What Is The Biggest Airport In The US: The United States boasts five out of the top ten largest airports globally. Although Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport holds the title for the busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic, it does not rank among the nation’s top ten airports in terms of surface area. Here, we present a compilation of America’s largest airports based on their actual size.
What Is The Biggest Airport In The US
Denver International Airport (Colorado)
Covering a vast area of 135.69km², Denver International Airport (DIA) proudly claims the title of the largest airport in the United States. Despite its extensive dimensions, this airport efficiently served a remarkable 61.4 million passengers, establishing itself as the fifth busiest airport in the continent.
The airport features six runways with a distance of 4,200ft between each one, and the 16,000ft 16R/34L runway holds the title of being the longest runway in the United States that is open to the public.
In 2018, Skytrax, an air transport rating organisation, ranked the airport as the 29th best in the world, making it the top-ranking US airport.
In February 1995, the construction of the Denver International Airport (DIA) reached completion, albeit 16 months later than initially scheduled. The project incurred costs of $4.8 billion, surpassing the allocated budget by nearly $2 billion. DIA was strategically located 25 miles away from Denver’s city centre, serving as a solution to the capacity issues faced by Stapleton International Airport. Additionally, Stapleton faced legal challenges concerning aircraft noise and the necessity for a runway extension.
DIA was specifically designed with the intention of facilitating future expansion. This includes the provision of space for two extra concourses. Additionally, the optimisation of the airport’s runways was a key focus, aimed at addressing the adverse weather conditions that had previously caused difficulties at Stapleton Airport.
Landside Facility
Providing landside facilities at the airport, the Jeppesen Terminal spans an impressive 139,000m². It is thoughtfully divided into East and West terminals, catering to passengers across three levels. While Concourse A can be conveniently accessed using a footbridge, the automated guideway train system is the designated mode of transportation for reaching Concourses B and C. A modernisation project, initiated in July 2018, aims to further enhance the terminal’s capabilities. This project includes the construction of new check-in counters, screening areas, and commercial spaces, all of which are expected to be fully operational by late-2021.
Detroit Metropolitan Airport (Michigan)
Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) is located in Michigan and encompasses 19.6km², boasting six runways and two terminals. The airport was initially built in 1929 on 2.6km² of land acquired by Wayne County, Michigan, which retains ownership of the facility.
In 2017, DTW successfully managed the transportation of over 34 million passengers. According to the US Federal Aviation Administration, this number is expected to soar to around 60 million within the next two decades.
Delta Air Lines and its partners Aeromexico and Air France utilise the McNamara Terminal, which comprises three concourses and a total of 103 gates. Concourse A alone accommodates 62 gates, out of which 12 are dedicated to international boarding. Notably, ten of these gates are equipped with dual jet bridge loading and unloading systems, facilitating a faster deplaning process.
At Terminal Concourses B and C are linked to Concourse A through a tunnel featuring a vibrant colour-changing light display. These concourses cater to smaller aircraft serving regional flights.
In order to accommodate the projected increase in traffic, the North Terminal was inaugurated in 2008, effectively replacing the previous Barry and Smith terminals. Functioning as Concourse D, this terminal boasts 26 gates and also houses a customs facility dedicated to international flights.
John F Kennedy International Airport (New York)
John F Kennedy (JFK) International Airport, located in the eastern borough of Queens, is the largest airport in New York, covering an area of 21.04km².
In 2017, the airport boasted a total of six terminals, accommodating 128 operational gates, along with four runways and four helipads. With an impressive 59 million passengers and 446,459 aircraft movements, it proudly holds the position of the 27th busiest airport globally.
In October 2018, Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York announced a comprehensive $13 billion expansion project for JFK. This ambitious plan includes the construction of two state-of-the-art terminals, the enhancement of the ground transport network, and significant upgrades to the runways and security infrastructure. The anticipated timeline for this endeavour is to commence in 2020 and conclude by 2025.
JFK was constructed with ten terminals initially, but some have been demolished. The Tower Air Terminal has remained inactive since the year 2000. Terminals 8 and 9 were combined to create the new Terminal 8, which is double the size of Madison Square Garden and was gradually opened to the public from 2005 to 2007.
Terminal 1 serves as the hub for domestic and international services offered by SkyTeam alliance and other airlines. Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines exclusively utilises Terminal 2 for its main international flights. Terminal 4 is also utilised by Delta Air Lines for its international flights. Terminal 5 is operated by JetBlue Airways and accommodates several airlines, including Aer Lingus services that have gone through pre-cleared immigration from Ireland.
British Airways is currently managing Terminal 7 through a lease agreement with the airport that extends until 2022, with the possibility of an additional three years. The airline intends to invest $65 million in renovating the terminal.
San Francisco International Airport (California)
Located in California, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is situated 13 miles to the south of downtown San Francisco. Covering an area of 21.07km², this airport served over 55 million passengers in 2017, ranking it as the 24th busiest airport globally.
This airport has four terminals, one of which is the International Terminal. Inaugurated in 2000, it was recognised as the largest international airport terminal in North America, covering an area of 1.8 million square feet. It was also the pioneer in having gates designed to handle the Airbus A380 double-decker aircraft.
Terminal 1, formerly referred to as the South Terminal, encompasses two boarding areas: B with a total of 24 gates, and C with ten gates. Commencing in June 2016, a comprehensive terminal renovation initiative is currently underway and is expected to conclude in the last quarter of 2022. The primary objective of this project is to enhance the airport’s infrastructure and promote environmental sustainability. Notable enhancements encompass the construction of a new pre-security concourse, the redevelopment of Boarding Area B, and the establishment of improved transportation links.
Terminal 2, which was established in 1954, holds the distinction of being the airport’s most ancient terminal. Over the years, it has undergone several renovations to improve its amenities. On the other hand, Terminal 3 consists of boarding areas E and F, encompassing a total of 39 gates. United Airlines exclusively utilises Terminal 3 for its domestic flight operations.
O’Hare International Airport (Chicago)
O’Hare International Airport (ORD) covers an area of 30.86km² in the north-western metropolitan region of Chicago. It holds the title of being the busiest airport on this roster and the sixth busiest globally, managing 79 million passengers and accommodating 867,049 aircraft movements in the year 2017.
The airport boasts seven operational runways, with an additional eight currently being constructed and slated for completion by 2020. ORD is equipped with four terminals and nine concourses. Terminals 1, 2, and 3 primarily cater to domestic flights within the US and destinations requiring border clearance, while Terminal 5 serves as the designated arrival point for all international flights, offering customs screening facilities on-site.
The airport announced its intentions for a comprehensive expansion and enhancement in 2018. Known as O’Hare 21, the project entails the demolition of the existing terminal to make way for the construction of the O’Hare Global Terminal. To boost capacity, the gates and concourses will be rebuilt, resulting in a total of 235 gates, while the ramp space will be enlarged to accommodate bigger aircraft.
In 2018, the City of Chicago, the City Council, and several airlines gave their approval to the $8.5 billion O’Hare 21 project. This ambitious endeavour aims to enhance the airport’s capacity by a staggering 60% through the construction of two new satellite concourses.
Salt Lake City International Airport (Utah)
Spanning over an area of 31.16km², Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is situated just four miles west of the city. It boasts three terminals, four runways, and three helipads. The International Terminal is equipped with US customs facilities to cater to both scheduled and chartered flights. Terminal 2 is exclusively designated for Delta Air Lines, KLM, and SkyWest Airlines, while Terminal 1 serves all other airlines.
KLM, Delta Air Lines and SkyWest Airlines are based in Terminal 2, while all other airlines that fly to Salt Lake City are located in Terminal 1.
In 2013, the Utah Transit Authority’s TRAX system was expanded to include the airport, offering park and ride options for visitors looking to save on parking costs at SLC.
In 2017, SLC managed 24 million passengers, positioning it as one of the less congested airports in this compilation. Originally constructed in 1960, it was intended to accommodate only half of the current traffic flow. Due to the increase in passengers, the airport has been undergoing expansion projects since 2014, and sections of the new SLC are set to be unveiled between 2020 and 2024.
The Roland R Wright Air National Guard Base has leased over 0.5km² of the airport’s land to the US Government for military operations.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (Houston, Texas)
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Houston’s primary airport, spans across 40.46km² and is situated 37km to the north of the city. Owned by the City of Houston, IAH functions as United Airlines’ second largest hub in the United States, following Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. In 2017, IAH accommodated over 40 million passengers and witnessed 450,383 aircraft movements.
At the airport, there are five terminals designated as A-E, accessible through three main entrances. Adjacent to Terminals B and C, you will find the on-site Marriott Hotel. Terminal A is primarily dedicated to domestic and Canadian flights not operated by United Airlines. It is further divided into two concourses, North and South, each featuring ten gates.
Terminals B and C are predominantly utilised by United Airlines and its United Express branch for domestic flights, while Terminal E serves as the airline’s primary hub for international operations.
Terminal D was established in 1990 to serve as an international arrivals area and is famously referred to as the Mickey Leyland Terminal. It is equipped with common-use gates, check-in desks, and amenities for over 30 airlines that utilise the terminal. The Houston City Council approved a proposal in 2014 to tear down the existing terminal structure and construct a new facility in its location, featuring additional gates and expanded space to cater to Airbus A380 aircraft.
Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington DC)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), located in Virginia, USA, spans an impressive 52.6km² and is situated 26 miles west of Washington DC. Despite its global recognition as one of the largest airports, it handled around 22 million passengers in 2017, ranking it as the 29th busiest airport in North America.
At the airport, there is a main terminal building as well as two midfield terminals, each featuring four concourses. The main facility offers ticketing services, baggage claim areas, US customs checkpoints, and an arrivals building that underwent expansion in 2009 to increase its processing capacity to 2,400 passengers per hour.
Concourses A and B can be found in the building closest to the main terminal. These concourses cater to international travel and domestic flights that are not operated by United Airlines. United Airlines exclusively utilises concourses C and D, which are situated in the second building.
AeroTrain, an underground passenger transportation system, serves to connect the main terminal with concourses A and C, while also providing access to Concourse B in the opposite direction. Future expansions may include linking more concourse buildings and forming a bi-directional loop around the airport.
IAD currently has four runways, and there is potential for a fifth runway to be built in the future, although there are no officially confirmed plans at this time.
Orlando International Airport (Florida)
Covering an expansive area of 53.83km², Orlando International Airport (MCO) proudly holds the distinction of being third largest airport in North America.The airport is equipped with four runways and a main terminal building housing four airside concourses.
MCO, originally McCoy US Air Force Base, was established in 1942 to support military operations. It was converted into a civilian international airport in 1976 and upgraded to a major hub airport in 1979 after accommodating five million passengers in 1978. By 2017, the airport had served over 44 million passengers.
The site is equipped with a central landside building that encompasses two terminals, A and B. Terminal A is situated on the northern side of the building and provides access to Airside 1 and Airside 2. Terminal B, located on the southern side, is connected to airsides 3 and 4.
In response to the escalating number of passengers, MCO is implementing a comprehensive plan that involves both enhancements within the current facility and the construction of the South Terminal Complex (STC). Terminal C and an intermodal transport hub will be integral components of this complex, facilitating a seamless connection between the airport and the Florida High-Speed Rail Line.
Florida Southwest International Airport (RSW) is one of the state’s airports that boasts a large surface area, spanning 54.86km². A considerable portion of this area, roughly 24km², is designated for environmental conservation efforts. Despite its size, RSW is not as busy as MCO, having served 8.8 million passengers in 2017.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (Texas)
Spanning across an area of 69.63km², Dallas / Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is situated between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth in Texas, US. With a remarkable total of 165 gates spread across five terminal buildings, this airport stands as one of the busiest in the world. In 2017 alone, it catered to a staggering 67 million passengers.
The airport was constructed with ample space to allow for future growth, with plans to accommodate up to 13 terminals and 260 gates. However, current projections suggest that the anticipated increase in traffic necessary for such an expansion will not be realised in the foreseeable future.
The airport consists of five terminals, namely A-E, which are connected by the Skylink automated people mover system spanning a distance of 7.74 kilometers. The Skylink system extends from the Express South car park at DFW to facilitate the potential Terminal F, which is currently under discussion between the airlines and the airport authorities.
To cater to the future demands of travellers, DFW has initiated the Terminal Renewal and Improvement Programme (TRIP). This comprehensive endeavour aims to modernise and restructure various areas within the airport, including security checkpoints, concession spaces, and ticketing facilities.
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