Top 10 Busiest Airports in the World: Rankings, Amenities, and Sustainability Efforts

 

Some of the busiest airports in the world are in the United States. The common factors among these airports are ample space, several flights and good amenities. Here are the 2023 rankings for the busiest airports in the world.

 

Top 10 Busiest Airports in the World in 2024:-

1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

With 104.65 million passengers passing through its terminals last year, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport remains an important connecting hub. Especially for those travelling domestically with Delta Air Lines and partners. There are two main reasons for ATL’s significance. Firstly, It has some of the best airport lounges with atleast one Delta Sky Club in each of the seven concourses. Other lounges include the American Airlines Admirals Club, United Club and the Club at ATL.  Secondly, Atlanta’s massive airport has an excellent choice of restaurants. In recent years, it has increased numbers manifold with more than 100 food and beverage joints. 

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2. Dubai International Airport

This is one of the most popular connecting terminals for international travel. This airport has seen a growth from 27th position in 2021 to 2nd position in 2023. Dubai International Airport is expansive and well-organised. It has three terminals. In Terminal 1, nine lounges are present, including British Airways, Lufthansa lounges and a Sky Team. Travellers are spoilt for choice with a plethora of restaurants, shops, and luxury retail being available at this airport.  International chains such as Krispy Kreme, Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck, Pret A Manger, Shack Shack etc are available in almost every terminal. Terminal 3, is for the plush Emirates carrier with its lounge and a range of restaurants and duty-free shops. 

 

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3. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

DFW, as it’s commonly called is huge covering more than 26 square miles. Passengers often have to walk miles to get across to their respective gates. There are five terminals and 168 gates at the DFW. Prominent lounges include American Airlines Flagship First Lounge, Admirals Clubs, Delta Sky Club, United Club, Capital One Lounge, Centurion Lounge, and the Club. Popular restaurants are aplenty at this airport, with varied food and price ranges. Another prominent element at DFW includes massage, nail and haircut salons spas and a video game lounge called Gameway. A positive aspect of the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is the zero-carbon electrical plant it intends to set up with a grant received from the Government. This will enable net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. 

 

 

4. London Heathrow

One of the most popular airports in the world. Heathrow has more than 67 million passengers travelling through every year. 90 airlines are travelling to over 180 destinations from here. Heathrow has four busy terminals with enough services at each terminal. Heathrow offers the advantage of an online restaurant directory with links to menus for every airport venue. Individual diets like vegan, gluten-free and kids menus are also available.  Hurried travellers can also avail of a mobile pickup app. Heathrow International Airport is also home to plenty of lounges, three airport hotels, Play zones, and a Be Relax spa. Luxury and premium brands are easily found in every terminal for serious shoppers. 

 

 

5. Tokyo Haneda International Airport

There are two airports that service Tokyo, one of them being Haneda. The other is Narita International Airport. Haneda airport has seen an increase of 55% in traveller visits, from 2022 to 2023. It has the advantage of being much closer to the city compared to Narita. It has numerous international airlines, such as American, United, Air Canada, British Airways, Lufthansa, KLM, Singapore Airlines, and Qantas flying out there. There are several fun features at the Haneda airport. There is the Edo marketplace that looks like a traditional Tokyo street with food stands and souvenir shops. Anime is one of Japan’s USPs, there is a section for Anime lovers called ‘Tokyo Pop Tow with shops all about anime characters. Further, a ‘Starry Cafe Planetarium’ featuring a real planetarium is an additional feature of this airport. 

6. Denver International Airport

This is another expansive airport. In late 2022, DEN completed a capacity expansion project that enabled 39 new gates to be added to the mountain hub, bringing the total number of gates to 90.  Another cool feature of DEN is the outdoor ice skating rink and live performances (from Nov-Jan). Additionally, there are three outdoor decks, family seating areas, nursing rooms and a wide range of restaurants and breweries. 

 

 

7. Istanbul Airport

Located 22 miles north of the city centre, Istanbul Airport will soon have six runways. The new airport’s terminal is inspired by Istanbul’s traditional domed mosques and baths. The air traffic control tower’s shape is derived from the beautiful tulip symbol. Some of the other fantastic facilities include the Turkish Airways lounge which offers authentic Turkish cuisine, relaxation areas, shower facilities and a children’s area. International food, dessert and coffee chains are seen all across the airport. 

 

 

8. Los Angeles International Airport

LAX is the most important airport in California. Key features include art installations and ample food and beverage experiences. The fun element is the surf-themed play area in the Tom Bradley International Terminal. 

 

 

9. Chicago O’Hare International Airport 

This is one of the biggest connecting airports in the USA. Lt has 193 gates and four terminals. Besides a wide variety of food options, it also has the Hilton Athletic Club selling passes for access to the steam room, sauna, and locker rooms.  

 

 

10. New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport

An impressive and spacious airport that consists of three terminals. Terminal 3 is remarkably the first carbon-neutral airport in the Asia Pacific Region. Several lounges,  services, restaurants, cafes and premium shops are set up in Terminal 3. Interestingly, the airport features a gaming room called Amoeba. There is also flight simulator called the Cockpit which is popular among many a flyer.

The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta and Dallas Forth Worth International Airports in USA, continue to top the list of the busiest airports in the world. Dubai International and New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International airports are in the top rankings now, due to the great service and sustainable efforts being made. Ample space, a wide range of restaurants,  multiple flight connections and consistent service continue to be the reason for certain airports to be on top of the list every year.