10 Busiest Airports in the United States of America (USA)

The United States of America is home to the largest airports in the world to operate national and international flights. The USA’s airports serve as an essential connection between cities, states, and the rest of the world.

853 million people flew flights across the United States in 2023, which is 50% greater than 2021. Merely 8% less than the record-setting annual total of 928 million visitors who took off from American airports in 2019.

Here we are sharing a list of the top 10 busiest airports in the United States of America measured by the number of passengers.

List of 10 Busiest Airports in the United States of America (USA)

According to various ranking criteria, passenger traffic, and flight activity these are lists of the busiest airports in the United States.

1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, in Atlanta, Georgia, is a major hub for both domestic and international traffic, ranking among the world’s busiest airports.

The airport’s extensive network connects 75 international and 150 domestic destinations worldwide. In addition, it hosted 104.6 million travelers in 2023, a 12% increase from 2021.

The airport consists of a 4,700-acre area that includes 7 terminals, 5 parallel runways, and 200 gates making it the largest airport in the USA. ATL Airport receives approximately 4000 arrivals and departures per day.

The airport is an important hub for several airlines, specifically Delta Air Lines. Aside from being a transportation hub, it also promotes business development and tourism in Atlanta.

2. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is one of the largest and busiest airports globally, with 17,000 acres located in Texas.

DFW serves American Airlines as an essential hub with a vast network of routes that connects passengers to different destinations.

In 2023, Dallas Airport served 81 million passengers, an 8.9% increase from last year. On average, DFW operates 1800 flights with over 200,000 passengers per day.

Five terminals, 171 gates, and 7 runways constitute the airport, which offers a variety of services and facilities for passengers’ needs. The efficient layout and modern amenities contribute to its reputation for flawless operations, particularly during peak passenger volumes.

3. Denver International Airport

Located in Colorado’s scenic landscapes Denver International Airport serves as an entry point to the Rocky Mountain Key. It is one of the world’s busiest airports, covering an area of over 33,000 acres.

During the pandemic, it became the third busiest airport in the United States, with 69.8 million passengers expected in 2021. Denver Airport welcomed 77.8 million passengers in 2023, a 12% increase from the previous year.

DEN operates approximately 1600 airplanes per day, serving passengers to 215 destinations around the world.

DIA Airport provides a wide range of connections to major cities around the world as well as various locations within the United States. The airport is a major hub for United Airlines and Frontier Airlines, which serve tourists in hundreds of locations.

4. Chicago O’Hare International Airport

Spanning over 7,200 acres area, Chicago O’Hare International Airport is one of the world’s busiest airports and handles millions of passengers annually.

ORD Airport operates around 760 domestic flights daily to 152 destinations in the United States per day. O’Hare Airport has a sum of 249 destinations with 47 airlines in passenger traffic.

In 2023, 73.9 million travelers passed through the O’Hare Airport, 8.1% higher than the previous year. It boasts easy access to numerous places worldwide, operating as an essential center of several airlines such as United Airlines and American Airlines.

The airport has the best places to relax during layovers including American Airlines Flagship Lounge, Delta Sky Club, and Polaris Lounge.

5. Los Angeles International Airport

Los Angeles International Airport is an essential hub for international and domestic adventure. With over 3500 acres area the airport is situated in California, serving millions of passengers and aircraft.

LAX, the fifth busiest airport has nine terminals with a broad spectrum of facilities and services. Los Angeles Airport boasts over 1500 arrivals and departures daily to 189 destinations in 42 countries in scheduled passenger traffic.

In 2023 and 2022, LAX Airport handled 75 million and 66 million passengers each year respectively. LAX Airport has 70 airlines total with important hubs such as American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines.

The Los Angeles International Airport is a main center for visitors traveling between Asia, North America, and other places due to its extensive network.

6. John F. Kennedy International Airport

Located in Queens, New York City, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)  serves national and international flights. The airport is an important hub for Delta Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines to provide easy connections to various destinations.

With 4,930 acres JFK is among the busiest airports in the United States, handling 62 million passengers annually. As the largest airport, it operates 586 air travel from New York to 191 destinations per day in 80 countries.

More than 70 airlines fly out at JFK Airport, which is the hub of Delta Airlines and American Airlines provides easy connections to various locations throughout the globe.

The largest airport has six passenger terminals with a range of services and facilities available at each.

7. Miami International Airport

The main way to get to the Caribbean is through Miami International Airport (MIA), which is right behind Orlando Airport. MIA Airport which is in Miami-Dade County, Florida, is the state’s busiest airport for passenger travel, cargo transport, and airline operations.

With over 52.3 million passengers, a 3.2% rise from the previous year, 2023 was MIA’s busiest year ever. As the main airport for American Airlines flights to Latin America and the Caribbean, MIA is a transportation hub for the area. It has more than 80 airlines that fly to about 150 places worldwide.

A lot of people use the airport. There were an unusually high 390 peak-day flights in 2023. This was mostly because American Airlines’ winter schedules made more seats available.

8. Harry Reid International Airport

This airport, Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), which is also called McCarran International Airport, was ranked seventh in the US as one of the busiest.

In 2023, more than 25.3 million people used LAS, which was an enormous rise from the previous years. Instead of being a major hub for just one airline, LAS serves more than 30 domestic and international ones.

People like Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines. LAS sees more than 650 flights come and go on busy days.

9. Orlando International Airport

The Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a significant hub for domestic and international travel in America. It is also an important entry to the beautiful state of Central Florida.

In 2023, more than 55.3 million people passed through MCO, representing a significant increase. This massive figure made MCO one of the busiest airports in the United States.

MCO’s actual number of flights served per day may vary. However, on busy days, more than 500 flights arrive and depart from Orlando International Airport.

MCO serves over 40 airlines, making it more than just one large hub. This variety allows tourists to select from a number of locations in the United States and other countries.

Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines are well-known hubs at Orlando Airport.

10. Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Travelers can reach the Southeast United States through Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), which is a major transportation hub in the Carolinas. Numerous planes and millions of people pass through Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT), one of the USA’s busiest airports.

Charlotte Airport is a major hub for American Airlines, making it easy to get to other places in the country. It has a modern terminal complex with many concourses that offer a wide range of facilities and services.

More than 53.4 million people used Charlotte Airport in 2023, which was a big jump from the year before. The airport has more than 15 regional airlines and eight domestic airlines. CLT has flights to more than 180 places, and on busy days, more than 500 planes come into the airport.

The ten busiest airports in the United States play an important role in connecting passengers around the world. The top ten busiest airports in the United States represent the country’s massive global airline network, ensuring a smooth travel experience for millions of passengers.

FAQs