The top 10 busiest airports in the world by aircraft movements

The following list of busiest airports in the world by aircraft movements is based on figures from Airports Council International (ACI) and displays the top 10 airports in order of total aircraft movements in 2024. Figures are calculated by totalling all aircraft landings and take-offs at each airport throughout the course of the year.

According to ACI World, 2024 global aircraft movements are estimated to be around 100 million, representing a gain of 4.3% from 2023 or -2.6% vs 2019 (i.e., a recovery of 97.4%).

This article was updated on 15 April 2025, based on figures published on 14 April 2025.

1. Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

(ATL)

Acting as the primary international airport serving Atlanta, Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the world by passenger number and is one of the busiest by aircraft movements.

Total aircraft movements in 2024: 796,224

Compared to 2023: 2.6% increase

2. Chicago O’Hare International Airport

(ORD)

Located on the Northwest Side of Chicago, Illinois, O’Hare International Airport is the second busiest airport in the world and one of the most significant transportation hubs in the U.S.

Total aircraft movements: 776,036

Compared to 2023: 7.7% increase

3. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

(DFW)

Located across two counties due to its size, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is the largest hub for American Airlines and third busiest airport by passenger number.

Total aircraft movements in 2024:  743,203

Compared to 2023: 7.8% increase

4. Denver International Airport (DEN)

Generating over $26 billion for the region of Colorado each year, Denver International Airport is the fourth-busiest airport in the U.S., the world’s largest aviation market. 

Total aircraft movements in 2024: 689,368

Compared to 2023: 4.9% increase

5. Las Vegas McCarran International Airport

(LAS)

Located in Paradise, Nevada, McCarran International Airport is the main airport for public and military use in the Las Vegas Valley.

Total aircraft movements in 2024: 613,973

Compared to 2023: 0.4% increase

6. Charlotte Douglas International Airport

(CLT)

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a civil-military airport located in North Carolina and is financially operated on a fully self-sustaining basis.

Total aircraft movements in 2024:  596,583

Compared to 2023: 10.7% increase

7. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Located along the West Coast of the U.S., Los Angeles International Airport is a gateway to multiple international destinations, particularly Asia and the Pacific.

Total aircraft movements in 2024: 581,779

Compared to 2023: 1.2% increase

8. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)

Shanghai Pudong International Airport is one of two international airports serving Shanghai in China. Pudong Airport serves both international flights and a small number of domestic flights. 

Total aircraft movements in 2024: 528,074

Compared to 2023: 21.7% increase

9. Istanbul Airport (IST)

Istanbul Airport is the main international airport serving Istanbul, Turkey. It serves more than 350 domestic and international destinations in 110 countries, while its duty-free area is one of the largest worldwide.

Total aircraft movements in 2024: 517,284

Compared to 2023: 2.2% increase.

10. Guangzhou International Airport, China (CAN)

Guangzhou Baiyun Int’l Airport is one of the top three air hubs in China, and is the gateway to South China. 

Total aircraft movements in 2024: 512,284

Compared to 2023: 12.3% increase.

Passenger numbers

To view the top 10 busiest airports in the world by passenger number – click here.

Cargo handled 

To view the top 10 busiest airports in the world by tonnes of cargo handled – click here.