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The 2024 list of the world’s busiest airports is out, highlighting a global rebound in air travel. From Atlanta to Dubai and New Delhi, these airports saw the highest passenger traffic this year.
International travel has nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels in 2024, marking a strong recovery for the global aviation industry. The Airports Council International (ACI) has published its most recent rankings of the busiest airports in the world based on total passenger traffic, which includes transit, enplaned, and deplaned travelers.
World’s Top 10 Busiest Airports
The 2024 report offers key insights into global travel trends, from consistent top performers to fast risers. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the top 10 airports leading the world in passenger traffic this year.
1. Atlanta, USA (ATL)
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport will retain its crown as the world’s busiest airport in 2024. With over 108 million passengers, ATL continues to dominate global air travel thanks to its massive domestic hub operations and strong Delta Air Lines presence.
• 2024 Passenger Count: 108,067,766
• Change vs 2023: +3.3%
• Change vs 2019: -2.2%
• Rank in 2023: 1
• Key Strength: Dominates domestic US travel with extensive connectivity
2. Dubai, UAE (DXB)
Dubai International Airport holds its second place from 2023 and has seen a solid passenger increase. As the world’s busiest international airport, DXB benefits from its strategic location and Emirates’ long-haul network.
• 2024 Passenger Count: 92,331,506
• Change vs 2023: +6.1%
• Change vs 2019: +6.9%
• Rank in 2023: 2
• Key Strength: Gateway between East and West; global transit hub
3. Dallas/Fort Worth, USA (DFW)
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport climbed to third place in 2024, marking a major jump from 10th in 2019. Its strong domestic and growing international services have made it a central hub in the US.
• 2024 Passenger Count: 87,817,864
• Change vs 2023: +7.4%
• Change vs 2019: +17.0%
• Rank in 2023: 3
• Key Strength: Rapid growth and expansion in international routes
4. Tokyo, Japan (HND)
Tokyo’s Haneda Airport has bounced back to fourth place as Japan fully reopens to global tourism. It remains one of Asia’s most efficient and busiest airports for both domestic and international flights.
• 2024 Passenger Count: 85,900,617
• Change vs 2023: +9.1%
• Change vs 2019: +0.5%
• Rank in 2023: 5
• Key Strength: High efficiency and proximity to central Tokyo
5. London, UK (LHR)
London Heathrow ranks fifth in 2024, moving down one spot from last year. Despite this, the airport continues to grow steadily as a major European hub with strong transatlantic traffic and premium services.
• 2024 Passenger Count: 83,884,572
• Change vs 2023: +5.9%
• Change vs 2019: +3.7%
• Rank in 2023: 4
• Key Strength: Leading hub for transatlantic and European connections
6. Denver, USA (DEN)
Denver International Airport maintains its sixth position, showing strong growth due to its central location in the United States. It’s a key hub for domestic travel and a gateway to the Rocky Mountains.
• 2024 Passenger Count: 82,358,744
• Change vs 2023: +5.8%
• Change vs 2019: +19.3%
• Rank in 2023: 6
• Key Strength: Strong domestic connectivity; tourism-driven traffic
7. Istanbul, Turkey (IST)
Istanbul Airport has shown explosive growth, rising from 28th in 2019 to 7th in 2024. This dramatic increase is a testament to its role as a bridge between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
• 2024 Passenger Count: 80,073,252
• Change vs 2023: +5.3%
• Change vs 2019: +53.4%
• Rank in 2023: 7
• Key Strength: Strategic location; Turkish Airlines’ global network
8. Chicago, USA (ORD)
Chicago O’Hare International Airport moves up slightly to eighth place. While it has experienced modest growth, it still hasn’t reached pre-pandemic levels.
• 2024 Passenger Count: 80,043,050
• Change vs 2023: +8.3%
• Change vs 2019: -5.4%
• Rank in 2023: 9
• Key Strength: Major hub for both United and American Airlines
9. New Delhi, India (DEL)
India’s Indira Gandhi International Airport has cracked the global top 10, rising dramatically from 17th in 2019. This marks a historic moment for India’s aviation growth.
• 2024 Passenger Count: 77,820,834
• Change vs 2023: +7.8%
• Change vs 2019: +13.6%
• Rank in 2023: 10
• Key Strengths: Rapidly expanding international network; strong domestic base
10. Shanghai, China (PVG)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport returns to the top 10, jumping from 21st place last year. China’s reopening and growing international routes have driven this sharp rebound.
• 2024 Passenger Count: 76,787,039
• Change vs 2023: +41.0%
• Change vs 2019: +0.8%
• Rank in 2023: 21
• Key Strength: China’s key global gateway with fast recovery pace
Key Takeaways for Travelers
• Asia’s Rebound: Airports in Tokyo, Shanghai, and Delhi show strong recovery and growth.
• US Dominance: 5 out of the top 10 airports are in the United States.
• Middle East Rising: Dubai and Istanbul continue climbing as global transit powerhouses.
• New Entrants to Watch: Delhi and Shanghai’s jump hints at future trends in air travel demand.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 rankings of the world’s busiest airports demonstrate the ever-changing dynamics of international air travel. While traditional powerhouses such as Atlanta and London remain important participants, the growth of hubs like Dubai, Istanbul, and New Delhi shows changing patterns of international connectivity.
These airports are not just transit points; they are economic engines and cultural gateways, reflecting the increasing interconnectedness of our world. Understanding these trends is crucial for travelers and the broader travel industry alike.
Source: https://travelobiz.com/top-10-busiest-airports-world-2024-ranked-by-passenger-traffic/
