The Busiest Airports In The World, Ranked

Whether it’s for business or pleasure, domestic or international, traveling is a large part of many lives. Even though international travel screeched to a halt during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is back up and running and expected to grow in the coming years. It’s always a good idea to be aware of how busy an airport is if you are flying out of it. This way, you can plan to get there at the appropriate time. Let’s take a look at the busiest airports in the world!

Located in the southern province of Guangdong in China, the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is the primary hub for China Southern Airlines. FedEx, Shenzhen Airlines, and Hainan Airlines also use this airport as a hub.

So far in 2023, there have been over 3.3 million passengers traveling through this airport. It saw 40.2 million passengers in 2021.

This is a relatively new airport, having opened in 2004. It replaced the previous terminal building at this location, which was 72 years old at the time. CAN is the busiest airport in China, having stollen the title from the Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

People who are here for extended periods of time can grab a meal at multiple Asian eateries across both terminals. Standard fast-food restaurants like KFC, McDonald’s, and Starbucks are available as well. The airport is very aesthetically pleasing, housing a graffiti wall, silver cloud heart sculptures, and illuminated passageways.

7. London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

The London Heathrow Airport, located in London, United Kingdom, has hosted 3.5 million passengers so far in 2023. This airport served 19.4 million passengers in 2021.

The London Heathrow Airport is the largest of the six international airports that make up the London Airport system. It was initially founded as a small airfield in 1929. However, after World War II, it developed into a much larger institution.

This airport has chaplains of the Catholic, Anglican, Free Church, Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim faiths. Passengers can use the multi-faith prayer room, as well as the counseling room that is present in every terminal.

6. Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)

The Tokyo Haneda Airport of Japan has seen almost 3.8 million passengers in 2023. In 2021, 26.6 million travelers flew in and out of this airport.

Officially known as Tokyo International Airport, it is the primary base of the two major domestic airlines in Japan. It opened in 1931. From 1978 to 2010, this airport handled most domestic flights to and from Tokyo. Since opening a dedicated international terminal, it has also handled international flights.

Amazing amenities are scattered throughout every terminal. Terminal 1 is home to a six-story restaurant, conference rooms, a shopping area, and a large observation deck with a rooftop cafe. Terminal 2 contains an open-air rooftop restaurant, a multi-story shopping plaza, and a 387-room hotel. In Terminal 3, passengers can take advantage of multiple airline lounges.

5. Dubai International Airport (DXB)

In 2023, approximately 4.1 million people have traveled through Dubai’s airport, located in the United Arab Emirates. In 2021, 29.1 million passengers traveled through this airport. Not only is it busy in terms of passenger traffic, but it’s also one of the busiest cargo airports worldwide.

Dubai International is a hub for Emirates Airlines, which handles about 51% of all passenger traffic. Additionally, this airport is the base for Flydubai, a low-cost carrier.

4. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)

Located in the southern province of Guangdong in China, the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is the primary hub for China Southern Airlines. FedEx, Shenzhen Airlines, and Hainan Airlines also use this airport as a hub.

So far in 2023, there have been over 3.3 million passengers traveling through this airport. It saw 40.2 million passengers in 2021.

This is a relatively new airport, having opened in 2004. It replaced the previous terminal building at this location, which was 72 years old at the time. CAN is the busiest airport in China, having stollen the title from the Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

People who are here for extended periods of time can grab a meal at multiple Asian eateries across both terminals. Standard fast-food restaurants like KFC, McDonald’s, and Starbucks are available as well. The airport is very aesthetically pleasing, housing a graffiti wall, silver cloud heart sculptures, and illuminated passageways.

3. Denver International Airport (DEN)

Denver International Airport in Colorado has seen almost 3.3 million passengers come through so far in 2023. In 2021, 58.8 million travelers used this airport. This is the second biggest airport in the world by surface area, beaten only by King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

There are many amenities at this airport, including three outdoor decks that allow travelers to get fresh air and soak in views of Colorado. There are also many diverse eateries in each terminal.

On long layovers, passengers can enjoy the outdoor plaza with live music performances or browse the impressive art collection. There is even an ice-skating rink in the winter months!

2. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

The second busiest airport in the United States, the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is absolutely massive. It is located across two counties and even has its own zip code! This is the largest hub for American Airlines. About 3.5 million passengers have traveled through this airport so far in 2023, and 62.5 million came through in 2021.

There are many amenities at DFW, including a diverse assortment of eateries, a spa, a nap area, a video game lounge, and a children’s play area. These are scattered throughout different terminals of the airport. DFW is the second busiest international gateway in the state of Texas and the ninth busiest in the United States.

This airport has recently received a $35-million federal grant for its efforts to create a zero-carbon electrical plant. The goal is to cut net carbon emissions down to zero by 2030.

1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia consistently tops the list of busiest airports in both the United States and the world. About 75.7 million passengers visited this airport in 2021. As of February 2023, its terminals have welcomed nearly 4.3 million passengers.

This airport is a significant hub for air travel within the United States and from overseas as well, particularly with those traveling with Delta Airlines, which operates 72% of Atlanta’s flights.

In addition to the ability to transport such a massive number of people, this airport has a lot to offer. There are over 100 diverse food and beverage establishments. Additionally, there are permanent and rotating art exhibits to enjoy during layovers.

Summary of the Busiest Airports In The World, Ranked

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