Airports are an essential aspect of modern life that connects people and businesses globally. They directly and indirectly contribute to economic growth by enhancing access to international markets, creating jobs, and supporting tourism. From fostering cultural exchange to social benefits, they are the lifeline for millions of travelers around the world.
Have you ever wondered which is the busiest airport in the world? If yes, then you’re going to find an answer here. In this blog, we’re going to explore the busiest airports in the world by passenger traffic. So, let’s begin with this expedition.
Take A Look At The Top 10 Busiest Airports In The World By Passenger Traffic:
The world’s busiest airports are selected based on several factors, including passenger traffic, cargo traffic, aircraft movements, etc. Here, we’re providing information about which is the busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic. Passenger traffic at an airport is the total number of passengers boarding, disembarking, and in transit.
1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Located in the heart of the United States, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is located just 7 miles away from the south of Atlanta’s financial district. In 2023, it made a record by serving an annual traffic of 104.6 million passengers and became the busiest airport in the world.
ATL is globally known for its exceptional services, which include customs processing, multilingual gates, directional signs, etc. This airport offers flight services to 43 countries around the world.
ATL made a stellar record in the world’s busy airport list by becoming the first airport in the world to serve over 100 million passengers in a single year. Passengers can enjoy the opulent services at over 300 dining and retail options, a spa, mini-suites, etc.
- Establishment Date: September 15, 1926
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Major Airlines: Delta, Alaska, American, and Alevo airlines.
2. Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Next on the list is Dubai International Airport, which is among the top 10 biggest airports in the world by its physical size. DXB serves as a gateway to countries in Asia, Europe, and Africa. The airport is globally renowned for its largest solar system in the world, which helps in reducing energy consumption.
In 2023, Dubai International Airport grabbed the title of the second busiest airport in the world by serving 87 million passengers in a single year. For health and hygiene concerns, DXB has an air circulation system that changes six times per hour with a combination of UV and plasma disinfection systems.
The airport in this opulent city is well-known for its amenities, which include free trolleys, currency exchange, baby care rooms, play areas, rest zones, prayer rooms, showers, in-house medical centers, etc. Top-notch transportation facilities featuring car rentals, metro, and bus connectivity, pre-paid taxis, etc. are also offered.
- Establishment Date: September 30, 1960
- Location: Al Garhoud District, Dubai, UAE
- Major Airlines: Emirates, FlyDubai, and Qatar Airlines
3. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
DFW Airport is another airport from one of the most developed nations in the United States and ranks at number three as the busiest airport in the world. With five passenger terminals, seven runways, and 171 gates, it has the reputation of being one of the largest airports in the world.
DFW is a hub for 24 airlines, including the world’s best American Airlines. It offers flight facilities to 190 domestic and 63 international destinations.
The third busiest airport in the world offers a range of amenities to travelers, including malls and outlet centers. Its modern infrastructure and top-notch facilities make it a prominent airport in the USA.
- Establishment Date: September 23, 1973
- Location: Dallas, Texas, USA
- Major Airlines: American, AeroMexico, British, and Avianca airlines.
4. Heathrow Airport (LHR)
In 2023, LHR handled approximately 79.2 million passengers and became the busiest airport in the UK. The fourth busiest airport in the world offers flight facilities to 84 countries. Passengers can provide a glimpse of authentic British culture through the artwork on the airport’s walls.
Heathrow Airport has four terminals, and each of them offers several facilities to the passengers. Some of them are currency exchanges, cash machines, luggage storage, medical facilities, and business centers.
Family-friendly facilities like play areas, complimentary kid’s food, and parent’s zones with game areas are also available at LHR. Passengers benefit from amenities like changing rooms, charging points, multi-faith prayer rooms, restaurants, retail shops, etc.
- Establishment Date: March 25, 1946
- Location: Hounslow, London, UK
- Major Airlines: British Airways and Virgin Atlantic
5. Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)
Nestled in the Ota city of Tokyo with stunning natural views, Tokyo Haneda Airport is the busiest airport in Japan. At present, HND offers flights to 56 domestic destinations within the country and 104 international destinations in 24 countries.
With a global ranking of number 5 as the busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic, HND offers several amenities to travelers. Some of them include shopping centers, restaurants, play areas, art exhibitions, etc. Services for pharmacy, currency exchange, car rentals, a clinic, and portable WI-FI rentals are also available.
Hande Airport features a dream and wishes wall, where passengers’ wishes recorded in wooden tags are displayed. The airport provides separate spaces for individuals with disabilities or abnormalities. It made the record of serving 78.4 million passengers in 2023.
- Establishment Date: 15 August, 1931
- Location: Ota, Tokyo, Japan
- Major Airlines: Japan, All Nippon, Skymark, and StarFlyer Airlines.
6. Denver International Airport (DEN)
In 2023, Denver International Airport marked its position in the top 10 busiest airports in the world by serving 77.8 million passengers. DEN holds the crown of being the biggest airport in the world by land area in the Western Hemisphere.
DEN features an underground rail system that carries passengers from the main terminals to the other three terminals. It has a solar farm established on 7.5 acres of land that generates enough electricity for half of its underground rail system power consumption.
Denver Airport features over 44,000 public parking spaces and two main garages. Other amenities that can be accessed by passengers include restrooms, baggage storage, a transgender safe place, retail shops, restaurants, etc.
- Establishment Date: 28 February, 1995
- Location: Denver, Colorado, USA
- Major Airlines: United, Frontier, and Southwest Airlines.
7. Istanbul Airport (IST)
Istanbul Airport offers flights to over 114 countries and is a major airport in Türkiye. It became the seventh busiest airport in the world after serving 76 million passengers in 2023.
The airport’s expansive and spectacular architecture fascinates every passenger. With over 350 restaurants and retail stores, IST completely satisfies the leisure requirements of passengers. Free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, prayer rooms, USB charging points, etc. are also available.
IST features three pet relief rooms with grassy pitches to ensure its pet friendliness. For minors who aren’t accompanied by parents or guardians, the airport features a separate check-in counter, and the airport staff assists them with their boarding.
- Establishment Date: October 29, 2018
- Location: Tayakadın, İstanbul, Türkiye
- Major Airlines: Turkish Airlines and Turkish Cargo
8. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport was one of the top 10 busiest airports in the world by passenger traffic in 2023. It offers flights to 85 domestic and 75 international destinations in the world.
By serving 75 million passengers in 2023, LAX secures its position as the eighth busiest airport in the world. The airport features several dining and retail options, among which Emirates Lounge and Delta Sky Club are the most popular among passengers.
LAX features nine passenger terminals, which are connected by two-level roadways and walkways. Flight Path Museum here offers a glimpse of the rich history of aviation through several pictures of major discoveries and innovations in the commercial airline sector.
- Establishment Date: 1 October, 1928
- Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
- Major Airlines: American, Delta, United, and Alaska
9. O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
O’Hare International Airport handled over 73.9 million passengers in 2023 and became the ninth busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic. The airport offers flight services to 46 countries and 176 domestic destinations.
ORD features several leisure amenities to ensure the best services to the passengers. Some of the amenities are spas, restaurants, fast food corners, medical centers, etc. Services like free Wi-Fi, charging stations, pet-relief rooms, yoga rooms, and prayer rooms are also available.
ORD features 4 terminals named Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5. Terminal 5 features a wing-shaped extension that offers an open space for natural light and enjoying the alluring views of aircraft and city space.
- Establishment Date: February 1944
- Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Major Airlines: American, United, Lufthansa, and All Nippon Airlines.
10. Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI)
IGI Airport is the busiest airport in India and features three passenger terminals. IGI handled 73.6 million passengers last year and secured its position among the top 10 busiest airports in the world.
The busiest airport in India features four runways, which include the longest in Asia runway of 4.43 km. This airport offers flights to 74 domestic destinations and 52 countries. Terminal 3 of IGI provides access to the city’s high-speed metro line.
The airport staff works by aligning with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Initiative to ensure assistance to travelers with hidden disabilities. IGI offers facilities like prayer rooms, dining options, retail stores, pet care rooms, medical centers, etc.
- Establishment Date: Built in 1930 and inaugurated in 1986 for commercial use
- Location: New Delhi, India
- Major Airlines: Air India, Spice Jet, and Blue Dart Aviation, etc.
Bottom Line:
This concludes our article. I hope this article helped you in providing a great overview of the top 10 busiest airports in the world. These airports with highly advanced infrastructure, leisure amenities, experienced professionals, and the best flight services to thousands of domestic and international destinations are playing a significant role in connecting the world.