Air travel continues to be a key driver of global connectivity, with major airports handling millions of passengers annually. In 2024, the busiest airports worldwide saw a surge in passenger traffic, reflecting strong recovery and growth in the aviation industry. Here is a breakdown of the top 20 busiest airports by annual passenger volume.
Top 20 Busiest Airports in 2024
| Rank | Airport | Country Flag | Passengers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Atlanta (ATL) | 🇺🇸 | 108,067,766 |
| 2️⃣ | Dubai (DXB) | 🇦🇪 | 92,300,000 |
| 3️⃣ | Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) | 🇺🇸 | 87,817,864 |
| 4️⃣ | Tokyo Haneda (HND) | 🇯🇵 | 85,000,000 |
| 5️⃣ | London Heathrow (LHR) | 🇬🇧 | 83,860,000 |
| 6️⃣ | Denver (DEN) | 🇺🇸 | 82,358,744 |
| 7️⃣ | Chicago O’Hare (ORD) | 🇺🇸 | 80,000,000 |
| 8️⃣ | Istanbul Arnavutköy (IST) | 🇹🇷 | 79,988,272 |
| 9️⃣ | Delhi Indira Gandhi (DEL) | 🇮🇳 | 77,820,834 |
| 🔟 | Shanghai Pudong (PVG) | 🇨🇳 | 76,798,000 |
| 1️⃣1️⃣ | Los Angeles (LAX) | 🇺🇸 | 76,587,980 |
| 1️⃣2️⃣ | Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) | 🇨🇳 | 76,345,000 |
| 1️⃣3️⃣ | Seoul Incheon (ICN) | 🇰🇷 | 70,669,246 |
| 1️⃣4️⃣ | Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) | 🇫🇷 | 70,290,260 |
| 1️⃣5️⃣ | Singapore Changi (SIN) | 🇸🇬 | 67,700,000 |
| 1️⃣6️⃣ | Beijing Capital (PEK) | 🇨🇳 | 67,380,000 |
| 1️⃣7️⃣ | Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) | 🇳🇱 | 66,828,453 |
| 1️⃣8️⃣ | Madrid-Barajas (MAD) | 🇪🇸 | 66,196,984 |
| 1️⃣9️⃣ | New York JFK (JFK) | 🇺🇸 | 63,265,984 |
| 2️⃣0️⃣ | Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX) | 🇨🇳 | 61,280,000 |
1. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) – 108,067,766 Passengers
Atlanta remains the world’s busiest airport, thanks to its role as a major hub for domestic and international flights, particularly for Delta Air Lines.
2. Dubai International Airport (DXB) – 92,300,000 Passengers
Dubai continues to be a leading global aviation hub, serving as a crucial transit point between Europe, Asia, and Africa.
3. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) – 87,817,864 Passengers
One of the largest and busiest airports in the U.S., Dallas/Fort Worth benefits from its central location and major airline operations.
4. Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) – 85,000,000 Passengers
As Japan’s premier international airport, Haneda sees significant traffic due to its efficiency and proximity to Tokyo.
5. London Heathrow Airport (LHR) – 83,860,000 Passengers
The busiest airport in the UK, Heathrow serves as a key gateway to Europe and handles high volumes of transatlantic travel.
6. Denver International Airport (DEN) – 82,358,744 Passengers
Denver’s airport has grown rapidly due to its strategic location and increasing international connections.
7. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) – 80,000,000 Passengers
A crucial hub for both domestic and international travel, O’Hare continues to rank among the busiest airports in the U.S.
8. Istanbul Airport (IST) – 79,988,272 Passengers
Istanbul’s new airport has seen rapid growth, serving as a major hub between Europe and Asia.
9. Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) – 77,820,834 Passengers
India’s busiest airport, Delhi has expanded its facilities to accommodate growing passenger traffic.
10. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) – 76,798,000 Passengers
A leading gateway to China, Shanghai Pudong handles extensive international and domestic traffic.
11. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – 76,587,980 Passengers
LAX remains a key airport for transpacific flights and North American travel.
12. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) – 76,345,000 Passengers
Guangzhou continues to be one of China’s busiest airports, handling a mix of domestic and international flights.
13. Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) – 70,669,246 Passengers
Seoul’s Incheon Airport is a key transit hub in Asia, known for its high-quality services and connectivity.
14. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) – 70,290,260 Passengers
The largest airport in France, CDG remains a major European gateway with strong international traffic.
15. Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) – 67,700,000 Passengers
Consistently ranked as one of the best airports in the world, Changi handles vast amounts of passenger traffic between Asia and the rest of the world.
16. Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) – 67,380,000 Passengers
While Beijing Daxing has gained attention, Beijing Capital still remains a crucial hub in China.
17. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) – 66,828,453 Passengers
Schiphol continues to be one of Europe’s major transit hubs, connecting passengers worldwide.
18. Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD) – 66,196,984 Passengers
Madrid’s main airport plays a crucial role in connecting Europe with Latin America.
19. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) – 63,265,984 Passengers
New York’s busiest airport remains a critical hub for international travel.
20. Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX) – 61,280,000 Passengers
Shenzhen’s airport has seen rapid expansion due to China’s booming travel industry.
Key Takeaways from 2024 Airport Rankings
- Atlanta retains its top position, handling over 108 million passengers.
- Dubai remains the busiest international airport, thanks to its strategic location.
- Chinese airports (Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, Shenzhen) continue to grow rapidly, reflecting China’s strong travel demand.
- Major European hubs (London, Paris, Amsterdam, Madrid) remain key global transit points.
- Istanbul and Delhi are rising stars in global aviation, reflecting increasing connectivity in their regions.
Conclusion
The 2024 rankings highlight the shifting dynamics of global air travel, with significant growth in Asia and continued dominance by major U.S. and European hubs. As international travel demand rises, airports worldwide continue to expand and modernize to accommodate passengers efficiently.
Source:
Airports Council International, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey