The United States is home to one of the largest airports in the world that facilitate both domestic and international travel and serve millions of people annually. These vibrant centers serve as vital links between people, businesses, and communities from coast to coast. Airports are having to contend with large-scale expansion and renovation projects, a plethora of new dining options and services to better serve the flying public, and a procession of new clubs and lounges catering to affluent visitors seeking to escape the crowd. In 2023, 853 million people boarded aircraft across the United States, which is 50% higher than in 2021 and just 8% less than the all-time yearly record of 928 million passengers in 2019.
List of the Top 10 Busiest Airports in the United States of America
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
- Denver International Airport
- O’Hare International Airport
- Los Angeles International Airport
- John F. Kennedy International Airport
- Harry Reid International Airport
- Miami International Airport
- Orlando International Airport
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport
1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which is situated in Atlanta, Georgia, is a major center for both domestic and international traffic, making it one of the busiest airports worldwide. It has a vast area of more than 4,700 acres and is home to two parallel runways, seven terminals, and more than 200 gates. It serves as the main entry point to the Southeast of the United States.
The airport, which bears the names of two previous mayors of Atlanta, William B. Hartsfield and Maynard Jackson, is essential to the yearly connections of millions of travelers with locations all over the world. Several large airlines use it as a hub, most notably Delta Air Lines, which is heavily represented in Atlanta. Travelers may enjoy a multitude of amenities and services at Hartsfield-Jackson, including a large selection of restaurants, shops, lounges, and business centers. Its modern facilities and effective layout add to its reputation for seamless operations and top-notch customer service.
2. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is a major transportation hub located in Texas, halfway between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth. It is one of the world’s largest airports, covering an area of more than 17,000 acres, and is an essential hub for both local and international aviation. DFW has a huge network of routes that connects travelers to locations all over the world, serving as American Airlines’ main hub.
Five terminals constitute the airport, and each one provides a wealth of facilities and services to meet the demands of passengers. Visitors can expect a convenient and comfortable experience at DFW, with a wide range of culinary options, retail stores, and lounges. Its reputation for seamless operations, especially in the face of heavy passenger flow, is a result of its effective layout and contemporary amenities. Visit Ling & Louie’s in Terminal A for a delightful sit-down meal with inventive Asian food, Salt Lick Bar-B-Que for a final taste of barbecue before departing, or Twisted Root for a substantial burger. Sip wine at the classy Decanted and stuff yourself with smoked meats and sides at Cousins BBQ in Terminal B.
Travelers transferring between various parts of the nation will find DFW to be an appropriate transfer point due to its strategic placement in the middle of the nation. Furthermore, its broad network of links to locations in North and South America, Europe, Asia, and beyond solidifies its standing as a pivotal entry point for international aviation.
Also read: Longest Flights in the World
3. Denver International Airport
Denver International Airport (DEN), situated in Colorado’s scenic landscapes, is a key entry point to the Rocky Mountain area and beyond. It is one of the world’s largest airports, spanning more than 33,000 acres, and a major center for both local and international traffic.
Denver International Airport (DEN) is the main airport servicing Denver, Colorado, and the surrounding areas. Its state-of-the-art, highly functional infrastructure can handle millions of travelers every year. Its distinctive tent-like canopy and large terminal complex are a reflection of the area’s distinctive natural and architectural history. The concourses offer a good selection of meal alternatives for non-lounge lizards. Denver Central Market (near gate A48) has a good range of dependable fast-casual restaurants; Brothers BBQ serves up huge sandwiches; and Breckenridge Brewery drinks local craft beers in Concourse A.
Denver International Airport provides connections to major cities worldwide and a wide range of locations inside the United States thanks to its extensive network of flights. It facilitates easy connections for tourists traveling between different locations by acting as a significant hub for both United Airlines and Frontier Airlines. DEN is well known for its dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainability, integrating eco-friendly procedures into its infrastructure and operations. The airport works to reduce its environmental impact while offering travelers top-notch service, from water conservation programs to energy-efficient buildings.
4. O’Hare International Airport
A major destination for both domestic and international flights, Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is a busy aviation facility located in the center of the Midwest. Having more than 7,200 acres under control, O’Hare is one of the world’s busiest airports, serving millions of travelers and aircraft annually.
ORD, which serves Chicago, Illinois, and the surrounding area, is the main airport and features an expansive terminal complex with four passenger terminals and a wide range of services. A lively and dynamic airport experience is offered by O’Hare, which features restaurants that highlight the city’s culinary diversity and shops that sell anything from expensive items to locally made souvenirs.
O’Hare International Airport is an essential point for passengers traveling between the East and West Coasts, as well as international locations, because of its advantageous location and vast route network. Serving as an important center for several airlines, such as American Airlines and United Airlines, it provides easy access to hundreds of places throughout the globe.
5. Los Angeles International Airport
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is an important hub for both domestic and international travel, and it serves as a top entry point to the West Coast. Located in Southern California, LAX covers an area of more than 3,500 acres and is one of the busiest airports globally, serving millions of travelers and aircraft each year.
LAX, the main airport for the Greater Los Angeles Area, has nine passenger terminals with a wide range of facilities. The airport offers a wide range of experiences to meet the demands of passengers, from fine dining options to upmarket shops and VIP lounges. Los Angeles International Airport is an essential point for passengers traveling between North America, Asia, and other regions because of its advantageous location and wide network of flights. For airlines like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, it serves as a key hub that provides easy connections to locations throughout the globe.
The dynamic essence of Los Angeles and Southern California is reflected in LAX’s distinctive architecture and inventive design, which are well-known. Furthermore, the airport has demonstrated its dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship by enacting programs to lower emissions and encourage environmentally friendly activities across the board.
Also read: Top Airlines In The United States
6. John F. Kennedy International Airport
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), which is situated in Queens, New York City, serves both domestic and international flights. Encompassing more than 4,930 acres, JFK is among the busiest airports in the US, handling millions of people every year. JFK, the main international airport for the New York metropolitan region, has six passenger terminals with a variety of facilities and services available at each. The airport offers visitors a lively and varied experience, with everything from fine-dining establishments to upscale boutiques and duty-free stores.
If you have some waiting time while at JFK, visit the TWA Flight Center, created by Eero Saarinen and now the TWA Hotel—a nostalgic haven of glamor from the 1960s—one of the airport’s most striking architectural monuments. The Paris Café by Jean-Georges serves formal sit-down meals inspired by renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s 1960s in-flight menus, or you may choose from a more relaxed option at the Food Hall, which serves everything from tacos to bagels.
John F. Kennedy International Airport is a vital point for flights between North America, Europe, Asia, and other continents because of its advantageous East Coast position. Serving as a key hub for several airlines, such as JetBlue Airways and Delta Air Lines, it provides direct connections to many locations throughout the globe.
JFK is known for its famous buildings, such as the contemporary TWA Hotel and the classic Terminal 5, which have been brought back to their former splendor. The airport is also devoted to sustainability and environmental preservation, and it has taken steps to lower its energy usage and carbon emissions.
7. Harry Reid International Airport
The airport that serves southern Nevada and acts as the entry point to Las Vegas, formerly known as McCarran International Airport, changed its name to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in December 2021. (It has the name of the Nevada congressman who represented the state from 1983 to 2017.) Over 25 million tourists landed at the center last year; most of them presumably went to Vegas for its abundance of hotels and resorts, casinos, nightlife, and bustling cuisine scene.
If you’re departing from Terminal 1, your best chance is to locate the Shake Shack by the B gates, Ruby’s Diner by the D gates, or Jose Cuervo Tequileria by the C gates for a cool marg, chips, and guacamole to fuel your preflight energy boost.
8. Miami International Airport
Miami International Airport (MIA) is a busy airport for both domestic and international travel, as well as an essential entry point to the Americas. Situated in Miami-Dade County, Florida, MIA is one of the busiest airports in the country, accommodating millions of travelers and aircraft each year on its more than 3,300 acres of land.
Being the main airport for the Miami metropolitan region, MIA has many concourses and a contemporary, large terminal building with a variety of attractions and services. The airport offers visitors a lively and dynamic experience, with everything from duty-free stores to upmarket boutiques featuring the city’s ethnic cuisine.
Miami International Airport is an important center for travel to and from the Caribbean, Latin America, and beyond because of its advantageous location as the entry point between North and South America. With many links to locations throughout the globe, it is a significant hub for airlines like American Airlines and acts as a center city for carriers like Delta Air Lines and Frontier Airlines.
9. Orlando International Airport
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a major airport for both domestic and international travel, and it serves as a significant entry point to the enchanted realm of Central Florida. Located in Orlando, Florida, MCO serves millions of people annually over a vast region.
Orlando International Airport is the main airport serving one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. It has a contemporary, roomy terminal building with several concourses. With a wide range of facilities and services, such as themed dining establishments, gift shops, and easy access to transportation, the airport makes sure that visitors have a smooth and pleasurable journey. Orlando International Airport is a key hub for travelers from all over the world because of its advantageous position near well-known amusement parks like Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort. With several links to locations throughout North America and abroad, it serves as a significant hub for airlines like Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines.
MCO is renowned for its innovative technologies, attentive customer care, and effective operations. The airport’s commitment to environmental preservation and sustainability highlights its position as a pioneer in the aviation sector.
Also read: Best Airlines in the UK
10. Charlotte Douglas International Airport
The Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is a major entry point into the Southeast United States and a major hub for transportation in the Carolinas. Countless aircraft and millions of people travel through Charlotte, North Carolina’s (CLT), one of the nation’s biggest airports.
CLT, which serves as the main airport for the Charlotte metropolitan region, has a contemporary terminal complex with many concourses that provide a variety of facilities and services. Travelers may have a pleasant and comfortable experience at the airport with everything from retail stores and business centers to eating options, including regional cuisine. Travelers traveling between cities around the East Coast and abroad rely heavily on Charlotte Douglas International Airport as a connecting point because of its advantageous location and vast route network. With a plethora of internal and international links to locations throughout the globe, it serves as a significant hub for American Airlines.
CLT is well known for innovative technology, attentive customer service, and effective operations. The airport is a leader in the aviation sector, which is further demonstrated by its commitment to sustainability and environmental care.
List of Airports With Their Rankings and Traffic as per Last Available Data
| Ranking | Airports | Traffic (as per last updated data) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport | 93,699,630 |
| 2 | Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport | 73,362,946 |
| 3 | Denver International Airport | 69,286,461 |
| 4 | O’Hare International Airport | 68,340,619 |
| 5 | Los Angeles International Airport | 65,924,298 |
| 6 | John F. Kennedy International Airport | 55,175,249 |
| 7 | Harry Reid International Airport | 52,667,741 |
| 8 | Miami International Airport | 50,684,396 |
| 9 | Orlando International Airport | 50,178,499 |
| 10 | Charlotte Douglas International Airport | 47,758,605 |
Conclusion
The top ten busiest airports in the United States of America represent the country’s extensive air transportation network, offering millions of travelers smooth travel experiences and vital connections every year. These airports are essential to the connectivity of America and the rest of the world, whether traveling for work or other reasons.
FAQs
What Factors Go Into Determining Which US Airports Are Among the Top Ten Busiest?
Typically, a combination of passenger volume, aircraft movements (takeoffs and landings), and general airport activity levels are used to determine the ranking.
Which Airlines Fly Out of the Ten Busiest Airports in the World?
These airports frequently act as important hubs for a number of airlines, including both foreign and local carriers with sizable operations in the US, such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines.
Which Facilities and Services are Available to Travelers at These Airports?
A broad range of services and facilities are available to travelers, such as dining establishments, retail stores, lounges, business centers, Wi-Fi, vehicle rental services, and links to other towns for transit.
How Are Immigration and Security Procedures Handled at These Airports?
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has rigorous security guidelines that these airports follow while screening passengers. Furthermore, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) oversees the customs and immigration processes associated with overseas flights.
What Means of Transportation are There to and From These Airports?
Numerous modes of transportation are available to travelers, including taxis, ride-sharing services, shuttle buses, rental vehicles, public buses, and occasionally, train connections. In addition, several airports provide easy parking for visitors arriving in private vehicles.
