These rankings are based on the most recent passenger traffic data, showing the busiest airports in the United States and highlighting each airport’s role and significance.
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia
- Known as the world’s busiest airport, ATL serves as a major hub for domestic and international flights.
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- LAX is a major gateway to the Pacific Rim, with heavy traffic both domestically and internationally.
- O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
- One of the busiest airports in the world, ORD is a key hub for both domestic and international flights.
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Location: Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
- DFW covers a large area and is a major hub for flights across North America and beyond.
- Denver International Airport (DEN)
- Location: Denver, Colorado
- Known for its massive size, DEN is a central hub for domestic flights across the U.S
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia
- Code: ATL
- Opened: 1926
- Type: Public
- Owner/Operator: City of Atlanta/Department of Aviation
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airports, commonly known as ATL, is the busiest airport in the world in terms of passenger traffic and aircraft movements. Serving as a major hub for Delta Air Lines, the airport plays a critical role in domestic air travel within the U.S. and is also a key gateway for international flights, particularly to Europe, South America, and Asia.
Key Features:
- Terminals: ATL has two terminals—Domestic (South) and International (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal)—connected by the Plane Train, an automated people mover that allows quick transit between concourses.
- Runways: The airport has five parallel runways, allowing for efficient handling of a large volume of flights daily.
- Passenger Traffic: Annually, ATL handles over 100 million passengers.
- Airlines: Delta Air Lines has its largest hub here, and Southwest Airlines is also a significant carrier.
- International Routes: Nonstop international flights to over 70 destinations.
- Ground Transport: ATL has an integrated ground transportation system that includes MARTA trains, rental cars, buses, and shuttles.
Hartsfield-Jackson is not just a hub for air travel but also an economic engine for Atlanta and the southeastern United States, contributing significantly to business, tourism, and transportation sectors.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- Code: LAX
- Opened: 1930
- Type: Public
- Owner/Operator: Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA)
Los Angeles International Airport, commonly known as LAX, is one of the largest and busiest airports in the United States, serving as a major gateway for international and domestic flights. It’s particularly known for its connections to destinations across the Pacific Rim, making it a significant hub for travel to Asia, Oceania, and Latin America.
Key Features:
- Terminals: LAX has nine passenger terminals arranged in a U-shape, with Terminals 1 through 8 serving domestic flights and the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) serving most international flights.
- Runways: The airport has four parallel runways, allowing for high traffic volumes.
- Passenger Traffic: LAX handles more than 80 million passengers annually, making it one of the busiest in the U.S. and the world.
- Airlines: LAX is a hub for major carriers like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. It also serves as a key base for international airlines like Korean Air, Emirates, and British Airways.
- International Routes: The Tom Bradley International Terminal is a hub for flights to over 60 international destinations, including key routes to Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
- Ground Transport: LAX is connected to Los Angeles through various ground transportation options, including shuttle buses, rental cars, ride-shares, and the upcoming Los Angeles Metro Rail system.
Notable Aspects:
- Iconic Design: The airport is well-known for its iconic LAX Theme Building, a futuristic structure with a flying-saucer design that symbolizes the airport’s role as a major global gateway.
- Renovations: LAX is undergoing significant modernization efforts, including the development of new terminals, upgraded facilities, and enhanced passenger services.
- Entertainment Industry Connection: Due to its location in Los Angeles, LAX is a frequent gateway for Hollywood stars and film industry professionals, making it a cultural landmark as well.
LAX is not only a key transportation hub but also plays a central role in connecting the United States with the rest of the world, particularly for trans-Pacific travel. Its importance to Southern California’s economy, tourism, and global trade is immense.
O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
- Code: ORD
- Opened: 1955
- Type: Public
- Owner/Operator: City of Chicago/Chicago Department of Aviation
O’Hare International Airport, commonly referred to as ORD, is one of the largest and busiest airports in the United States and a critical hub for air travel in North America. It serves as a key connecting point for both domestic and international flights and is a central part of Chicago’s global transportation infrastructure.
Key Features:
- Terminals: O’Hare has four main passenger terminals (Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5). Terminal 5 is dedicated primarily to international flights, while the other terminals handle domestic traffic.
- Runways: ORD has eight runways, more than any other major international airport, allowing it to handle high volumes of air traffic efficiently.
- Passenger Traffic: O’Hare handles over 80 million passengers annually, consistently ranking among the top three busiest airports in the U.S. by total passenger traffic.
- Airlines: O’Hare is a major hub for United Airlines and American Airlines. Many other international carriers also operate flights to and from the airport.
- International Routes: Terminal 5 is the hub for international flights, offering non-stop service to Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.
- Ground Transport: ORD is well-connected to downtown Chicago via the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Blue Line, as well as buses, taxis, ride-shares, and rental car services.
Notable Aspects:
- Historical Significance: Originally established as Orchard Field, the airport was renamed in honor of Edward O’Hare, a World War II flying ace and Medal of Honor recipient.
- Runway Modernization Program: O’Hare has undergone significant upgrades under the O’Hare Modernization Program (OMP), including new runways and taxiways, aimed at reducing congestion and delays.
- Air Cargo Hub: O’Hare is one of the busiest air cargo airports in North America, playing a crucial role in freight and logistics, especially for international trade.
Economic and Cultural Importance:
O’Hare serves as a vital economic engine for the Midwest, contributing to Chicago’s status as a major international business hub. Its strategic location also makes it a key player in transcontinental and transatlantic air travel.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Location: Between Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas
- Code: DFW
- Opened: 1974
- Type: Public
- Owner/Operator: DFW Airport Board
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is one of the largest and busiest airports in the United States and serves as a major international gateway for the North Texas region. DFW is uniquely situated between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, making it a central hub for both domestic and international travel.
Key Features:
- Terminals: DFW has five terminals (A, B, C, D, and E) arranged in a linear layout. Each terminal features various shops, dining options, and passenger services. Terminal D is primarily dedicated to international flights.
- Runways: The airport has seven runways, which allows it to accommodate a large number of flights simultaneously and manage high traffic volumes effectively.
- Passenger Traffic: DFW serves over 75 million passengers annually, consistently ranking among the top five busiest airports in the U.S. and globally.
- Airlines: DFW is a major hub for American Airlines, which operates a vast majority of the airport’s flights. Other airlines, including Southwest, United, and Delta, also serve DFW with numerous domestic and international routes.
- International Routes: DFW offers nonstop flights to more than 250 destinations across 40 countries, including key international cities in Europe, Asia, and South America.
- Ground Transport: The airport is accessible by various modes of transportation, including taxis, ride-shares, shuttles, and rental cars. The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) provides light rail connections to the airport.
Notable Aspects:
- Size and Scope: DFW covers approximately 17,000 acres, making it one of the largest airports in the world by area. Its size allows for extensive facilities, including passenger terminals, cargo operations, and maintenance facilities.
- American Airlines Hub: DFW is a crucial hub for American Airlines, which has a significant presence at the airport, operating hundreds of daily flights. This has positioned DFW as a vital connecting point for travelers across the U.S. and internationally.
- Cargo Operations: In addition to passenger traffic, DFW is one of the largest cargo airports in the U.S., handling substantial freight operations that support the region’s economy.
- Renovations and Expansions: DFW has undergone continuous renovations and expansions, including terminal upgrades and improvements to amenities and passenger services to enhance the travel experience.
Economic and Cultural Importance:
As a major transportation hub, DFW is vital to the economy of North Texas and serves as a critical connection point for business and leisure travel. Its extensive network of domestic and international flights facilitates trade, tourism, and cultural exchange, making it a key player in the global aviation landscape. The airport also supports the growth of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, which is a significant economic center in the United States.
Denver International Airport (DEN)
- Location: Denver, Colorado
- Code: DEN
- Opened: 1995
- Type: Public
- Owner/Operator: City and County of Denver
Denver International Airport (DEN), also known as DIA, is the largest airport in the United States by area and one of the busiest in terms of passenger traffic. It serves as a major hub for domestic and international flights and is recognized for its distinctive architecture and commitment to sustainability.
Key Features:
- Terminals: DEN has a single terminal, known as the Jeppesen Terminal, which is divided into three concourses (A, B, and C). This design simplifies passenger movement, with all services and facilities located within one building.
- Runways: The airport has six runways, allowing for efficient operations and the capacity to handle a high volume of aircraft.
- Passenger Traffic: DEN serves over 69 million passengers annually, consistently ranking among the top five busiest airports in the United States.
- Airlines: DEN is a hub for United Airlines and Frontier Airlines, with numerous other airlines operating flights, including Southwest, Delta, and American Airlines.
- International Routes: The airport offers nonstop international flights to more than 25 countries and numerous destinations in Canada and Mexico, making it a key gateway for travelers to and from the Rocky Mountain region.
- Ground Transport: DEN is accessible via the University of Colorado A Line, which provides direct rail service to downtown Denver. Other transport options include buses, shuttles, taxis, and rental cars airports.
Notable Aspects:
- Distinctive Design: The airport is known for its unique architecture, featuring a tent-like roof designed to resemble the snow-capped Rocky Mountains. This design is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, allowing for natural light and efficient snow management.
- Sustainability Initiatives: DEN is committed to sustainability and has implemented various initiatives, including solar energy projects, water conservation efforts, and programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Art and Culture: The airport features a significant collection of public art, including murals, sculptures, and installations that reflect the culture and history of Colorado and the surrounding region.
- Renovations and Expansions: DEN has undergone numerous expansions and renovations since its opening, including upgrades to terminals and facilities to accommodate growing passenger traffic and enhance the travel experience.
Economic and Cultural Importance:
Denver International Airport is a critical transportation hub for the Rocky Mountain region and serves as a key gateway for both domestic and international travelers. It supports the economy of Colorado and the surrounding areas by facilitating tourism, business travel, and trade. The airport’s extensive network and modern facilities enhance Denver’s status as a major city and a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, business travelers, and tourists alike.