Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport once again topped the list of the world’s busiest airports in 2024, according to newly released data from Airports Council International (ACI) World.
Its ranking is driven in part by its strategic location in the southeast and its role as the primary hub for Delta Air Lines, which boasts the largest airline fleet in the world.
The data, based on preliminary passenger traffic figures, indicate that global air travel continues to rebound in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. But growing economic and geopolitical uncertainty — headlined by the ongoing global trade war and the possibility of a recession — could take the wind out of the air travel industry’s gains this year.
What the 2024 Numbers Show
Passenger numbers rose to 9.5 billion worldwide last year, a 9% increase over 2023 and nearly 4% higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
The top ten airports alone accounted for 855 million passengers, or 9 percent of the global total.
Dubai International Airport held onto second place with 92.3 million passengers — a 6.1% increase from 2023.
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport — the main hub for American Airlines, the world’s largest airline — ranked third in 2024 with 87.8 million passengers, a robust gain of 7.4% from the previous year.
London Heathrow (LHR) was the busiest airport in Europe, with 85.9 million passengers — up by 9.1% from 2023.
The sharpest jump in the rankings came from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, which catapulted from 21st to 10th. The dramatic rise was driven by the return of international flights, expanded visa-free travel policies, and a broader recovery in Asia-Pacific air travel.
Istanbul Airport saw the biggest surge over a five-year period as its 80 million passengers in 2024 reflect a 53.4% increase from 2019 — the year the greenfield project became fully functional, replacing Attaturk Airport.
Istanbul Airport, like Dubai International, is a mega-hub, connecting travelers bound for destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and beyond. But it’s also a historic city, drawing travelers from the world over.
What to Expect for 2025
ACI projects that global passenger numbers will reach 9.9 billion in 2025, but warns that the pace of growth may slow as the industry transitions from a post-pandemic recovery to more sustainable, long-term expansion.
While advanced markets may struggle with capacity constraints and aging infrastructure, emerging markets are expected to drive growth through rising middle-class demand and continued investment in airport development.
ACI is expected to release its final verified rankings in July based on data from more than 2,700 airports worldwide.
The World’s 10 Busiest Airports for Passenger Traffic in 2024
1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL):
108.1 million passengers — up 3.3% from 2023
2. Dubai International Airport (DBX)
92.3 million passengers — up 6.1% from 2023
3. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
87.8 million passengers — up 7.4% from 2023
4. Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)
85.9 million passengers — up 9.1% from 2023
5. London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
83.9 million passengers — up 5.9% from 2023
6. Denver International Airport (DEN)
82.4 million passengers — up 5.8% from 2023
7. Istanbul Airport (IST)
80.1 million passengers — up 5.3% from 2023
8. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
80 million passengers — up 8.3% from 2023
9. Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi (DEL)
77.8 million passengers — up 7.8% from 2023
10. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
76.8 million passengers — up 41% from 2023
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