The busiest airports in the world serve millions of passengers annually and are key hubs for global travel and commerce. Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport remains the busiest, handling more passengers than any other airport worldwide. This airport, along with others like Dubai International and London Heathrow, defines the scale and complexity of modern air travel.

The busiest airports are in major cities with strong economic ties and extensive flight connections. Dubai International Airport, for instance, leads in international passenger traffic, highlighting its role as a significant global gateway. Airports like Tokyo and Dallas-Fort Worth also rank highly, reflecting their importance in regional and international transport.

Understanding which airports are the busiest reveals much about global travel trends and economic patterns. These airports connect people across continents and face ongoing challenges such as managing passenger flows and adapting to changing travel demands. Further details about these top-ranking airports show how they maintain operations amid this constant movement.

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Defining the World’s Busiest Airports

Airport traffic can be measured in various ways, focusing on different types of movements and volumes. Some airports handle millions of passengers yearly, while others specialise in cargo. Official rankings use precise data and consistent methods to provide clear comparisons.

Criteria for Measuring Airport Traffic

Airport traffic is mainly measured by counting the number of passengers passing through terminals yearly, including departing, arriving, and transferring passengers. Another important metric is the number of aircraft movements, which counts take-offs and landings.

Some lists also consider cargo volume and seat capacity to get a fuller picture. These measurements must be accurate and consistent to rank airports fairly. Differences in reporting standards can affect comparisons, so internationally recognised data sources are preferred.

Passenger Versus Cargo Volume

Passenger volume refers to the number of people who travel through an airport. It includes business, leisure, and transit travellers. Airports like Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport are known for exceptionally high passenger numbers.

Cargo volume, on the other hand, refers to the weight of goods moved through an airport. Some airports, such as Memphis International Airport, stand out for cargo operations instead of passenger traffic. Passenger and cargo volumes do not always align; the busiest passenger airports are not necessarily the busiest in cargo.

Airports Council International Rankings

The Airports Council International (ACI) publishes official rankings based on detailed passenger and cargo data submitted by airports worldwide. ACI’s rankings are widely trusted because they use standardised measures across all reporting airports.

Airports are ranked separately by passenger numbers, cargo tonnage, and aircraft movements. For example, the ACI lists Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta as the busiest by passenger count, while other airports lead in cargo. Their reports include yearly updates that reflect global air travel and logistics trends.

For more information, see the List of busiest airports by passenger traffic.

Top 10 Busiest Airports Globally

Passenger numbers at the world’s busiest airports reflect major international and domestic travel hubs. Airports differ in their strengths, such as handling the most passengers, offering numerous flights, or serving as key connection points in global air networks.

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

Annual Passengers: 108,067,766

Atlanta’s Hartsfield–Jackson International Airport has been the world’s busiest airport for several consecutive years. Located just 10 miles south of downtown Atlanta, ATL is a central hub for Delta Air Lines and offers flights to over 150 domestic destinations and 70 international cities. It is engineered for speed and efficiency with two terminals and seven concourses. Known for its punctuality, ATL handles more than 2,500 flights per day and connects more passengers through domestic routes than any other airport in the U.S. It also offers ample hotel accommodation nearby and features a robust ground transportation network with MARTA rail access for quick city transfers.

2. Dubai International Airport (DXB) — Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Annual Passengers: 92,300,000

Dubai International Airport is the world’s busiest airport for international travel. As the central hub for Emirates and flydubai, DXB connects over 240 destinations across six continents. Its Terminal 3, used exclusively by Emirates, is one of the largest airport terminals globally. DXB is famed for its luxury amenities, including award-winning lounges, high-end shopping at Dubai Duty Free, and a tranquil Zen Garden in Terminal 3. The airport is less than five kilometres from the city centre and is well connected by metro, taxis, and limousine services. With its strategic location bridging East and West, DXB plays a pivotal role in global aviation.

3. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) — Texas, USA

Annual Passengers: 87,817,864

Spanning over 17,000 acres, DFW is larger than the island of Manhattan and serves as the primary hub for American Airlines. Located between Dallas and Fort Worth, it offers nonstop service to more than 260 destinations worldwide—more than any other airport. Its five terminals are connected by a high-speed Skylink train, making transfers smooth and efficient. As one of the fastest-growing airports in the U.S., DFW is central to domestic and international air travel, with recent infrastructure expansions supporting growing passenger demand and sustainability goals.

4. Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) — Tokyo, Japan

Annual Passengers: 85,000,000

Tokyo’s Haneda Airport is known for its impeccable cleanliness, operational efficiency, and convenience. Located just 14 kilometres from central Tokyo, it is a preferred airport for business travellers and domestic flights within Japan. Haneda also handles a growing number of international flights, especially after the expansion of Terminal 3. The airport consistently ranks among the top in the world for passenger satisfaction, thanks to its cutting-edge facilities, art-filled terminals, and Japanese hospitality. Its proximity to the city and high-speed rail access make it an ideal gateway for exploring Tokyo and beyond.

5. London Heathrow Airport (LHR) — London, United Kingdom

Annual Passengers: 83,882,140

Heathrow is Europe’s busiest airport and one of the most globally connected, serving over 180 destinations in 90 countries. Located 23 kilometres west of central London, it is the main base for British Airways and a key hub for Virgin Atlantic. Heathrow features four passenger terminals and hosts some of the world’s most advanced airport technologies. Terminal 5, exclusively used by British Airways and Iberia, is frequently praised for its design and functionality. The airport is easily accessible via the Heathrow Express train, the London Underground, and numerous bus routes. Ongoing expansion plans aim to enhance its role in global aviation further.

6. Denver International Airport (DEN) — Colorado, USA

Annual Passengers: 82,358,744

Denver International is the largest airport in North America by total land area, occupying over 33,000 acres. It is a central hub for United Airlines, Southwest, and Frontier Airlines. Known for its tented roof that echoes the nearby Rocky Mountains, DEN is a key gateway to western U.S. destinations and outdoor adventure. It connects travellers to more than 200 destinations across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The airport is undergoing a multi-billion-dollar expansion, including terminal upgrades, improved ground transportation infrastructure, and a rail line to downtown Denver.

7. O’Hare International Airport (ORD) — Chicago, Illinois, USA

Annual Passengers: 80,043,050

O’Hare is a historic aviation hub located 27 kilometres northwest of downtown Chicago. It is a key base for United Airlines and American Airlines and is one of the Midwest’s most important intercontinental gateways. With four terminals and nine runways, ORD supports an intricate web of domestic and international flights. The airport is undergoing a massive terminal modernisation project, dubbed the O’Hare 21 initiative, aiming to improve passenger experience and capacity. O’Hare offers direct flights to nearly every major city worldwide, cementing its status as a top-tier global connector.

8. Istanbul Airport (IST) — Istanbul, Turkey

Annual Passengers: 79,988,272

Opened in 2018, the new Istanbul Airport quickly established itself as one of Europe’s busiest and most advanced aviation hubs. It replaced the ageing Atatürk Airport and is now the central hub for Turkish Airlines. Located on the European side of the city, IST connects passengers to over 350 destinations, more than any other airport globally. The terminal’s modern layout includes state-of-the-art lounges, expansive duty-free zones, and biometric passport control technology. Istanbul Airport is a vital bridge between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, positioning Turkey as a central player in global air traffic.

9. Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) — Delhi, India

Annual Passengers: 77,820,834

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport is the busiest in South Asia and the leading aviation hub in India. It is located in Palam, about 16 kilometres from the city centre, and serves as the main base for Air India, IndiGo, and Vistara. The airport features three passenger terminals, with Terminal 3 handling most international flights. Recognised for its green initiatives, DEL was one of the first major airports in the world to operate entirely on renewable energy. With its blend of modern architecture and traditional Indian elements, it offers an immersive arrival experience for both domestic and international travellers.

10. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) — Shanghai, China

Annual Passengers: 76,787,039

Shanghai Pudong is one of China’s most important international gateways, serving the city’s fast-growing economic and tourism sectors. Located 30 kilometres east of the city centre, PVG is the primary hub for China Eastern Airlines and a major base for international carriers. It features two main passenger terminals, with a third under development, and has extensive cargo handling capacity, making it a key player in global air freight. The airport is connected to the city via the world’s fastest commercial magnetic levitation (maglev) train, reducing travel time to under 8 minutes. PVG continues to grow as a preferred transit hub in East Asia.

Traffic Trends and Global Distribution

Passenger traffic varies widely worldwide, influenced by economic growth, tourism, and international trade routes. Some regions see steady travel increases, while others face political or health crises. Airports also differ in their focus, with some handling mainly local passengers and others acting as major global hubs.

Regional Patterns in Passenger Traffic

North America and Europe maintain high passenger volumes, with hubs like Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson and London Heathrow leading in traffic. These airports serve many domestic and international flights, reflecting vigorous economic activity and connectivity.

Asia is experiencing rapid growth, driven by rising middle classes and expanding tourism. In recent years, airports such as Shanghai Pudong and Hong Kong International have seen rapid passenger growth.

Africa and South America have lower traffic levels but show potential for growth as infrastructure improves. Regional airports still handle fewer passengers than global hubs but play crucial roles in connecting smaller cities.

Growth in Emerging Markets

Emerging markets fuel much of the recent growth in airport traffic. Asia’s middle-income populations are travelling more frequently for business and leisure. For example, Shanghai Pudong Airport saw a 29% rise in airline seat capacity, highlighting this trend.

Similarly, airports in the Middle East and parts of Africa experience traffic increases due to expanding economies and better air connectivity. Regional airlines often add routes, making air travel more accessible. This growth is expected to continue, pushed by urbanisation and tourism development.

Major Airports by Continent

  • North America: Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson remains the busiest airport with 5.5 million seats in May 2025. Other key airports include Los Angeles and Dallas-Fort Worth.
  • Europe: London Heathrow and Paris Charles de Gaulle lead, handling millions of passengers annually and acting as gateways between continents.
  • Asia: Hong Kong International and Shanghai Pudong dominate, and Hong Kong is also a leading cargo hub.
  • Africa: Johannesburg’s OR Tambo and Cairo International are major gateways with far less traffic than the busiest global airports.
  • South America: São Paulo-Guarulhos airport is the largest in the region, connecting South America to North America and Europe.

For detailed passenger figures and rankings, see the list of busiest airports by passenger traffic.

Factors Driving Airport Busyness

Several factors influence why some airports handle more passengers and flights than others. These include the location’s economic activity, how airlines use the airport, and its role in tourism and international travel.

Economic and Population Centres

Airports near large cities or major economic hubs tend to be very busy. High populations create steady demand for travel, especially business trips and daily commutes. Cities with strong finance, technology, or manufacturing industries often generate more air traffic.

For example, airports like New York, London, and Tokyo serve millions of residents and workers. The local economy supports frequent flights due to business meetings, cargo, and commuting patterns.

Large populations also mean more leisure travellers, increasing overall airport traffic. Access to international markets and conferences adds to the volume. This combination of economic strength and population density drives sustained airport busyness.

Airline Hub Operations

Many busiest airports serve as hubs for one or more major airlines. These hubs allow airlines to connect passengers between many different cities efficiently.

Hubs increase passenger numbers because of transfer travellers. For example, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International operates as a hub for Delta Air Lines, helping it handle over 90 million passengers annually.

Airlines also concentrate flights at hubs to maximise aircraft use and offer more route options. This strategy boosts flight frequency and passenger loads at these airports. Hub airports often have multiple runways and large terminals to manage the high traffic.

Tourism and International Connectivity

Airports that connect major tourist destinations or serve as entry points for international travellers tend to be very busy. Popular holiday spots bring large numbers of leisure passengers, especially seasonally.

Airports with direct flights linking continents see high international traffic. For instance, Dubai International connects Europe, Asia, and Africa, attracting many transit passengers.

Tourism drives demand for both inbound and outbound travel. Airports in holiday regions often expand services and increase capacity to handle this surge. The availability of visa-free or easy travel agreements also affects airport busyness linked to tourism.

Future Outlook for Major Airports

Major airports are expected to undergo significant shifts in passenger traffic and rankings. Investments in infrastructure will shape their capacity, while new technologies will streamline passenger movement and improve efficiency.

Predicted Changes in Airport Rankings

Several airports will climb in global rankings due to rising international travel demand. For example, Shanghai Pudong International Airport has grown rapidly, increasing its airline capacity by nearly 30%.

Meanwhile, traditionally busy airports like Atlanta and Dubai might face stiffer competition from newer hubs investing heavily in connectivity. Passenger forecasts suggest global traffic will reach about 9.9 billion by 2025, with top airports expanding to handle these numbers.

Changes in rankings will depend mainly on factors like government support, airline partnerships, and regional economic growth. Airports that adapt quickly to evolving travel patterns stand a better chance of climbing the list.

Expansion and Modernisation Projects

Many leading airports are undergoing large-scale expansion to increase capacity and improve passenger experience. Projects include new terminals, runways, and enhanced baggage systems.

For instance, some airports plan to add multiple runways or build additional terminals to cope with rising passenger loads. Modernisation also focuses on upgraded check-in areas, improved lounges, and better retail spaces.

These investments aim to reduce delays and service bottlenecks. Airports seek to boost annual passenger handling by millions, which is crucial as global traffic rebounds strongly from pandemic lows.

Key expansion focuses include:

  • Increasing runway capacity
  • Streamlining security and customs processes
  • Enhancing passenger amenities

Impact of Technology on Passenger Flow

Technology is playing a key role in managing growing passenger numbers. Biometric systems, such as facial recognition, speed up identity checks, reducing queues significantly.

Automated bag drops and smart boarding gates allow faster processing with less staff intervention. Digital tools and mobile apps help passengers navigate terminals and receive real-time updates.

Airports also invest in AI and data analytics to dynamically predict congestion and manage resource allocation. This tech improves safety, efficiency, and the overall travel experience.

In short, technology enables airports to handle more passengers smoothly while keeping security and comfort high.

Frequently Asked Questions

Passenger numbers and flight frequency rank the busiest airports in the world. Various factors, such as location, infrastructure, and traffic types, affect these rankings. Changes in travel trends also influence which airports make the top lists.

Which airport currently holds the title for most flights per day internationally?

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) consistently has the most flights per day internationally. It serves a large number of passengers and handles millions of flights annually.

How do the world’s busiest airports rank by passenger traffic?

Atlanta’s airport ranks first in passenger traffic, with over 108 million passengers yearly. Other top airports include Dubai International and Beijing Capital, which manage tens of millions of travellers annually.

What factors contribute to an airport being classified among the busiest?

Passenger volume, number of flights, and seat capacity are key measures. Airports with extensive international and domestic connections usually rank higher. Ground infrastructure and airport size also play essential roles.

In what ways has the list of the top 10 busiest airports changed recently?

Recent changes reflect shifts in global travel and new routes. Some airports have seen increased passenger numbers due to business growth or tourism. However, airports like Atlanta have maintained their leading positions.

What are the distinguishing features of the largest airport by land area?

The largest airport by land area often has vast runway space and multiple terminals. It may handle both commercial and cargo flights extensively. Ample land coverage allows for future expansion and complex logistics.

How do the busiest airports in the US compare to those globally?

US airports, led by Atlanta, rank among the busiest worldwide. They typically feature large passenger volumes and frequent flights. International airports outside the US, like Dubai, can surpass US airports in specific categories, such as international passengers.

For more detailed rankings, see the busiest airports by passenger traffic.