As the world continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, air travel is slowly but surely returning to pre-pandemic levels. In 2023, many of the world’s busiest airports are expected to see significant increases in passenger traffic. Let’s take a look at some of the busiest airports in the world, ranked by passenger traffic projections for the year 2023.

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic and aircraft movements. This year so far, the airport handled approximately 111 million passengers. The airport has two terminals with seven concourses and is a hub for Delta Air Lines, which operates over 1,000 daily flights from the airport. ATL has a variety of dining and shopping options, including local and international brands, as well as a wide range of services for travelers, such as lounges, charging stations, and baggage storage. The airport also features several art installations, including murals and sculptures, and a museum dedicated to the history of the airport.

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is one of the largest airports in the United States, located between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth in Texas. The airport covers nearly 27 square miles and serves more than 200 destinations worldwide. It is a hub for American Airlines, which offers flights to more than 190 destinations across the globe. The airport features five terminals, several lounges, restaurants, and shops, as well as a free Skylink shuttle service that connects all terminals. DFW Airport also offers art and cultural exhibits, live music performances, and a yoga studio for travelers to enjoy during their layover. This year the airport handled over 76 million passengers.

Dubai International Airport (DXB)

Dubai International Airport is the primary airport in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It’s a major hub for travel to and from Asia, Africa, and Europe, and serves more than 100 airlines flying to over 240 destinations worldwide. In 2023, DXB is expected to handle more than 90 million passengers. The airport boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a variety of lounges, shops, restaurants, and services. Some of the highlights of the airport include the world’s largest duty-free shopping area, an indoor garden, and a luxury hotel located within the airport. Additionally, DXB has been recognized as the Best Airport in the Middle East for several years in a row.

Istanbul Airport (IST)

Istanbul Airport is the main international airport serving Istanbul, Turkey. It opened in 2018 and is the largest airport in Turkey, with six runways and four terminals. In 2023, it was the 7th busiest airport in the world with over 98 million passengers. The airport is known for its modern facilities, including a wide variety of shops and restaurants, lounges, prayer rooms, and sleeping pods. The airport also boasts a state-of-the-art control tower and a museum showcasing Turkish history and culture. The airport is a hub for Turkish Airlines and serves as a connecting point for passengers traveling between Europe and Asia.

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is the largest airport in France and the second busiest airport in Europe. It serves as the main hub for Air France and is a major connecting point for international flights. The airport consists of three terminals, with Terminal 2 being the largest and busiest. Terminal 2 also features a shopping mall with a wide variety of stores, restaurants, and cafes. Additionally, CDG offers passengers several lounges for relaxation, including the Star Alliance Lounge, the Air France Lounge, and the Iberia Lounge. This year alone, CDG handled an estimated 82 million passengers, making it one of the busiest airports in the world.

World's busiest airport