Oct 2023
Airports serve as crucial hubs, connecting people and enabling global travel. When it comes to determining the busiest airports, several factors are taken into consideration. The primary criteria for measuring airport activity are passenger traffic and aircraft movements.
Regarding passenger traffic, the number of people passing through an airport is a key indicator of its busyness, including both departing and arriving passengers, encompassing domestic and international flights
Top 5 Busiest Airports in the World in terms of Passenger Traffic:
Here is the list prepared according to ACI database:
2022 |
Airport |
City |
Passenger Numbers (2022) |
1 |
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport |
Atlanta |
93 699 630 |
2 |
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport |
Dallas |
73 362 946 |
3 |
Denver International Airport |
Denver |
69 286 461 |
4 |
Chicago O’Hare International Airport |
Chicago |
68 340 619 |
5 |
Dubai International Airport |
Dubai |
66 069 981 |
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) - Atlanta, United States
With over 93 million passengers in 2022, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport reigns as the world's busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic. Located in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, this airport is a significant domestic and international travel hub. Its strategic location, coupled with the numerous airlines that operate out of ATL, contributes to its high passenger numbers.
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) – Dallas, United States
As the second busiest airport in the world, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport handled over 73 million passengers in 2022. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, situated in the central region of Texas, has continuously evolved to meet the growing demands of travelers worldwide.
- Denver International Airport (DIA) – Denver, United States
Denver International Airport (DIA), nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, stands as one of the United States' busiest airports, providing a pivotal link for travelers exploring the beauty of the American West. In 2022, DIA saw over 69 million passengers pass through its gates, solidifying its position as a vital hub in the aviation network.
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) – Chicago, United States
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), positioned at the center of the United States, ranks fourth among the world's busiest airports, offering top-notch amenities and connectivity for travelers. In 2022, ORD welcomed over 68 million passengers, showcasing its impressive expansion and its vital role in connecting people across the globe.
What are the Key Factors Contributing to Airport Traffic?
The busiest airports have a few things in common. These airports attract many passengers and serve as hubs for major airlines with extensive networks that make it easy for travelers to reach various destinations. They're also hubs for significant airlines with extensive networks, that ease travel to multiple destinations. Strong economies, business travel, and tourism also directly affect passenger traffic.
Innovative Solutions and Technologies Implemented by Busy Airports
Airports are constantly seeking ways to improve operations and enhance passenger experience. Some have turned to innovative solutions and technologies to achieve this goal. TAV Technologies is a leading provider of such solutions, with an extensive product portfolio that includes IT management services and airport operations software.
These technologies accelerate passenger processing procedures and provide a technological background for airports. Additionally, TAV Technologies can implement automation, data analysis and AI-based technologies to seamlessly manage airport systems. As airports embrace the latest technologies, they significantly enhance their capabilities to accommodate a larger influx of passengers and flights. Factors like geographic location, airline presence, tourism and technological development significantly impact an airport's overall activity.