The latest about the busiest airports in the world and their post-pandemic performance in this informative list.
By: TravelAnne Staff Writers
In a promising sign for the travel industry, recent preliminary data released by the Airports Council International (ACI) indicates that international travel has returned to 2019 levels. As airports around the world bustle with activity once again, travelers are eager to explore new destinations and reunite with loved ones. Join us as we explore the top 10 busiest airports in the world, according to the ACI's recently released data.
10. Indira Gandhi International Airport, India - Passengers in 2023: 72.2M
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is the world's tenth-busiest airport. It handled over 72.2 million passengers in 2023. Despite a 21.4% rise in passengers from 2022 to 2023, the airport dropped from ninth to tenth rank among the busiest in the world. That being said, there is a 5.4% increase in comparison to 2019 figures.
This airport is the primary aviation hub for Delhi, the Indian capital, and the National Capital Region (NCR). With 69 airlines operating daily flights, it links India to over 145 domestic and international destinations.
India draws travelers from across the world for its diversity and beauty. It's no surprise that India could be the fastest-growing travel destination in 2024
9. Chicago O'Hare International Airport, USA - Passengers in 2023: 73.9M
With almost 74 million passengers handled in 2023, Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is ranked ninth (the fifth US airport in the top ten). Although it represents an increase of 8.1% from 2022, the figure is still 12.7% lower than that of 2019.
ORD has more than 560 daily flights to over 150 domestic destinations and more than 45 daily flights to overseas destinations in Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. It is one of the six US airports that support TSA Precheck's Touchless Identity Solution, which speeds up boarding and check-in.
8. Los Angeles International Airport, USA - Passengers in 2023: 75.1M
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is in 8th place on the list of the busiest airports in the world. It had 75.1 million passengers in 2023, which is around 13.8% more from 2022. But the number of passengers is about 14.8% lower than that of 2019.
Los Angeles International Airport is enormous and a treasure trove for travelers looking for unique and precious goods. Even picky shoppers will find an assortment of goods beyond the usual airport mementos here. Also, traveling from LAX is not necessarily expensive; there are some nations that are inexpensive to visit from LAX, including Canada, Mexico, and El Salvador.
7. Istanbul Airport, Turkey - Passengers in 2023: 76.0M
With 76 million passengers through its doors in 2023, Istanbul Airport (IST) ranks as the seventh-busiest airport in the world. The number is approximately 18.3% higher than in 2022. However, IST has outperformed its 2019 passenger totals by an amazing 46%.
IST serves over 350 domestic and international destinations in 110 countries. It is regarded as a significant accomplishment of the Turkish government, and it is anticipated to handle over 200 million passengers by 2025. Furthermore, there is plenty to do in the city in a single day for anyone with a long layover at Istanbul Airport.
6. Denver International Airport, USA - Passengers in 2023: 77.8M
Denver International Airport (DEN) in Colorado handled 77.8 million passengers in 2023, an increase of around 12.3% from 2022. However, there were only 12.8% more passengers than in 2019. Now that it has returned to pre-pandemic levels, a decent rise is anticipated in the future.
Denver is a major transfer hub, serving as a layover for many domestic and international flights. The mysterious Denver International Airport is like no other in the world, featuring retail centers, entertainment zones, and much more. Travelers appreciate the award-winning architecture of the airport as well as the breathtaking vistas of the Rocky Mountains.
5. Tokyo Haneda Airport, Japan - Passengers in 2023: 78.7M
Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND), which had a 55% increase in passengers over 2022, has won the honor of the highest passenger gain in 2023. It moved up to fifth place in 2023 from 16th in 2022, with approximately 78.7 million passengers handled in 2023.
HND is one of the best airports in the world, with outstanding facilities, cuisine, and comfort. It has three terminals. Terminals 1 and 2 are primarily used for domestic flights, while Terminal 3 is the international terminal. Terminal 3 also has amenities, such as Edo Marketplace and Tokyo Pop Town, which have shops and restaurants to explore and are fun places to spend time during a layover.
4. Heathrow Airport, UK - Passengers in 2023: 79.2M
Heathrow Airport (LHR) is a major hub for international aviation, with 79.2 million passengers in 2023. In comparison to 2022, the number of passengers in 2023 is up 28.5%, while it is down 2.1% from 2019.
Heathrow Airport is the primary international airport in the UK, serving 214 destinations in 84 countries and having 89 airlines operating out of it. It handles numerous long-haul flights from all around the world.
3. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, USA - Passengers in 2023: 81.8M
With nearly 81.8 million passengers handled by Dallas/Fort Worth International in 2023, the airport is the third busiest on the list. This is the second US airport in the top three, demonstrating the United States' supremacy in airport passenger traffic. The number of travelers grew 11.4% from 2022 and 8.9% from 2019.
DFW provides nonstop service to more than 193 domestic and 67 international locations worldwide. With updated facilities and top-notch amenities, it provides an excellent customer experience. Plus, there are many countries that are cheap to fly to from Dallas, including Edinburgh, Rome, and Lisbon.
2. Dubai International Airport, UAE - Passengers in 2023: 87.0M
Dubai International Airport (DXB) ranked as the second-busiest airport in the world, with 87 million passengers handled in 2023. With more than 100 airlines, it connects over 240 destinations across six continents.
The number is increasing quickly—it is up 0.7% from 2019 and up 31.7% from 2022. DXB was ranked No. 5 in 2022; its rise to No. 2 in 2023 indicates tremendous growth in the aviation industry in the Middle East.
Dubai's airport is a key connecting hub for international long-haul flights. It is unique in itself, with DXB providing unlimited free Wi-Fi and many other user-friendly amenities that place it among the best airports around the world.
1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, USA - Passengers in '23: 104.7M
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) handled over 104 million passengers in 2023, making it the busiest airport in the world. It has stayed in this position since 1998, except for 2020 (during the pandemic). The overall number of passengers has increased from 2022 by 11.7%; however, it is still 5.3% lower than in 2019.
This Atlanta airport serves nonstop service to over 150 domestic and 70 international locations in Asia, Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, South America, and Central America. Also, ATL made history as the first airport in the world to handle over 100 million passengers in a year.
Passengers with long layovers at Atlanta International Airport will find enough to do and see, including several exhibits, bookstores, a spa, and high-end stores.
Conclusion
As international travel rebounds and airports around the world welcome back travelers, navigating these bustling hubs requires careful planning and preparation. Whether you find yourself in the vibrant streets of Shanghai or the cultural landmarks of Paris, each airport offers its own unique charm and amenities. So pack your bags, grab your boarding pass, and get ready to embark on your next adventure through some of the world's busiest airports. Safe travels!
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