What Are the Busiest Airports in the World? The Ultimate

Guide (2024)

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler, an aviation enthusiast, or simply curious about global air travel, understanding the world’s busiest airports provides fascinating insights into global connectivity. Airports are bustling hubs where millions of travelers converge each year. But how exactly do we define “busiest airport”?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the busiest airports in the world by passenger volume, aircraft movements, and cargo, using the latest statistics from 2023–2024.

How Do We Measure Airport Traffic?

Before we jump into the rankings, it’s important to understand the metrics used to evaluate airport traffic.

• Passenger Volume: Total number of passengers who pass through an airport annually.
• Aircraft Movements: The number of takeoffs and landings.
• Cargo Volume: Total weight of freight and mail handled annually.

Now, let’s explore the top airports making headlines in each category.

Top 10 Busiest Airports by Passenger Volume (2023–2024)

1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), USA

• Annual Passengers: 94 million
• Why so busy? Delta Airlines’ primary hub, ATL, plays a pivotal role in both domestic and international air travel.
• Notable Features: Known for efficient management, multiple terminals, and robust infrastructure.

2. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), USA

• Annual Passengers: 78 million
• Why so busy? Major hub for American Airlines, extensive domestic routes.
• Notable Features: Innovative terminals, high-speed transportation links.

3. Denver International Airport (DEN), USA

• Annual Passengers: 70 million
• Why so busy? Significant domestic hub with growing international routes.
• Notable Features: Famous for unique architecture and massive land area.

4. Dubai International Airport (DXB), UAE

• Annual Passengers: 66 million
• Why so busy? Major global transfer hub, home to Emirates Airlines.
• Notable Features: Luxurious amenities, vast duty-free shopping areas.

5. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), USA

• Annual Passengers: 64 million
• Why so busy? Gateway to Asia-Pacific and major domestic hub.
• Notable Features: Recently renovated terminals and advanced facilities.

6. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), USA

• Annual Passengers: 62 million
• Why so busy? Both American and United Airlines use this airport as a major operational hub.
• Notable Features: Extensive international and domestic connections.

7. Istanbul Airport (IST), Turkey

• Annual Passengers: 61 million
• Why so busy? Strategic global transfer hub between Europe, Asia, and Africa.
• Notable Features: State-of-the-art terminals and rapid growth since opening.

8. Heathrow Airport (LHR), London, UK

• Annual Passengers: 60 million
• Why so busy? Both American and United Airlines use this airport as a major operational hub.
• Notable Features: Iconic terminals, significant airline alliances presence.

9. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), China

• Annual Passengers: 58 million
• Why so busy? Primary hub for China Southern Airlines, connecting to domestic and global cities.
• Notable Features: Expansive terminals and strong cargo operations.

10. Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), New Delhi, India

• Annual Passengers: 56 million
• Why so busy? Rapidly expanding airport due to India’s booming aviation sector.
• Notable Features: Modern infrastructure, expanding capacity rapidly.

Additional Insights by Categories

Busiest International Airports

• Dubai International Airport (DXB) consistently ranks first, driven by strategic location and extensive Emirates network.
• Heathrow Airport (LHR) remains Europe’s busiest for international travel.

Busiest Airports for Domestic Flights

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) tops domestically due to extensive domestic connectivity.
• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Denver International Airport (DEN) follow closely, supporting significant domestic US travel.

Busiest Cargo Airports

• HKG stands out as a global leader in cargo traffic, playing a vital role in Asia’s trade network.
• Located in the USA, Memphis International Airport (MEM) plays a key role in global logistics as the primary hub for FedEx operations.

Trends and Analysis: Shifts in Airport Traffic

Over the past decade, airport rankings have seen notable shifts:

• Impact of COVID-19: Initially devastated passenger numbers, but recovery has been strong, especially in leisure markets and domestic travel.
• Rise of New Mega-Airports: Istanbul Airport rapidly climbed rankings due to strategic investment and location.
• Emergence of Indian and Chinese Airports: Airports like Delhi (DEL) and Guangzhou (CAN) have risen significantly due to domestic growth and international expansion.

Airports to Watch

• PKX, Beijing’s new mega-airport, is projected to see rapid expansion in the near future.
• Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport (BOM): Expanding to meet India’s growing passenger demand.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the #1 busiest airport in the world?

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) holds the title, primarily driven by its extensive domestic traffic within the United States.

Are busy airports always international?

Not necessarily. While many busy airports handle significant international traffic, airports like Denver (DEN) and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) primarily thrive due to domestic travel.

Which airport is the busiest in Europe?

London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) regularly tops the charts as the busiest airport in Europe based on passenger numbers.

How is airport traffic ranked?

Airport traffic is typically ranked by the number of passengers, aircraft movements (takeoffs and landings), and cargo volumes.

What airport has the highest cargo traffic?

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) generally has the highest cargo volume globally due to its strategic location and infrastructure.

Which airports recovered fastest after COVID-19?

Airports with significant domestic traffic like ATL and DFW recovered quickly due to robust domestic travel demand.

Conclusion

Understanding “what are the busiest airports in the world” offers insights into global connectivity, economic trends, and travel habits. Airports like Atlanta (ATL), Dubai (DXB), and Heathrow (LHR) highlight how strategic location, airline hubs, and infrastructure investments drive traffic.

As air travel continues to rebound and grow, expect these rankings to evolve further, reflecting broader shifts in global travel dynamics. Whether you’re a traveler or aviation enthusiast, knowing the world’s busiest airports can enhance your appreciation of global mobility and infrastructure.