Top 10 Busiest Airports in 2024: The World’s Leading Travel Hubs

The world’s busiest airports in 2024 reflect a strong recovery in global air travel. From Atlanta to Dubai, discover the top 10 airports ranked by airline capacity and their key growth trends.
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As global air travel rebounds, some of the world’s busiest airports have seen record passenger volumes in 2024. The rankings are based on OAG’s Global Airline Schedules Data, highlighting the airports with the highest airline capacity.

From Atlanta to Dubai, these airports are shaping the future of aviation with increased airline capacity and growing international connectivity. Here’s a look at the top 10 busiest airports this year, ranked by total airline seats.

Busiest Airports in 2024

Busiest Airports in 2024

1. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL)

For the third time in five years, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) clinched the top spot, serving a staggering 62.7 million passengers. While ATL saw a slight increase in capacity compared to 2023, it’s still slightly below pre-pandemic levels.

  • 62.7 Million Seats
  • Retains its position as the world’s busiest airport.
  • Airline capacity grew by 2% compared to 2023 but remains 1% below 2019 levels.
  • A major hub for domestic and international flights, especially in North America.

2. Dubai International Airport (DXB)

Dubai International Airport (DXB) secured second position with 60.2 million seats, demonstrating impressive growth. DXB’s capacity surged by 7% since 2023 and a remarkable 12% compared to 2019, highlighting its rapid expansion.

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  • 60.2 Million Seats
  • Significant 7% year-on-year increase in capacity.
  • 12% higher airline seats than in 2019, reflecting strong regional and international demand.
  • Key transit hub for Europe-Asia and Middle East-Africa routes.

3. Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)

Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) maintained its position as the third busiest airport globally, handling 55.2 million seats. HND experienced a 5% increase in capacity compared to 2023.

  • 55.2 Million Seats
  • Experienced a 5% increase in airline capacity since 2023.
  • One of Asia’s leading aviation hubs with strong domestic and international connectivity.
  • Continues to support Japan’s post-pandemic travel recovery.

4. London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) secured fourth place with 51.5 million seats. LHR showed steady growth, with a 4% increase compared to 2023 and a 3% increase compared to 2019.

  • 51.5 Million Seats
  • Remains Europe’s busiest airport with a 4% increase in airline capacity.
  • 3% higher than 2019 levels, indicating a steady growth in transatlantic and European flights.
  • A key gateway for flights between the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

5. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

DFW secured fifth place, demonstrating robust growth with an 18% increase in capacity since 2019. This major hub serves as a key connecting point for domestic and international travel, particularly within the United States.

  • 51.5 Million Seats
  • Capacity grew by 7% compared to 2023 and an impressive 18% since 2019.
  • One of the fastest-growing airports in North America.
  • Serves as a major hub for domestic and international travellers.

6. Denver International Airport (DEN)

Denver International Airport claimed sixth position and led the top ten airports in growth, boasting a remarkable 24% increase in capacity since 2019. This expanding airport acts as a major gateway to the Rocky Mountains and beyond.

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  • 49.2 Million Seats
  • Airline capacity surged by 5% since 2023 and 24% since 2019.
  • The highest growth rate among the top 10 airports.
  • Expanding international flights, particularly to Europe and Latin America.

7. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport secured the seventh spot, a relatively new entrant to the top ten. This highlights the increasing importance of air travel in Asia and CAN’s role as a major hub in the region.

  • 48.8 Million Seats
  • Jumped from 10th place in 2023 to 7th in 2024.
  • Capacity increased by 12% since 2023 and 9% compared to 2019.
  • China’s air travel recovery drives growth in both domestic and international flights.

8. Istanbul Airport (IST)

Istanbul Airport claimed eighth place, marking its debut in the top ten busiest airports. This reflects the growing significance of Istanbul as a key aviation hub connecting Europe and Asia.

  • 48.5 Million Seats
  • Airline capacity increased by 5% since 2023 and 15% since 2019.
  • Strengthening its role as a key transit hub between Europe and Asia.
  • A growing network of long-haul flights to North America, Africa, and the Middle East.

9. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) experienced the most rapid growth among the top ten, with a 29% increase in capacity compared to 2023. This surge propelled PVG from 15th to 9th place, reflecting China’s recovery in air travel.

  • 48.5 Million Seats
  • Recorded the fastest year-on-year growth at 29%.
  • Jumped from 15th place in 2023 to 9th in 2024.
  • Strong recovery of China’s aviation market fuels rapid expansion.

10. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) rounded out the top ten. While ORD remains a busy hub, its growth has been slower compared to other airports in the top ten.

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  • 46.9 Million Seats
  • Airline capacity grew by 8% since 2023.
  • However, 7% lower compared to 2019 levels.
  • Continues to be a major U.S. hub for both domestic and international flights.

Top 10 Busiest Airports in 2024

2024 RankingAirport CodeAirport NameSeats
1ATLAtlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Intl62,743,665
2DXBDubai International60,236,220
3HNDTokyo Intl (Haneda)55,204,580
4LHRLondon Heathrow51,553,190
5DFWDallas/Fort Worth Intl51,516,707
6DENDenver Intl49,218,244
7CANGuangzhou Baiyun48,852,986
8ISTIstanbul48,517,967
9PVGShanghai Pudong International48,503,741
10ORDChicago O’Hare International46,992,360

Conclusion

The global aviation industry is witnessing a resurgence, with major airports surpassing pre-pandemic levels. While some hubs have retained their dominance, others, like Shanghai Pudong and Denver, have climbed the rankings with rapid capacity expansion. As international travel continues to grow, these airports will remain at the forefront of global connectivity.


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Manish Khandelwal
Manish Khandelwal

Manish Khandelwal, a travel-tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in the travel industry. Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Travelobiz.com, he's passionate about writing.

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