The biggest airport in the world is King Fahd International Airport in Saudi Arabia. It has an astounding 776 square kilometers of coverage. Not only that, but it also features a mosque that can hold more than 2,000 worshipers. Not only are these airports enormous in size, but they also support vast freight operations, handle millions of people each year, and are marvels of contemporary infrastructure. You will learn about the biggest airports in the world by region in this blog.
Find out how the future of air travel is being shaped by these celestial giants!
List of 10 Biggest Airports in the World
- King Fahd International
- Denver International
- Dallas/Fort Worth International
- Orlando International
- Washington Dulles International
- Beijing Daxing International
- George Bush Intercontinental
- Shanghai Pudong International
- Cairo International
- Suvarnabhumi International
1) King Fahd International
The biggest airport in the world by land size is King Fahd International Airport, which is situated in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, and spans an enormous 776 square kilometers. Because of its enormous size, it can accommodate a wide range of services and facilities, further solidifying its position as a key Middle Eastern center. Despite its enormous size, the airport handles about 10 million passengers a year, and its expansive design and key infrastructure allow for much more.
The passenger terminal, the Aramco terminal for Saudi Aramco workers, and the Royal terminal for the royal family and government representatives are the airport’s three main terminals. The main passenger terminal spans 327,000 square meters and includes numerous amenities, from luxury lounges to diverse retail and dining options, aiming to deliver a seamless travel experience. Also, King Fahd International houses a large mosque within the airport grounds, capable of accommodating over 2,000 worshippers.
With its location in the Eastern Province, King Fahd International is a critical gateway to Saudi Arabia’s oil-rich regions. The extensive land area allows for potential expansion, positioning it to handle increased traffic as Saudi Arabia continues to attract global business and tourism.
2) Denver International
Denver International Airport (DEN) is the largest airport in North America by land size and the second largest in the world. It is situated in Colorado, USA, and covers an amazing 135.7 square kilometers. DEN, which opened in 1995, is a significant hub for both domestic and international travel, handling more than 69 million passengers a year. Denver International’s enormous size enables it to efficiently handle heavy passenger and freight traffic, serving more than 215 destinations worldwide.
The airport has six runways, including the longest in the United States, 16R/34L, which is 4.88 kilometers long. Large, fully loaded foreign planes, particularly those requiring additional distance due to Denver’s high altitude, require this runway. The terminal complex, housed under the iconic tented roof structure inspired by the Rocky Mountains, provides nearly 1.5 million square feet of space for shops, dining, and lounges, ensuring passengers have a comfortable experience.
Besides passenger services, DEN has prioritized sustainable practices, including a large solar energy program generating millions of kilowatt-hours annually. Its spacious design and infrastructure expansion potential make Denver International a key asset to the region’s economy and a critical hub for transcontinental travel in the United States.
3) Dallas/Fort Worth International
With a land size of 69.5 square kilometers, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is the biggest airport in Texas and the third largest in the world. With more than 260 destinations worldwide, this large airport, which is situated between Dallas and Fort Worth, is a significant hub for American Airlines and is among the most connected in the world.
DFW has handled more than 75 million passengers a year in recent years, taking advantage of its strategic location in the United States to facilitate travel between the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
DFW can accommodate the largest aircraft in the world because of its five terminals and seven operational runways, including its longest runway, which is more than 4.4 kilometers long.
Each terminal is connected by the Skylink train system, one of the most efficient airport transportation systems, allowing travelers to easily navigate the extensive airport grounds. The airport’s layout and facilities have led to it being one of the most punctual and reliable for both passenger and cargo services.
Notably, DFW is committed to sustainability, with extensive recycling programs, natural gas vehicles, and renewable energy initiatives that reduce its carbon footprint. Its vast size and strategic operations make it an indispensable aviation hub in North America.
4) Orlando International
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the busiest airport in Florida and one of the largest airports in the United States by land size, with a total area of 53.8 square kilometers. MCO, which is well situated close to well-known tourist attractions like Universal Studios and Walt Disney World, handles more than 50 million passengers a year. Given its crucial role in both domestic and international tourism, its large volume places it among the top airports in the country for passenger traffic.
MCO features four runways, the longest of which is 3.6 kilometers long and can handle large international aircraft. A convenient Automated People Mover (APM) system connects the airport’s two main terminal buildings, A and B, facilitating seamless passenger transfers between terminals. A newly added Terminal C expands the airport’s capacity even further, housing state-of-the-art facilities and focusing on international travelers.
Orlando International emphasizes passenger experience, featuring unique art installations, retail stores, and a wide array of dining options. It also integrates sustainable practices, such as an on-site solar power facility that reduces its environmental impact. Positioned as a key entry point for Florida’s tourism industry, MCO’s infrastructure supports its essential role in connecting travelers from around the world to Central Florida.
5) Washington Dulles International
With an area of 48.6 square kilometers, Virginia’s Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is among the biggest airports in the United States. Over 24 million people are connected to more than 125 locations worldwide each year by Dulles, the main international gateway to the Washington, D.C., area. A notable feature since its 1962 opening is its famous design by architect Eero Saarinen, whose sleek, curved main terminal represents the optimism of the time in air travel.
Large, long-haul aircraft from Europe, Asia, and beyond may arrive at IAD thanks to its four runways, the longest of which is 3.5 kilometers long. The airport has plenty of capacity for operations and potential growth because of its large apron and terminal area. The AeroTrain system, an underground automated people mover, helps streamline transit across terminals, enhancing passenger experience.
Known for its efficiency in handling high passenger volumes, Dulles serves as a hub for United Airlines and operates several lounges, dining areas, and retail spaces to meet travelers’ needs. Also, Dulles has committed to sustainable operations, with energy-efficient terminals and carbon reduction programs. As a major East Coast hub, Washington Dulles plays a crucial role in connecting the nation’s capital to the rest of the world.
6) Beijing Daxing International
One of the most technologically sophisticated and aesthetically pleasing airports in the world, Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) occupies 46.6 square kilometers. Daxing, a significant hub for domestic and international travel in China, is situated 46 kilometers south of central Beijing. Its radial architecture, sometimes known as the “starfish” layout, was created to reduce walking distances and enable travelers to go to any gate from the main terminal area in less than eight minutes when it opened in 2019.
With four runways now in use and space for more, Daxing can handle up to 72 million people a year, with plans to eventually handle 100 million as demand increases. Its central terminal, covering 700,000 square meters, is the largest single-building airport terminal globally. The terminal’s expansive, open spaces and natural light create a spacious and serene environment for travelers, while its advanced technology, including facial recognition and smart security, streamlines passenger flow and enhances safety.
Daxing is committed to sustainability, utilizing geothermal heating and an extensive solar energy system. The airport stands as a new model of efficiency and innovation, symbolizing China’s ambitions in global aviation and its dedication to passenger-centered design.
7) George Bush Intercontinental
As the main hub for Houston, Texas, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is one of the biggest airports in the United States by area, covering 44.5 square kilometers. IAH handles more than 45 million people a year and is ideally situated to link North America with Latin America, Europe, and Asia. Five terminals (A through E) handle this heavy traffic, each of which serves a different domestic and international route, allowing millions of passengers to connect seamlessly.
IAH can accommodate the largest aircraft for long-haul flights thanks to its five runways, the longest of which is 3.7 kilometers long. The airport is an important part of the global aviation network since it serves as a hub for United Airlines, which has direct flights to more than 180 locations across the globe. The Skyway tram and the Subway train system provide convenient access across the terminals, ensuring efficient passenger movement within the airport.
Sustainability initiatives at IAH include energy-efficient lighting and ongoing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. The airport also features diverse shopping and dining options, as well as VIP lounges and designated relaxation areas. As an essential gateway to the Southern U.S., IAH’s infrastructure and expansive layout make it a critical transit point for both business and leisure travelers.
8) Shanghai Pudong International
One of the busiest airports in Asia and a major international gateway in China is Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), which occupies 39.9 square kilometers. PVG is a vital hub for both passenger and freight traffic in the Asia-Pacific area, connecting more than 76 million passengers yearly to locations across the globe. It is situated 30 kilometers east of central Shanghai. The airport is a key entry point for both local and foreign travelers due to its advantageous location along the Yangtze River Delta.
PVG can accommodate the largest aircraft in the world because of its four parallel runways, the longest of which is four kilometers long. The airport’s two main terminals cover an area of 546,000 square meters and are complemented by the Satellite Concourse (S1 and S2), which significantly expands its passenger handling capacity and provides additional gates to reduce congestion. PVG’s terminals are connected by an efficient Automated People Mover (APM) that simplifies transit between gates and terminals.
A recognized airfreight center, PVG ranks among the top globally for cargo volume, serving as a key logistics hub for Chinese exports. The airport incorporates sustainable practices, including efficient waste management and energy-saving technology, enhancing its commitment to green aviation standards. Shanghai Pudong’s infrastructure and connectivity make it a vital link in global travel and trade networks.
9) Cairo International
The largest airport in Egypt and one of the busiest aviation hubs in Africa is Cairo International Airport (CAI), which occupies 36.3 square kilometers. CAI, which handles more than 17 million passengers a year, is a major entry point to the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond. It is situated about 15 kilometers northeast of Cairo’s city center. With links to more than 120 locations across the globe, the airport serves as a hub for EgyptAir and is an essential gateway for both business and leisure travel.
Terminals 1, 2, 3, and the unique Seasonal Terminal, which controls peak travel times, especially for Hajj pilgrims, are the four terminals at Cairo International. With Terminal 3 being the largest and built especially for international and transcontinental flights, these terminals together offer a sizable passenger capacity. The airport’s two parallel runways, each 4 kilometers long, allow it to accommodate large aircraft and high volumes of air traffic, ensuring efficient arrivals and departures.
Recent upgrades to terminal facilities have enhanced passenger comfort, including expanded duty-free areas, diverse dining options, and upgraded lounges. In terms of sustainability, CAI has implemented energy-efficient lighting and water conservation measures. As Egypt’s primary international entry point, Cairo International Airport plays a critical role in supporting Egypt’s tourism and economy.
10) Suvarnabhumi International
One of the main air travel hubs in Southeast Asia is Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK), which is situated in Bangkok, Thailand, and covers an area of 32.4 square kilometers. The airport, which opened in 2006, connects visitors to more than 150 locations across the globe and handles over 65 million passengers a year. BKK’s image as a gateway to Asia, accommodating both business and leisure passengers, has been cemented by its pivotal role in Thailand’s aviation network.
With a single terminal structure that is more than 563,000 square meters in size and one of the biggest in the world, Suvarnabhumi can efficiently handle both domestic and international traffic. With two 4-kilometer parallel runways, BKK can handle a large number of arrivals and departures and accommodate a variety of aircraft, including the Airbus A380. The terminal’s design, with its striking glass-and-steel architecture, allows for natural light, reducing energy consumption and creating a welcoming atmosphere for travelers.
Amenities at Suvarnabhumi include luxury lounges, a range of dining and retail options, and an on-site airport hotel. The airport also emphasizes green initiatives, with wastewater recycling and energy-saving technologies. BKK’s infrastructure and passenger experience position it as a leading hub for global travelers in the Asia-Pacific region.
| No. | Largest Airports in the World | Total Area (Sq. Kilometers) |
| 1 | King Fahd International Airport | 776 |
| 2 | Denver International Airport | 135.7 |
| 3 | Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport | 69.5 |
| 4 | Orlando International Airport | 53.8 |
| 5 | Washington Dulles International Airport | 48.6 |
| 6 | Beijing Daxing International Airport | 46.6 |
| 7 | George Bush Intercontinental Airport | 44.5 |
| 8 | Shanghai Pudong International Airport | 39.9 |
| 9 | Cairo International Airport | 36.3 |
| 10 | Suvarnabhumi International Airport | 32.4 |
Conclusion
The aviation industry and worldwide connection are greatly aided by the largest airports in the world by area. The largest airport in the world is King Fahd International Airport in Saudi Arabia, which is 776 square kilometers in size. Denver International Airport is 135.7 square kilometers, while Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is 69.5 square kilometers. Other noteworthy airports are Washington Dulles International Airport (48.6 sq km) and Orlando International Airport (53.8 sq km). These large airports are vital pieces of infrastructure in the modern world since they not only improve the traveler experience but also provide a substantial economic contribution to their respective countries as air travel continues to increase.
FAQs
Which Is the Smallest Airport in the World?
Juancho E. Irausquin Airport in Saba, Caribbean Netherlands is the smallest airport in the world. It is only 1,312 feet long.
How Many Airports Are in the World?
There are over 41,000 airports in the world, including both commercial and general aviation facilities. This number encompasses a diverse range of airports, from major international hubs to small regional airstrips, facilitating global connectivity and travel.
Which Country Has the Most Airports?
As of June 2024, the United States of America is home to the most airports in the world with over 15,800 airports.
What Is the No. 1 Busiest Airport in the World?
The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the busiest in the world with approximately 93.7 million passengers traveling to different regions.
