10 of the Busiest Airports in the World

Below are the top 10 busiest airports in the world by passenger volume. These airports feature impressive architecture and serve as hubs for many international flights every day. Not only can you dine on local and international dishes from around the world at their delicious restaurants, they also boast services, entertainment and shops where travelers can be pampered, relax, be entertained and buy exclusive items from all over the world. How many of these airports have you flown into?

Top 10 Airports by passenger volume per year:

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Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International

Atlanta, USA 🇺🇸
(ATL) – 104.7 million passengers

Terminal at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport lit up in Rainbow colors
Terminal at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport lit up in Rainbow colors

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), located in Atlanta, Georgia, is one of the busiest airports in the world, consistently ranking first in terms of both passenger numbers and aircraft movements. Serving as the primary hub for Delta Air Lines, ATL connects to over 150 domestic and 70 international destinations, making it a crucial link in both national and international air travel networks. With its unique parallel concourse layout, connected by the super-efficient Plane Train and lined with colorful art, this airport keeps your journey smooth and—let’s be honest—pretty fun! Just hop on the underground train, and within minutes, you’ll find yourself in another concourse, each with its own vibe. And if you’re up for a walk, the pedestrian tunnel features the magical “Flight Paths” LED canopy that gives you that serene foresty feeling, which we all know can be rare at an airport.

But ATL isn’t just about getting you from point A to point B; it’s a whole experience. Grab some southern comfort food at spots like Paschal’s, check out local art installations that celebrate Atlanta’s rich culture, or unwind in a Delta Sky Club if you’re lucky enough to have access. There’s even a meditation room for a moment of zen, and spas scattered across concourses for a quick refresh. Families have play areas, and military members can find relaxation in the USO lounge. ATL makes it easy to love being on the go, with all these little touches that remind you you’re already in the warm embrace of the South.

Dubai International

Dubai, United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪
(DXB) 90 Million Passengers

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is one of the busiest airports globally, known for its significant international passenger traffic and being a primary hub for Emirates Airlines. Handling over 80 million passengers per year in pre-pandemic years, DXB ranks among the top airports worldwide for passenger volume, with flights connecting to over 240 destinations across six continents. The airport supports operations for more than 100 airlines, offering a vast network of routes, particularly to Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Its central geographic location makes it a crucial transit point between East and West, catering to millions of travelers annually and supporting Dubai’s reputation as a major global travel and business hub.

Architecturally, DXB stands out with its modern design, featuring expansive glass facades, high ceilings, and spacious concourses. Terminal 3, dedicated mainly to Emirates Airlines, is one of the largest in the world, with extensive luxury lounges, state-of-the-art facilities, and a design reflecting Dubai’s opulence. The airport offers a range of premium services, including fine dining restaurants, duty-free shopping, luxury retail stores, spas, and even sleep pods. DXB also provides high-speed Wi-Fi, family-friendly amenities, dedicated relaxation zones, and medical services, creating a comprehensive experience for travelers. As a leading international transit hub, DXB focuses on making layovers and connections as seamless as possible, emphasizing comfort, convenience, and efficiency for millions of global travelers.

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport

Dallas, Texas, USA 🇺🇸
(DFW) 81.8 million passengers

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is one of the largest and busiest airports globally, ranking as the second-largest airport by land area in the United States and handling over 80 million passengers annually. It serves as the primary hub for American Airlines, which operates a significant portion of the flights, connecting DFW to over 260 destinations worldwide. DFW’s central location in Texas makes it a crucial gateway for both domestic and international travelers, with extensive flights to Latin America, Europe, and Asia, positioning it as a leading transit hub in the U.S.

Architecturally, DFW’s layout is unique, with five semicircular terminals (A to E) designed for ease of transit and efficient passenger flow. Each terminal offers a range of amenities, including high-quality dining options, retail shopping, and family-friendly spaces. The Skylink train, an automated system that connects all terminals, allows for quick and seamless transfers, while the airport’s art installations, outdoor green spaces, and yoga rooms provide a relaxing experience for travelers. Services at DFW are extensive, with luxury lounges, high-speed Wi-Fi, children’s play areas, pet relief zones, and numerous customer service centers, making it a well-rounded and efficient airport experience for travelers of all kinds.

London Heathrow Airport

London, UK 🇬🇧
(LHR) 79.2 million passengers

London Heathrow Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world and the largest in the United Kingdom, handling 80 million passengers annually in recent years. As a major hub for British Airways and a base for Virgin Atlantic, Heathrow connects travelers to more than 200 destinations globally, with high volumes of transatlantic and European traffic. The airport’s role as a critical gateway between Europe, North America, and Asia makes it one of the world’s leading international airports, serving millions of passengers, both business and leisure, from around the globe.

Heathrow’s architecture is modern and functional, with five terminals designed for efficient passenger flow and comfort. Terminal 5, designed by architect Richard Rogers, is particularly iconic, featuring a spacious, light-filled design that prioritizes traveler experience. Heathrow offers a range of premium services, including upscale shopping with luxury brands, a wide selection of restaurants and bars, and dedicated relaxation areas such as lounges, spas, and quiet zones. It also provides extensive passenger support with high-speed Wi-Fi, family amenities, prayer rooms, and accessible facilities, catering to the diverse needs of travelers. With continued expansion plans, Heathrow aims to enhance its capacity and maintain its status as a top global aviation hub.

Tokyo Haneda

Tokyo, Nara, Japan 🇯🇵
(HND) 78.7 million passengers

Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) is one of Japan’s busiest airports and ranks among the top airports worldwide for passenger traffic, handling around 80 million passengers annually in recent years. As a primary base for Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways, Haneda serves as a major hub for both domestic and international flights, particularly to key destinations in Asia and North America. Its proximity to central Tokyo—about 30 minutes from downtown—makes it an essential airport for both business and leisure travelers, competing closely with Narita Airport, which handles more international long-haul routes.

Architecturally, Haneda combines functionality with Japanese aesthetics, featuring modern terminals with traditional design elements, such as wood accents and cultural exhibits. The International Terminal (Terminal 3) offers a blend of traditional Japanese decor and contemporary design, complete with an Edo-themed shopping area. Haneda provides a range of services, including high-quality dining options that showcase Japanese cuisine, a variety of retail stores, relaxation spaces, and airline lounges. The airport also offers high-speed Wi-Fi, designated rest areas, family-friendly amenities, and prayer rooms. Known for its cleanliness, efficiency, and attention to passenger comfort, Haneda consistently ranks among the top airports in the world for overall passenger experience.

Denver International Airport

Denver, Colorado, USA 🇺🇸
(DEN) – 78 million passengers

Denver International Airport (DEN) is one of the largest and busiest airports in the United States, serving over 70 million passengers annually as of recent years. Known for its extensive domestic network, DEN operates flights to over 200 destinations, with major carriers like United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Frontier Airlines using it as a hub. Located centrally in the U.S., Denver is a critical link for east-west connections and has become one of the nation’s top airports for domestic traffic. International connections are growing as well, with flights to key global destinations in North America, Europe, Asia, and Central America.

The architecture of DEN is iconic, with its distinctive white-peaked roof resembling snow-capped mountains, reflecting the nearby Rocky Mountains. Inside, the airport emphasizes open spaces and natural lighting, with artworks and installations throughout, including the famous “Mustang” sculpture and various rotating art exhibitions.

With all of the great ski destinations close by, the airport boasts the only automated custom ski bag carousel I have ever seen at an airport. Denver International Airport provides a range of services designed to enhance the travel experience, including extensive shopping and dining options featuring local Colorado flavors, high-speed Wi-Fi, relaxation areas, and children’s play zones. Recently, DEN has been undergoing upgrades to expand terminal capacities and improve amenities, positioning itself to handle future growth in passenger volume and ensuring a smooth, efficient travel experience for both leisure and business travelers.

Los Angeles International Airport

 Los Angeles, California, United States 🇺🇸
(LAX) – 76.4 million passengers

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the busiest airports in the world and serves as a major gateway to the United States, especially for trans-Pacific travel. With passenger traffic exceeding 80 million in recent years, LAX connects travelers to over 180 destinations across North America, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. It serves as a primary hub for major U.S. carriers, including American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, as well as for international airlines such as Korean Air and Qantas. LAX is an essential hub for both domestic and international flights, and its strategic West Coast location makes it a key point of entry for flights from Asia and Oceania.

LAX’s architecture is characterized by its nine interconnected terminals arranged in a horseshoe shape, with the iconic Theme Building—a mid-century design symbolizing Los Angeles—standing at its center. Recently, LAX has been undergoing significant renovations to modernize its terminals, including the construction of the Tom Bradley International Terminal, which features open spaces, natural light, and extensive art installations. LAX offers a wide array of services, from luxury shopping and diverse dining options to airline lounges and family-friendly facilities. Additional amenities include high-speed Wi-Fi, pet relief areas, and passenger assistance services, catering to the diverse needs of its large international traveler base. Continuous upgrades are enhancing LAX’s infrastructure, aiming to improve passenger flow and create a world-class experience at one of the world’s most trafficked airports.

Istanbul Airport

 Istanbul, Turkey 🇹🇷
(IST) – 75.1 million passengers

Istanbul Airport (IST) is one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing airports, designed to handle over 90 million passengers annually, with a future capacity goal of 200 million. Opened in 2018 to replace Atatürk Airport as the primary international gateway to Turkey, IST serves as a major hub for Turkish Airlines, connecting passengers to over 300 destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Due to its strategic location bridging Europe and Asia, Istanbul Airport has quickly become a critical transit hub for international flights, enhancing Turkey’s role in global aviation.

Architecturally, Istanbul Airport is a masterpiece of modern design, featuring an expansive, high-ceilinged terminal with extensive use of glass and natural light. The main terminal is one of the largest in the world under a single roof and incorporates Turkish motifs into its sleek, contemporary design. Istanbul Airport provides a range of high-end services, including luxury shopping, an array of dining options that highlight Turkish and international cuisines, relaxation areas, and multiple airline lounges. Amenities are extensive, with services such as high-speed Wi-Fi, children’s play areas, prayer rooms, and even a dedicated sleeping area for long-haul travelers. With its efficient layout, state-of-the-art facilities, and focus on passenger comfort, Istanbul Airport has rapidly gained a reputation for delivering a world-class airport experience.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport

Chicago, Illinois, USA 🇺🇸
(ORD) 72.9 million passengers

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is one of the busiest airports in the world, consistently ranking among the top in the U.S. for both passenger volume and aircraft movements. ORD serves as a major hub for both United Airlines and American Airlines, supporting a vast network of domestic and international flights across hundreds of destinations. Its central location in the Midwest makes it a key connecting point for transcontinental and transatlantic flights, enhancing Chicago’s role as a vital aviation hub for both leisure and business travel.

O’Hare’s architecture is notable for blending functionality with modern design, featuring four interconnected terminals and a distinctive, glass-covered “people mover” system connecting them. Currently undergoing a multi-billion-dollar redevelopment project known as O’Hare 21, the airport is expanding and modernizing to accommodate future passenger growth. ORD offers a wide array of services, including luxury lounges, diverse dining options, extensive duty-free shopping, and premium amenities for travelers. Art installations and green spaces, including an indoor urban garden in Terminal 3, add to the airport’s appeal, while comprehensive traveler assistance services and amenities ensure a comfortable experience for all passengers.

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

Paris, France 🇫🇷
(CDG) – 72.4 million passengers

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is France’s largest and busiest airport, handling over 70 million passengers annually in recent years, making it one of Europe’s primary air travel hubs. Serving as a major hub for Air France and a key point of entry to Europe, CDG offers connections to over 300 destinations worldwide. Located about 25 kilometers from central Paris, it plays a crucial role in connecting Europe with destinations in North America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. CDG’s three main terminals are designed to accommodate both long-haul international flights and high volumes of transit passengers.

The architecture of Charles de Gaulle Airport is distinctive, with its modern, avant-garde design that includes glass facades and cylindrical structures, particularly evident in Terminal 1’s circular layout. Terminal 2, a sprawling complex of interconnected halls, primarily serves Air France and its SkyTeam partners, while Terminal 3 caters to budget and charter airlines. CDG provides a range of services, including high-end shopping with French luxury brands, a variety of French and international dining options, airline lounges, and family-friendly amenities. Passengers can also access high-speed Wi-Fi, art installations, and dedicated relaxation areas, enhancing the travel experience. As part of ongoing improvements, the airport continues to upgrade its facilities to streamline passenger flow and maintain its status as one of Europe’s leading airports.

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Have you ever had a surprisingly delightful layover at one of these busy airports? Any helpful tips or hacks that would make travel to or through one of these locations? Let us know in the comments!

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