Which is the 10 biggest airport in the world?

Which is the 10 biggest airports in the world?

The world is connected by an extensive network of airports, and some of them stand out for their sheer size and capacity. Here, we will explore the ten biggest airports in the world based on their total passenger traffic and the size of their infrastructure.

1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, located in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, is the busiest airport in the world. It serves as a major hub for both domestic and international flights, with over 107 million passengers in 2019. The airport covers an area of 4,700 acres and has two terminals and seven runways.

2. Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

Beijing Capital International Airport is the main international airport serving Beijing, China. With approximately 100 million passengers in 2019, it is the second busiest airport in the world. The airport covers an area of 14,739 acres and has three terminals, including the iconic Terminal 3, one of the largest airport terminals in the world.

3. Dubai International Airport (DXB)

Dubai International Airport, located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is the busiest airport in the Middle East and the third busiest in the world. In 2019, it served over 86 million passengers. The airport features three terminals and covers a total area of 7,200 acres. It is renowned for its modern facilities and luxurious amenities.

4. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Los Angeles International Airport, commonly known as LAX, is the primary airport serving Los Angeles, California, USA. With over 88 million passengers in 2019, it ranks as the fourth busiest airport globally. The airport covers an area of 3,500 acres and has nine passenger terminals.

5. Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)

Tokyo Haneda Airport, located in Tokyo, Japan, is one of the two major airports serving the Greater Tokyo Area. It is the fifth busiest airport in the world, with over 87 million passengers in 2019. Haneda Airport has three terminals and covers an area of approximately 1,210 acres.

6. O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

O’Hare International Airport, situated in Chicago, Illinois, USA, is one of the busiest airports in the United States and the sixth busiest in the world. With over 84 million passengers in 2019, it serves as a major transportation hub. The airport covers an area of 7,627 acres and has four passenger terminals.

7. London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

London Heathrow Airport, located in London, United Kingdom, is one of the busiest airports in Europe and the seventh busiest in the world. In 2019, it handled over 80 million passengers. The airport features two runways and five terminals, spanning an area of 4,741 acres.

8. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)

Shanghai Pudong International Airport, situated in Shanghai, China, is one of the major aviation hubs in Asia. With over 76 million passengers in 2019, it ranks as the eighth busiest airport globally. The airport covers an area of 10,000 acres and has two main terminals.

9. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, also known as Roissy Airport, is the largest international airport in France. In 2019, it served over 76 million passengers, making it the ninth busiest airport in the world. The airport spans an area of 12,467 acres and has three passenger terminals.

10. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, located between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth in Texas, USA, is the tenth busiest airport globally. With over 75 million passengers in 2019, it plays a crucial role in domestic and international air travel. The airport covers an area of 27,000 acres and features five terminals.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How is airport size measured?

Airport size is typically measured by the total passenger traffic it handles and the physical area it covers. Passenger traffic includes both departing and arriving passengers, and it provides an indication of an airport’s capacity and demand. The physical size of an airport is measured in acres or hectares, referring to the land area it occupies.

2. Are these airports among the largest in terms of infrastructure?

Yes, the airports mentioned in this article are among the largest in terms of infrastructure. Besides handling significant passenger traffic, they also have extensive runways, terminals, and other facilities to accommodate the high volume of air travel.

3. Are there any plans for expanding these airports in the future?

Many of these airports have ongoing or future expansion plans to cater to the growing global air travel demand. These expansions may include the construction of new terminals, additional runways, and enhanced facilities to improve passenger experience and capacity.

4. Do these airports offer international flights?

Yes, all the airports mentioned in this article provide international flight services, connecting passengers to various destinations worldwide. These airports serve as major international gateways, facilitating global travel and enabling connectivity between different countries and regions.

5. Do these airports have hotels on-site?

Many of these airports have hotels located within or nearby their premises, offering convenient accommodation options for passengers with layovers or early morning flights. These on-site hotels often provide easy access to airport terminals and other transportation facilities.

6. Which airport has the longest runway?

The airport with the longest runway in the world is King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Its main runway spans an impressive 4,000 meters (13,123 feet), accommodating large aircraft and long-haul flights.

7. Is there a correlation between the size of an airport and its passenger traffic?

There is often a correlation between the size of an airport and its passenger traffic. Larger airports with extensive infrastructure and more runways can handle a higher volume of flights and passengers. However, factors such as location, connectivity, and airline networks also play crucial roles in determining passenger traffic.

8. Are any of these airports located in emerging economies?

Yes, several airports on this list, such as Beijing Capital International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport, are located in emerging economies known for their rapid economic growth and increasing air travel demand. These airports serve as vital gateways connecting these economies to the rest of the world.

9. What is the significance of being a major hub airport?

Major hub airports play a significant role in air travel, serving as transfer points where passengers can seamlessly connect to various destinations. They often have extensive flight networks, offering a wide range of flight options and connections. Major hub airports contribute to regional and global connectivity and facilitate economic growth.

10. How are these airports adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic?

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, these airports have implemented various measures to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers and staff. These include enhanced cleaning protocols, social distancing measures, and the implementation of rigorous health screenings. Additionally, some airports have established dedicated testing and quarantine facilities to curb the spread of the virus among travelers.