Lois Larson
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the world's busiest airport, with 108 million passengers in 2024. It has held this position every year since 1998, except in 2020 due to COVID-19-related travel restrictions. Dubai International Airport is the second busiest airport globally, with 92 million passengers in 2024. Shanghai Pudong International Airport has also seen a significant increase in traffic, becoming the busiest global hub in China. Other notable mentions include O'Hare Airport in Chicago, Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport, and Heathrow Airport, Europe's busiest airline hub.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Busiest airport in the world | Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Georgia |
| Second busiest airport in the world | Dubai International Airport |
| Busiest airport in the US | O'Hare, Chicago |
| Second busiest airport in the US | Dallas/Fort Worth |
| Busiest airport in India | Indira Gandhi Airport |
| Busiest airline hub in Europe | Heathrow Airport, London |
| Busiest airport in Japan | Haneda Airport |
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What You'll Learn
Busiest airports in the world
The world's busiest airports are measured by total passengers, defined as passengers enplaned plus passengers deplaned plus direct-transit passengers. The world's busiest airport is Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia. This airport has been the world's busiest airport every year since 1998, except in 2020 when travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic were imposed. Atlanta regained its top position in 2021 and has retained it since.
London has the busiest city airport system in the world by passenger count. As of 2024, the United States has the most airports in the top 50 list, with 15, followed by China with 11. Dubai International Airport was ranked as the second busiest airport in 2024. A $35 billion project is underway to replace it with Al Maktoum International Airport, which is set to become the world's largest airport when it opens by 2034.
Other busy airports include O'Hare in Chicago, which has the most runways of any commercial airport and can handle 80 million passengers annually. Denver International Airport is one of America's fastest-growing airports, recording 19.3% higher passenger numbers in 2024 compared to 2019. Southwest Airlines also operates a major hub at DIA, the largest airport in North America by land area.
Heathrow Airport is Europe's busiest airline hub, serving the London region along with Gatwick and Stansted. Haneda is Japan's busiest airport, and Istanbul Airport is one of the world's busiest and most connected airports.
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Airports with the most runways
When it comes to airports with the most runways, Chicago O'Hare International Airport stands out with 8 runways, making it the civilian airport with the most runways in the world. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport follows closely with 7 runways and is the second-largest global hub in the US by passenger traffic. Denver International Airport, known for its long runways, operates 6 runways and is recognised for its unique history.
The number of runways at an airport is a critical factor in determining its capacity, efficiency, and complexity. Multiple runways offer significant advantages, including the ability to handle higher traffic volumes and reduce delays through simultaneous take-offs and landings. However, they also introduce challenges, such as increased complexity in air traffic management, longer taxi times, and higher infrastructure costs.
Detroit Metro Airport, serving as a major hub for Delta Air Lines, boasts 4 parallel runways and 2 crossing ones. Boston Logan Airport, the largest airport in New England, typically utilises 3 runways under optimal conditions, allowing for 120 take-offs and landings per hour. However, during adverse weather conditions, this number decreases to only 60 movements per hour with a single runway.
While Chicago O'Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Denver International Airports lead in terms of runway numbers, it is worth noting that other airports, like Detroit Metro and Boston Logan, effectively manage their operations with a lower number of runways. The balance between runway quantity and efficient management is crucial in ensuring smooth and safe air traffic operations.
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Airports with the most passengers in North America
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, is the world's busiest airport, with 108 million passengers in 2024. It has held this position every year since 1998, except in 2020 due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. Atlanta is a connecting hub for domestic and international travellers, with flights to 150 non-stop destinations across six continents. Delta, the airport's hometown carrier, operates over 1,000 daily flights to more than 200 destinations worldwide.
The second busiest airport in the United States is Dallas/Fort Worth, which saw a 17% increase in passenger numbers in 2024 compared to 2019. American Airlines, which is based at this airport, offers flights to nearly 250 destinations, including a non-stop route to Australia through its partnership with Qantas.
Dubai International Airport is the second busiest airport in the world, with 92 million passengers in 2024. Dubai's strategic location between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia has made it a prominent hub for business and investment, attracting 106 international airlines.
Shanghai's Pudong International Airport saw the most significant rise in the rankings, jumping from 21st in 2023 to 10th in 2024. The resumption of international flights and visa policy expansions contributed to a 41% increase in passenger traffic.
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Airports with the most passengers in Europe
London has the busiest city airport system in the world by passenger count. London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the busiest airport in London and the UK, with Gatwick Airport (LGW) coming in second. Gatwick served 46 million passengers in 2018 and is the second busiest single-runway airport in the world. It is a significant base for EasyJet, British Airways, Norse Atlantic Airways, TUI Airways, and Wizz Air.
Gatwick Airport is a prominent hub for UK-to-European travel, with six out of fifteen destinations in Spain. London, in general, has a high volume of air traffic, with fifteen airports in the top 50 worldwide as of 2024.
Outside of the UK, Dubai International Airport (DXB) is a major travel hub for long-haul flights to Europe, with millions of Brits travelling there each year.
In terms of air traffic control, there have been recent issues with outages and understaffing at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, US. This has resulted in hundreds of flight delays and cancellations, with average delays of four hours.
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Airports with the most passengers in Asia
Asia is a key player in the aviation industry, with five airports among the top ten busiest in the world. The airport with the most passengers in Asia is Beijing Capital International Airport, located 32 km (20 mi) northeast of Beijing. In 2016, this airport handled over 94 million passengers, making it the busiest in Asia and the second busiest in the world in terms of passenger traffic. Beijing Capital International Airport is the primary airport serving Beijing, China, and is known as the gateway to the country. It is the main hub for Air China and a host of other Chinese airlines, including Hainan Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and China Eastern Airlines.
The second busiest airport in Asia is Dubai International Airport, which is the main airport of Dubai and, by extension, the entire United Arab Emirates. In 2016, this airport handled over 86 million passengers, making it the busiest airport in the world regarding international passenger traffic. Dubai International Airport acts as the hub for the largest airline in the Middle East, Emirates, as well as the low-cost airline FlyDubai. It is one of the few airports in the world with facilities capable of handling the largest passenger aircraft, such as the Airbus A380. The terminal, which was built in 2008, covers over 18.4 million square feet, making it the largest building in the world based on floor space at the time. It also boasts the largest baggage handling system globally, with a capacity of 8,000 bags per hour.
While data is limited to 2016, these two airports consistently rank among the busiest in Asia and the world. The high volume of passenger traffic through these airports underscores the significant role that aviation plays in the region's economy and transportation network.
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Frequently asked questions
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, is the world's busiest airport. It has held this title every year since 1998, except in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Multiple factors can contribute to high airport traffic, including:
- The number of runways: For example, O'Hare in Chicago has four runways and can handle 80 million passengers annually.
- The airport's location and popularity as a destination: For instance, Dubai International Airport is a mega-hub offering connections to 85 countries.
- The presence of major airline hubs: Denver International Airport is one of America's fastest-growing airports, recording 19.3% higher passenger numbers in 2024 compared to 2019, and it is now United Airlines' busiest hub.
High airport traffic can lead to significant delays and cancellations, as seen at Newark Liberty International Airport, which has faced disruptions due to staffing shortages, outdated technology, and runway closures.
To address issues caused by high airport traffic, airports can implement several measures, such as:
- Increasing staffing: Airports can hire more air traffic controllers to match the demand.
- Improving technology: Upgrading outdated systems and investing in modern infrastructure can enhance efficiency and reduce disruptions.
- Expanding capacity: Building additional runways or expanding existing ones can help manage increased air traffic, as seen in the potential plans for Heathrow Airport in London.
