charging stations near the gates and in several other locations throughout all terminals. For dining options, travellers will find several affordable eateries. Additionally, there is a barber shop located between Terminal 2 and the parking garage, offering haircuts and shaves.
Traveller's Aid, a non-profit organisation, assists stranded and distressed passengers at Chicago O'Hare. Volunteers provide information and assistance with various queries, such as transportation, lost or stolen money, emergency housing, and more. They can be found at the main office in Terminal 2, as well as at locations in Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.
The airport is served by several regional bus companies, providing transportation to destinations in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana. Additionally, the PACE suburban public bus system operates two routes (250 and 330) that serve the airport directly. For those travelling by car, Interstate 190 (Kennedy Expressway) provides direct access to the airport.
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Heathrow Airport: 242 unique destinations
Heathrow Airport, officially known as London Heathrow Airport (LHR), is the primary and largest international airport serving London, England, and the United Kingdom. Located 14 miles (23 kilometres) west of Central London, Heathrow is the largest of the six international airports in the London airport system, which also includes Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, City, and Southend. Heathrow is owned and operated by Heathrow Airport Holdings.
In terms of connectivity, Heathrow has consistently ranked among the top airports in the world. In 2022, it was listed as having 242 unique destinations, securing 7th place in the rankings by Cirium, an aviation data analytics firm. Heathrow's ranking has fluctuated over the years, dropping to 12th place in 2024 with 221 destinations, but it remains the busiest airport in Europe and the fourth-busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic. Heathrow also held the distinction of being the airport with the most international connections worldwide in 2024.
Heathrow Airport is a major hub for air travel, serving as the primary hub for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. Over 89 airlines utilise Heathrow, connecting travellers to 214 destinations in 84 countries, with a network of over 218 destinations worldwide. The busiest single destination in passenger numbers is New York, with over three million passengers travelling between Heathrow and JFK Airport in 2021.
Heathrow's history can be traced back to the 1920s and 1930s, when it began as a small airfield known as Great West Aerodrome or Heathrow Aerodrome, derived from the hamlet of Heathrow. The airport expanded gradually over the decades, adding terminals and runways, and now boasts four operational passenger terminals (Terminals 2 to 5) and two parallel east-west runways. Heathrow's busiest year on record was in 2019, when 80.9 million passengers travelled through the airport.
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Shanghai Pudong: 243 nonstop destinations
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is the largest airport in China and the country's main international airport. PVG is served by 82 to 84 airlines flying to 227 to 243 nonstop destinations in 43 to 45 countries and 10 US states. The airport has two terminals, with the most frequently departed route being Osaka (KIX) in Japan, with around 204 flights from PVG every week. Other popular routes include Shenzhen, Dalian, Shenyang, Toronto, and New York. PVG is also a hub for several major airlines, including China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Air China, Spring Airlines, Juneyao Airlines, and Shanghai Airlines.
PVG is conveniently located in Shanghai, providing easy access to the city and surrounding areas. The airport offers a range of facilities and services to accommodate the needs of travellers, including domestic and international flight options.
The airport is a significant hub for travel within China and the wider Asia-Pacific region. With its extensive network of flights and convenient location, PVG serves as a vital gateway for both business and leisure travellers.
PVG's connectivity extends beyond Asia, offering direct flights to popular destinations in North America, such as Los Angeles and San Francisco. The airport also provides convenient connections to other regions, making it a preferred choice for travellers seeking efficient and accessible travel options.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport's combination of a large number of airlines, extensive flight network, and modern facilities makes it a key player in global aviation and a convenient choice for travellers worldwide. The airport's ability to offer nonstop flights to a vast range of destinations enhances its reputation as a leading aviation hub.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2024, Istanbul Airport, Turkey, is the world's most connected airport with 309 nonstop destinations.
Istanbul Airport, Turkey, is the most connected airport in Europe. Frankfurt Airport, Germany, is the second most connected airport in Europe and the world.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport, China, is the best-connected airport in Asia, serving 243 nonstop destinations.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is the best-connected airport in North America, with 270 nonstop destinations.
Heathrow Airport, London, is the most connected airport in the UK, with 221 destinations.
