What Is The Busiest Airport In The World 2024: The aviation industry is slowly but surely recovering from the travel restrictions imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic. While some airlines are navigating this resurgence more effectively than others, it’s fascinating to observe that the world’s seven busiest airports have remained largely unchanged. These destinations continue to captivate travelers, undeterred by the recent challenges.
Despite the fact that numerous airports have not yet reached the pre-2020 passenger levels, familiar names still reign supreme on the list, particularly from North America, which boasts five airports on the list showcasing its ongoing success.
What Is The Busiest Airport In The World 2024?
Europe used to dominate the top ten busiest airports list, but now only two airports remain on the list, with the rest being located in Asia. This shift highlights the ongoing growth of the aviation industry in the region. Check out the full list below, based on each airport’s reported figures and historical data from the Airport Council International.
1. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL)
In May 2024, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) maintained its title as The Busiest Global Airport, handling 5.5 million seats. This marks a 3% increase in daily seat capacity compared to the previous month. This airport not only surpasses all others by nearly 10 million passengers each year, but it has also been the number one airport on the list every year since 1998, except for one.
Thanks to its prime location and role as a key connecting hub, ATL has maintained its popularity and remains the exclusive member of the 100 million club since 2015. Beijing Capital International Airport is the only other airport to achieve this feat, consistently welcoming over 100 million passengers each year from 2018 to 2020.
In 1926, ATL was established on a racetrack that had been left abandoned, and since then, it has consistently been one of the busiest airports in the US. By the end of the 1930s, it was giving tough competition to the renowned airports in New York and Chicago. With two terminals, five runways, and the tallest air traffic control tower in North America, ATL covers a vast 19km2 area.
2. Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Dubai International Airport (DXB) continues to hold its position as the second busiest airport in the world, with a staggering 5.0 million seats. This remarkable feat is consistent with the previous month, showcasing the airport’s unwavering commitment to excellence and efficiency.
Dubai International (DXB) stands out as the busiest airport in Asia, boasting numerous records such as having the largest baggage handling system globally. Additionally, Terminal 3 at DXB is home to the world’s second-largest building by floor area, making it a truly remarkable airport.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) started operating in 1960 as a modest airport catering to a limited number of destinations. Over the years, it has undergone substantial growth alongside the expansion of the UAE. Today, DXB boasts three expansive terminals and two runways, each exceeding 4,300 meters in length.
3. Tokyo International Airport (HND)
Tokyo International Airport (HND) proudly maintains its position as the third busiest airport in the world, catering to a staggering 4.7 million seats. With its exceptional facilities and efficient operations, it consistently attracts a multitude of travelers from all corners of the globe.
Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND) has experienced an extraordinary surge in growth, making it one of the most remarkable success stories among airports worldwide. In a span of just one year, it skyrocketed from sixteenth place to an impressive third place on the list. This remarkable achievement can be attributed to an astounding increase of 28 million passengers, representing a staggering 55% rise. In 2023 alone, the airport proudly welcomed and bid farewell to a remarkable total of 78,719,302 travelers.
Despite this, the airport has not yet regained its pre-pandemic glory. In 2018, it welcomed over 87 million passengers, a number that it has not been able to surpass even after undergoing expansions to accommodate up to 90 million passengers annually. HND, one of the oldest airports listed, began operating in 1931 with a 300m runway and a single terminal. Over the years, it has undergone several expansions, now boasting four runways and three passenger terminals spread across a 15.2km area.
4. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
In a remarkable achievement, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has climbed up the ranks to become the fourth busiest airport this month. With an impressive increase of 6% in the number of seats per day, the airport now offers a staggering 4.5 million seats for the month. This growth is a testament to DFW’s commitment to providing exceptional service and convenience to travelers.
Despite remaining as one of the most bustling airports globally, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has slipped a few spots in the top ten rankings. After welcoming over eight million additional passengers between 2022 and 2023, the airport now stands at fourth place. In 2023 alone, a remarkable total of 81,764,044 arrivals and departures were recorded at DFW.
Did you know that DFW is not only the second largest airport in the US but also the first “carbon neutral” airport in North America? Spanning across a massive 69.6km2 of land, it boasts five terminals with a whopping 171 gates and an impressive seven runways.
5. London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
London Heathrow (LHR) is now ranked as the fifth busiest airport in the world as of May 2024. Despite facing competition from other airports in London, Heathrow (LHR) has maintained its dominance by offering the most international connections in the world in 2023. After temporarily losing its top spot to Istanbul, Heathrow has once again become the busiest airport in Europe.
Ever since 1946, the airport has been faithfully catering to the needs of the British capital. With its four passenger terminals and two runways, it has become a bustling hub for travelers. However, the airport’s growth doesn’t stop there. Exciting plans are underway to construct new terminals and a third runway, marking a significant milestone after years of legal battles. In fact, it was only in 2020 that the UK Supreme Court finally lifted the ban on the new runway, paving the way for a brighter future for this vital transportation hub.
6. Denver International Airport (DEN)
Denver International Airport (DEN) has experienced a remarkable surge in capacity this month, surpassing last month’s numbers by a whopping 9%. This impressive growth has propelled the airport from eighth place to a well-deserved sixth place in terms of seat availability per day.
Since its opening in 1995, Denver International Airport (DEN) has consistently ranked among the top 20 busiest airports globally, even outperforming some competitors during the challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Despite experiencing a significant decline of over 50% in 2020, the airport has proven its resilience by maintaining its position in the top 10. Surpassing its previous record of 69 million passengers in 2019, the airport welcomed an impressive 77,837,915 travelers in 2023, showcasing its remarkable growth.
Did you know that DEN, with its vast expanse of 137.8km, holds the title for the largest airport site in North America and the second largest in the world? It’s quite astonishing that despite its immense size, this airport manages to operate with just one terminal housing a whopping 169 gates. Spanning an area twice the size of Manhattan, DEN also flaunts five runways, including the longest commercial runway in North America. This impressive feature is a necessity due to the airport’s high altitude.
7. iGA Istanbul Airport (IST)
iGA Istanbul Airport (IST) has managed to maintain its ranking on the list for 2022, even after welcoming nearly 12 million more passengers, showcasing the significant expansion in the aviation industry worldwide over the past year.
A new era in aviation commenced in 2018 with the grand opening of IST Airport. Replacing the bustling Atatürk Airport, which had reached its capacity, IST became the new home for all passenger traffic the following year. This architectural marvel boasts the world’s largest terminal, offering a seamless travel experience for both domestic and international flights. With five runways, including two backups, IST Airport is equipped to handle the skies with utmost efficiency.
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