10 Busiest Airports in the World

10 Busiest Airports in the World
Photo by Scott Fillmer

Airports act as bustling crossroads, connecting people and cultures across vast distances. Some stand out for the sheer volume of passengers they handle year after year. Here's a look at the top 10 busiest airports in the world based on total passenger traffic in 2022:

  1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL): Consistently topping the charts, Atlanta's airport boasts a massive domestic network, making it a go-to connection point for travelers within the United States. Its status as a major hub for Delta Air Lines further contributes to its passenger traffic.
  2. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): A major hub for American Airlines, DFW Airport features a sprawling complex with extensive international connections. Beyond its domestic dominance, DFW Airport serves as a popular choice for long-haul journeys to destinations across the globe.
  3. Denver International Airport (DEN): Strategically located near the center of the United States, Denver International Airport serves as a key connecting point for both domestic flights and international routes to Asia, Europe, and Latin America. This central position makes it a popular choice for travelers looking for efficient connections.
  4. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD): Another major US hub, O'Hare International Airport handles a significant amount of domestic and international traffic, fueled by its position as a commercial center and major transportation crossroads. United Airlines utilizes O'Hare as a key hub, contributing to its bustling atmosphere.
  5. Dubai International Airport (DXB): A global aviation powerhouse, Dubai International Airport offers unparalleled connectivity, with connections to destinations across the world. Passengers can find flights to nearly any continent, making it a popular choice for travel to and from Asia, Africa, and Europe. Dubai's status as a luxury travel destination further contributes to its passenger traffic.
  6. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): LAX isn't just a gateway to the sunny shores of California. It's a major gateway to the West Coast of the United States and a key player in international travel, with connections to a multitude of destinations across the Pacific Ocean and beyond. Major airlines like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines all have hubs at LAX, contributing to its status as a busy travel hub.
  7. Istanbul Airport (IST): A relative newcomer compared to others on this list, Istanbul Airport has quickly become a major hub connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa. Its strategic location at the crossroads of continents and its modern facilities have propelled it to become a significant player in global aviation. Turkish Airlines, the national carrier of Turkey, utilizes Istanbul Airport as its main hub, further boosting passenger traffic.
  8. London Heathrow Airport (LHR): Despite facing increasing competition from other European airports, Heathrow Airport remains a significant player in global aviation. As a major gateway to Europe, it continues to serve a critical role in connecting passengers worldwide, particularly those traveling to and from the United Kingdom.
  9. Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL): As India's busiest airport, Delhi International Airport serves as a vital connection point for domestic and international travel in the region. This reflects the expanding Indian economy and its increasing importance on the world stage. The airport serves as a major hub for several Indian airlines, including IndiGo and SpiceJet.
  10. Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG): A major hub for Air France, Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport is a key gateway to Europe and beyond. Its extensive network of destinations, including long-haul connections to Africa and Asia, makes it a popular choice for travelers flying into or out of Europe.