Eight of the World's Busiest Airports are in the US

By Ivan PetrenkoJul 19, 2024 05:30 AMNews
Share:
a large jetliner flying through a blue sky
a large jetliner flying through a blue sky. Source: unsplash

A recent report by Airports Council International (ACI) World revealed that eight of the world's 20 busiest airports in 2023 are located in the United States. This highlights the significant role US airports play in both domestic and international travel, handling tens of millions of passengers annually.

Each year, ACI releases the Annual World Airport Traffic Dataset, which includes data from over 2,700 airports in more than 185 countries. The 2024 report, covering 2023 statistics, showed a total global traffic of nearly 8.7 billion passengers, a 30.5% increase from 2022, and a recovery to 94.2% of pre-pandemic levels.

The top 20 busiest airports served 1.41 billion passengers in 2023, representing 16% of global passenger movements. Among these, eight US airports stand out:

  1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL): Ranked 1st with 104,653,451 passengers.
  2. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): Ranked 3rd with 81,755,538 passengers.
  3. Denver International Airport (DEN): Ranked 6th with 77,837,917 passengers.
  4. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): Ranked 8th with 75,050,875 passengers.
  5. O'Hare International Airport (ORD): Ranked 9th with 73,984,726 passengers.
  6. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): Ranked 13th with 62,464,331 passengers.
  7. Orlando International Airport (MCO): Ranked 18th with 57,736,205 passengers.
  8. Harry Reid International Airport (LAS): Ranked 19th with 57,666,456 passengers.

These eight airports collectively handled 590,347,469 passengers in 2023. Notably, ATL remains the busiest airport globally, serving significantly more passengers than Dubai International Airport (DXB), which is second.

Four of the US airports – DFW, DEN, MCO, and LAS – have seen an increase in passenger traffic compared to pre-pandemic levels. DEN experienced the most significant rise with a 12.8% increase, showcasing its strategic importance and innovative design.

These airports are crucial hubs for both domestic and international flights. Their efficient operations and extensive networks make them indispensable in the global aviation industry, with seven also ranking among the world's busiest cargo hubs.

Top Articles
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM
Person in tropical shirt looking at a docked cruise ship

Internet on a Cruise: How to Avoid Huge Bills for Connectivity

Aug 6, 2025 09:14 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News
Transavia aircraft taking off against clear blue sky

Eindhoven Gains Direct Flight to Sardinia Starting 2026

Sep 18, 2025 21:32 PM
Elegant canopy bed with patterned pillows in a luxury resort room

Karuizawa Prepares for New Upper-Luxury Mountain Stay

Sep 18, 2025 20:27 PM

Flights in Italy Could Face Delays Amid Nationwide Strike

Sep 18, 2025 19:46 PM

Fen Line Evening Closures Could Impact Commuters and Visitors

Sep 18, 2025 19:33 PM
flydubai aircraft on airport runway

flydubai Launches New Flights to Nairobi and Daily Service to Mombasa

Sep 18, 2025 19:29 PM
Modern hotel room with cozy design

Exploring Istanbul: New Lodging Opens in Historic Karaköy

Sep 17, 2025 23:51 PM
Ryanair passengers boarding at airport

Ryanair Passenger Convicted After Onboard Assault

Sep 17, 2025 21:34 PM
Cat looking out airplane window during flight

Passengers Can Bring Pets on Select Australian Flights

Sep 17, 2025 20:27 PM
Railway worker in safety gear performing maintenance

Temporary Rail Changes May Affect North Wales Coastal Travel

Sep 17, 2025 20:13 PM

Direct Air Link from Varna to Milan Bergamo Returns

Sep 17, 2025 19:56 PM

New Lodging Opens Near Disneyland Paris for 2026 Visitors

Sep 17, 2025 19:49 PM
Swiss International Air Lines planes at Zurich Airport terminal

Zurich Airport Tests Driverless Buses, Paving the Way for Faster Internal Travel

Sep 16, 2025 22:26 PM
Railway signal light along rural tracks

Essential Rail Upgrades Bring Travel Disruptions

Sep 16, 2025 21:49 PM
Model walking runway in flowing red gown

Global Cities Open Their Doors: Travelers Gain Insider Access to Art, Fashion, and Film

Sep 16, 2025 20:33 PM
Road closed sign blocking empty street during construction

Roadworks to Affect Access to Rotterdam The Hague Airport in September and October

Sep 16, 2025 19:24 PM

Manchester Airport Expands Flights to Unusual Global Destinations

Sep 16, 2025 18:47 PM

From Pasta to Pastries: Interactive Cooking Experiences Worldwide

Sep 16, 2025 12:31 PM
Commercial airplane flying against clear sky

Daily Flights to Vilnius and Fresh Routes from Tallinn This Winter

Sep 15, 2025 22:27 PM
KLM aircraft landing during winter schedule expansion

KLM Expands Winter Flight Network with 161 Global Destinations

Sep 15, 2025 21:41 PM
Passengers waiting in line at an airport boarding gate

Air Canada Maintains Flights and Expense Support for Travelers

Sep 15, 2025 20:34 PM
Avanti West Coast train at a station platform

Avanti West Coast Increases Train Services Across Key UK Routes

Sep 15, 2025 19:29 PM
Modern hotel bedroom corner with bedside table and hanging light

Bodrum Adds Coastal Stays for Future Visitors

Sep 15, 2025 18:43 PM

East Midlands Rail Works to Affect Weekend Travel Plans

Sep 15, 2025 17:36 PM

Caribbean Trips Expand Beyond Popular Destinations

Sep 14, 2025 21:25 PM
Airplane flying against cloudy sky

Norwegian Expands Direct Flights from UK to Scandinavia for Summer 2026

Sep 14, 2025 01:38 AM
Modern hotel room with twin beds and minimal decor

Waldorf Astoria Has Opened in Costa Rica Near Key Natural Attractions

Sep 13, 2025 23:46 PM