Top Airports Globally, Ranked by Activity
In the realm of global air travel, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (KATL) continues to hold the crown as the busiest airport in the world. According to the Airports Council International's World Traffic Report, the airport handled approximately 108.1 million passengers in 2024, a figure that outstrips other major global and U.S. airports.
Hartsfield-Jackson's dominance is not limited to passenger traffic. The airport also leads in aircraft movements, with over 725,500 flights annually, demonstrating a high operational throughput.
When compared with other U.S. hubs, Hartsfield-Jackson handles significantly more passengers than Dallas/Fort Worth (87.8 million), Denver (82.4 million), Chicago O’Hare (80.0 million), and Los Angeles (76.6 million).
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (KDFW) follows closely in second place, with 73,362,946 passengers in 2023. Denver International Airport (DEN) ranks third with 82.4 million passengers, while Chicago O’Hare International (ORD) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) take fourth and fifth places, respectively.
Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is a prime connecting point for flights crisscrossing North America and is a home base for Delta Air Lines. LAX, on the other hand, is home to American and Delta, among other major carriers. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport serves as a central U.S. gateway and a major connecting point for international flights, especially to Latin America, with American Airlines having a significant presence.
Denver International Airport is strategically positioned and serves as a major hub for flights spanning coast to coast, connecting the Midwest to the West Coast and international destinations. United Airlines and Southwest Airlines have a significant presence here.
Istanbul Airport (LTFM) is a testament to Turkey's age-old role as a bridge between continents, with Turkish Airlines anchoring its operations there, seamlessly connecting passengers from North America to Asia and beyond. Dubai International Airport (OMDB) offers world-class lounges with amenities such as showers, spas, and gourmet food, and serves as the main base for Emirates, one of the world's premier airlines.
Heathrow Airport (EGLL) is home to British Airways and hosts a number of international carriers. O'Hare International Airport (KORD) is the crossroads of America and is an essential stop for domestic and international flights, with United Airlines and American Airlines having massive operations here.
Charles de Gaulle Airport (LFPG), also known as "Paris-CDG" or "Roissy," is one of Europe's primary gateways, as well as a key city for Air France and easyJet. Dubai International Airport's expansive duty-free shopping area and world-class lounges make it a popular destination for travellers.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is a prime entry point for international visitors to the U.S., especially from the Asia-Pacific region. Its iconic Theme Building showcases its mid-century expansion, while Indira Gandhi International Airport (VIDP) effortlessly marries the old with the new, acting as the launching pad for journeys both within India and beyond.
In summary, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport maintains its position as the busiest airport in the world, both in terms of passenger traffic and flight operations, outstripping other major global and U.S. airports.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, with its extensive passenger traffic and flight operations, is not only a hub for domestic travel but also a primary gateway for international travelers, offering a diverse lifestyle that caters to both business and leisure-oriented passengers. The airport serves as a home base for Delta Air Lines, connecting various cities in North America, and is a key point for trips spanning continents.
Istanbul Airport, a testament to Turkey's historical role as a bridge between continents, provides an international travel experience seamlessly connecting passengers from North America to Asia and beyond, offering a unique cultural fusion that complements the diverse lifestyle it offers.
