Thursday, August 22, 2024 The USA is home to some of the busiest airports in the world. Cities including Miami, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, Denver, New York City, Orlando, Las Vegas and North Carolina are serving as major gateways for both domestic and international travel. In 2023, the busiest airports in the USA have seen record-breaking passenger numbers as travel demand continues to soar post-pandemic.
Below, we take an in-depth look at the top 10 busiest airports in the country: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) continues to reign as the busiest airport in the United States. As the primary hub for Delta Air Lines , ATL facilitates connections across the globe. In 2023, it handled over 93 million passengers, maintaining its position as the world’s busiest airport for several consecutive years.
The airport’s two parallel runways and terminal complex, which includes Concourses A through F, are designed to handle high passenger volumes efficiently. With over 150 domestic and 70 international destinations, ATL’s strategic location makes it a key hub for both domestic and international flights . Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is the second-busiest airport in the United States.
Serving as the largest hub for American Airlines, DFW managed over 75 million passengers in 2023. The airport’s five terminals, A through E, are interconnected by the Skylink train, ensuring smooth transfers between flights. DFW is renowned for its extensive flight network, offering over 200 destinations across the globe.
Its strategic location in Texas makes it a central hub for connecting flights across North America and beyond. Denver International Airport (DEN) Denver International Airport (DEN) has consistently ranked among the top three busiest airports in the USA. In 2023, it saw over 70 million passengers pass through its terminals.
DEN is a major hub for United Airlines and Southwest Airlines, connecting travelers to over 215 destinations worldwide. The airport’s expansive runway system, including the longest commercial runway in North America, enables it to handle a high volume of flights, even during adverse weather conditions. Denver’s strategic location in the central United States makes it a crucial connecting point for both east-west and north-south routes.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) remains a key gateway for travelers to and from the West Coast. In 2023, LAX served over 68 million passengers, making it the fourth-busiest airport in the USA. LAX is a major hub for airlines like American, Delta, and United, offering non-stop flights to nearly every continent.
The airport’s nine terminals are connected by a shuttle service, and recent modernization projects have improved passenger experience and operational efficiency. LAX’s proximity to Hollywood and major West Coast attractions makes it a popular airport for both business and leisure travelers. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is another major hub in the United States, handling over 66 million passengers in 2023.
As a hub for both United Airlines and American Airlines, ORD offers a vast network of domestic and international flights. The airport’s four terminals and multiple runways ensure that it can manage a high volume of air traffic. ORD’s location in the Midwest makes it a critical hub for connecting flights between the East and West Coasts, as well as international destinations.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City remains one of the busiest airports in the USA, with over 63 million passengers in 2023.
JFK is a major hub for both domestic and international flights, particularly to Europe, Asia, and South America. The airport’s six terminals serve a wide range of airlines, with Terminal 4 being the primary terminal for international flights. JFK’s strategic location on the East Coast makes it a key gateway for international travelers entering the United States.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) Orlando International Airport (MCO) ranks seventh among the busiest airports in the USA, with over 50 million passengers in 2023. MCO serves as a major gateway to popular tourist destinations in Central Florida, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. The airport’s two main terminals, A and B, accommodate a wide range of domestic and international flights.
MCO’s strong focus on leisure travel and its proximity to major attractions contribute to its high passenger volume. Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) Formerly known as McCarran International Airport, Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas handled over 49 million passengers in 2023. LAS is a major hub for low-cost carriers such as Southwest Airlines, offering numerous domestic flights across the United States.
The airport’s proximity to the Las Vegas Strip makes it a popular entry point for tourists. LAS’s four runways and two passenger terminals efficiently manage the high volume of flights catering to both business and leisure travelers. Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in North Carolina ranks ninth among the busiest airports in the USA, with over 48 million passengers in 2023.
CLT is a major hub for American Airlines, offering over 700 daily departures to nearly 150 destinations worldwide. The airport’s single terminal design, with five concourses, allows for efficient passenger movement and short connection times. CLT’s central location on the East Coast makes it a critical hub for connecting flights between the Northeast, Southeast, and Midwest.
Miami International Airport (MIA) Miami International Airport (MIA) rounds out the list of the top 10 busiest airports in the USA, with over 45 million passengers in 2023. MIA is a major gateway for flights to Latin America and the Caribbean, making it one of the most important international airports in the country. The airport’s three terminals, North, Central and South, serve a diverse range of airlines.
MIA’s strategic location in South Florida makes it a critical hub for international travel, particularly to and from Latin America. Role of air travel in connecting people and places These top 10 busiest airports in the USA for 2023 highlight the critical role of air travel in connecting people and places across the globe. From Atlanta’s unparalleled connectivity to Miami’s gateway to Latin America, each of these airports plays a vital role in the national and international travel network.
As passenger numbers continue to rise, these airports will remain at the forefront of the aviation industry, adapting to meet the demands of travelers worldwide..
