The summer travel season is approaching fast and travelers may be wondering what the best airports to fly in and out from are. Well, the bigger the airport, the busier it’ll be this summer; leaving many weighing their options.
To accommodate more travelers, some airports are much bigger than others. Worldwide, there are more than 41,000 airports, some of which are very large. Imagine airports so big that strolling through their terminals is like strolling through a small city. These giant, international travel hubs are gearing up for massive amounts of travelers as summer approaches.
So which airports are the biggest in the world? Here are a few gigantic airports that stay busy all year round getting travelers where they need to be.
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport – Guangzhou
China is home to a few of the world’s biggest airports but the largest in the country is Guangzhou Baiyun. The airport served over 43 million passengers in 2021, more than any other airport in the world according to the World Population Review. Guangzhou overtook Atlanta for the biggest airport in the world last year after Hartfield-Jackson held the number one spot for 20 consecutive years.
Guangzhou is the largest port of entry into Southern China so it’s no surprise this airport giant boasts the most travelers and the largest size. It was built in the 1930s and covers approximately 18 square kilometers.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport – Atlanta
Located in one of the biggest travel and business hotspots in America, Hartfield-Jackson typically is considered one of the biggest airport in the world. Although it’s not number one, ATL still reigns as an airport among airports with it comes to its size.
According to World Population Review, Hartsfield-Jackson served over 42 million people last year. With its train transport, elaborate design, and vibrant terminals, Atlanta continues to be a favorite, and one of the biggest, travel hubs with flights getting passengers where they need to be.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport – Dallas
Dallas Forth Worth is one of the faves and biggest airports in the world. The airport serviced 33 million passengers in 2021 making it the 4th biggest airport. Folks love the airport’s Skylink, whisking them to their terminals quickly and efficiently. The airport also has a yoga studio, on-site therapy dogs, and a gaming room for passengers waiting to board their flights. DFW covers over 17 thousand acres and is larger than the states of Connecticut, Delaware, and Rhode Island combined.
Denver International Airport – Denver
The World Population Review ranked Denver International Airport as the 8th biggest airport in the world. The airport served over 33 million passengers in 2021. This year, the airport has aided 69 million travelers to reach their destination, according to the airport.
According to Simply Flying, Denver International Airport is the biggest airport by land mass in the United States covering 52.4 square miles. One of the more artistically decorated airports in the country with outdoor seating for travelers who need some fresh air, Denver International remains one of the biggest airports in the world.
Suvarnabhumi Airport – Bangkok
Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok is spread out over 8,000 acres and is one of the largest airports in Southeast Asia, according to Airport Suppliers. The airport opened in 2006 and 95 airlines fly in and out of the hub. Named after the Sanskrit word for “land of gold,” Suvarnabhumi is also the biggest and most important airport in Thailand. The airport can handle over 45 million visitors each year, according to IndiGo, has two runways, and a Sky Lane where passengers can enjoy cycling fun while waiting to take off. It handles 3 million tons of cargo a year and an underground rail system that gets passengers to their terminals.
King Fahd International – Dammam
The world’s largest airport, King Fahd International Airport, is situated in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. When it opened in 1999, this airport boasted the world’s largest land area—nearly 780 square kilometers. Some of the many facilities situated on its expansive grounds include modern terminals, cargo facilities, and a Royal Terminal designated for the Saudi royal family. Even with its size, Hajj pilgrimage planes account for the majority of its relatively modest passenger traffic.
It fosters global connectivity by serving as a major hub for both domestic and international aviation. The airport features a robust infrastructure, with two parallel runways and an advanced air traffic control system to ensure smooth operations. King Fahd International Airport puts its patrons’ comfort first by offering state-of-the-art amenities and services that are designed to enhance the traveler experience. Its favorable location in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province contributes to its significance as a significant entry point for both business and leisure travelers.
Orlando International – Orlando
Orlando, Florida’s Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a busy and dynamic aviation hub. Since it first opened for business in 1981, this airport has grown to be a significant player in the global air transportation network. Orlando International Airport is one of the largest airports in the world in terms of land area, covering more than 53.8 square kilometers.
The airport, which has four runways and a well-planned layout, efficiently manages a large number of domestic and international flights, acting as a crucial conduit for passengers to go to their intended locations. Orlando International Airport’s strategic location in the heart of Florida, a well-liked travel destination, has substantially contributed to its expansion. Orlando International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the nation, handles millions of passengers annually with a range of travel requirements.
Washington Dulles International – Washington D.C.
As a significant gateway to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region, Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is crucial in providing traveler connections to both domestic and overseas places. Established in 1962, Dulles Airport spans 48.6 square kilometers. It stands out for having an original primary terminal design and a useful layout.
With four runways and multiple concourses, Washington Dulles International Airport is one of the busiest airports on the US East Coast and can accommodate a large number of aircraft. Its favorable position contributes to its significance as a significant hub for domestic and international flights.
The passenger experience is given top priority at Dulles Airport, as seen by its cutting-edge amenities and services. The airport provides an array of amenities, including dining options, retail stores, business centers, and lounges, to cater to the diverse demands of passengers. The AeroTrain system facilitates faster and easier transit between airport entrances while also enhancing communication within the airport.
Beijing Daxing International – Beijing
Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) in China is a marvel of modern aviation infrastructure and technology. With its September 2019 opening, this airport served as a testament to the country’s commitment to the advancement of aviation. Among the biggest airports in the world, spanning 46.6 square kilometers, it is conveniently located close to Beijing’s Daxing District.
The terminal building of Beijing Daxing International Airport is shaped like a star and has an innovative, contemporary design that ensures smooth, convenient passenger movement. With four runways and the ability to accommodate a sizable number of aircraft, both foreign and domestic, the airport is crucial to China’s standing as a major aviation hub.
The George W. Bush International – Houston
Texas, USA’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is a major aviation hub serving the Houston metropolitan area. The airport has grown to be among the busiest and most significant in the nation since it was established in June 1969. Situated on 44.5 square kilometers of land, it functions as a major air transportation hub for both domestic and international aircraft.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport, which has five terminals and five runways, can manage a significant number of flights with efficiency, making it an essential hub for people flying throughout the world. Its prominent position in the aviation transportation network is further enhanced by its advantageous position in Houston, a significant economic and cultural hub.
Shanghai Pudong International – Shanghai
The bustling Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) serves as a gateway to one of the most vibrant and significant cities for the Chinese economy. Pudong Airport was established in 1999 and has grown to be one of the busiest and biggest airports globally. Encompassing an impressive area of approximately 39.9 square kilometers, this airport is not only among the largest in China but also plays a significant role in international aviation.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport’s numerous runways and two main terminals enable it to efficiently accommodate flights from all over the world. It is a major hub for travelers traveling to and from Europe, Asia, and other continents because of its ideal location. Its role as an essential link in China’s aviation network and its standing as a major global hub underscore its relevance in facilitating the flow of people and products around the world.
Cairo International – Cairo
Egypt’s principal international gateway, Cairo International Airport (CAI), is crucial to the country’s international links. Since its initial opening in 1945, the airport has grown to rank among the Middle East’s and Africa’s most significant aviation hubs. Cairo International Airport covers 36.3 square kilometers and is conveniently located northeast of Cairo, close to Heliopolis.
Cairo International Airport’s four terminals as well as three runways enable it to efficiently handle a wide range of both domestic and foreign aircraft. It is much more useful as a hub for tourists flying across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe because of its advantageous location.
Suvarnabhumi International – Thailand
Finally, On our list is Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), the main international gateway to Thailand and one of the major air traffic hubs in Southeast Asia. The 2006 opening of Suvarnabhumi Airport places it around 25 kilometers east of Bangkok’s downtown. And at 32.4 square kilometers, it is one of the world’s largest international airports in terms of surface area.
Suvarnabhumi Airport can handle a large number of local and international aircraft because to its two parallel runways and two terminal buildings. Its favorable location in Bangkok, a well-liked tourist destination, contributes to its significance as a significant hub for transporting passengers to numerous locations across the globe.
Beyond Size
It’s critical to keep in mind that “largest” might have multiple meanings. Even if size is remarkable, airports like Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport are strong challengers because some rankings concentrate on passenger flow.
Huge airports are being constructed by nations all over the world to meet the increasing demand for tourism and travel. With their cutting-edge amenities, these airports connect continents and countries and welcome millions of people each day. Take a moment to appreciate the size of a big airport the next time you travel through one. These massive facilities are examples of the engineering wonders and human creativity that keep the world connected. Who knows, maybe in the middle of the chaos you’ll see some fascinating species!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Airport Is The World’s Smallest? The tiniest airport in the world is located in Saba, Caribbean Netherlands and is called Juancho E. Irausquin Airport. Its length is just 1,312 feet.
Is Dubai International Airport Smaller Than Doha Airport? No, Doha Airport is not as large as Dubai Airport. The area of Dubai International Airport is 2,900 hectares, whilst Doha International Airport occupies 2,200 hectares.
Which Country Has The Most Airports? With 13,513 airports, the United States of America is the country with the most airports worldwide.
Which Airport In The World Is The Busiest? With over 93.7 million people flying to various locations, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the busiest airport in the world.
