The top 10 busiest airports in the world by passenger numbers
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Posted: 15 April 2025 | International Airport Review | 10 comments
In this article, we review which airports had the highest passenger numbers in 2024, based on the total number of departing, arriving, transferring and direct passengers.
The following list is based on figures from Airports Council International (ACI) and displays the top 10 busiest airports in order of total passenger numbers in 2024. Passenger figures are calculated by summing the totals of departing passengers, arriving passengers, transferring passengers and direct transit passengers at each airport throughout the course of the year. 2024 saw many airports largely holding onto the same rankings as they did in 2023 with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta defending their position in the number one spot. However we saw Shanghai Pudong Airport make a big jump back into the top 10 from position 21 last year with a whopping 41% increase in passenger numbers from last year. The jump was said to be fuelled by visa policies, the resumption and expansion of international flights, operational enhancements, and the recovery of the Asia-Pacific region, particularly China.
ACI World Director General Justin Erbacci said, “Amid global challenges, the resilience of the world’s busiest airports shines. These hubs are vital arteries of trade, commerce, and connectivity. As air travel grows, ACI World stands ready to support its members, ensuring the smooth flow of people and goods that drive global economic, social, and cultural progress.”
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 second busiest airport in the world by passenger numbers and aircraft movements.
Total passengers in 2024: 108,067,766
Compared to 2023: 3.3% increase
2.Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Dubai International Airport is the primary international airport serving Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It has an economic impact of $26.7 billion and is spread of 7,200 acres of land.
Total passengers in 2024: 92,331,506
Compared to 2023: 6.1% 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 fourth busiest airport by passenger number.
Total passengers in 2024: 87,3817,864
Compared to 2023: 7.4% increase
4. Tokyo Haneda International Airport, (HND)
Haneda Airport, also known as Tokyo International Airport and sometimes abbreviated to Tokyo-Haneda, is the busier of the two international airports serving the Greater Tokyo Area, the other one being Narita International Airport.
Total passengers in 2024: 85,900,617
Compared to 2023: 91% increase
5. London Heathrow Airport
Heathrow Airport is the main international airport serving London, and is the largest of the six international airports of the London airport system. The airport is owned and operated by Heathrow Airport Holdings.
Total passengers in 2024: 83,884,572
Compared to 2023: 5.9% increase
6. Denver International Airport (DEN)
Generating over $26 billion for the region of Colorado each year, Denver International Airport is the fifth-busiest airport in the U.S., the world’s largest aviation market.
Total passengers in 2024: 82,358,744
Compared to 2023: 5.8% increase
7. Istanbul Airport (IST)
Istanbul Airport is the main international airport serving Istanbul, Turkey. It is located in the Arnavutky district on the European side of the city.
Total passengers in 2024: 80,073,253
Compared to 2023: 5.3% increase
8. 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 passengers in 2024: 80,043,050
Compared to 2023: 8.3% increase
9. India Gandhi Delhi International Airport (DEL)
Indira Gandhi International Airport is the primary international airport serving Delhi, the capital of India. The airport, spread over an area of 5,106 acres is situated in Palam, Delhi.
Total passengers in 2024: 77,820,834
Compared to 2023: 7.8% increase
10. 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 passengers in 2024: 76,787,039
Compared to 2023: 41% increase.
Cargo handled
To view the top 10 busiest airports in the world by tonnes of cargo handled – click here.
Aircraft movements
To view the top 10 busiest airports in the world by aircraft movements – click here.
Related topics
Related airports
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Denver International Airport (DEN), Dubai International Airport (DXB), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport (ATL), iGA Istanbul Airport (IST), Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), London Heathrow Airport (LHR), Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)
Related organisations
Related regions
Asia Pacific and Oceania, Central and South Asia, Europe, North America
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Although Atlanta remains in no. 1 spot, Beijing and Dubai are nipping at Atlanta’s feet! Moreover, it’s interesting that the bulk of Atlanta’s arrivals and departures come from domestic, and not foreign, flights. It’s also interesting that Dubai has grown so quickly that it now eclipses LAX!
It is amazing how top International Airport have the most in infrastructure both in facilities and technologies all over the world.
Passengers are requering more and more services and these 20 selected airports have them all. New services and technologies the very most important facts to serve and satisfy Internation al passenger…and I havehad the experience to be in Dallas Fortworth,TX DFW-US, twice while I was in American Airlines Learnig Center- Flagship University-today.
Really, I was astonished and surprised for all of it.
I’m surprised u didn’t mention Bush International Airport in Houston Texas to be among the top 20 businesses whether it’s domestic and international airports. I’m a flighattendant 14 years with British Airways and always fly out of Bush. Bush is my home hub because I married an American.I’m originally from Oxford England
What would be interesting to note is not how many passengers pass through an airport – but how many of those passengers actually enter the city itself.
Thanks,China appears to be growing steadily.
Amazing! I have recently been to Doha which when I checked I was given an impression that it’s number 6 largest in the world but to my surprise it is not among the top 20! Out of the 20 I have passed through 6, Atlanta and Dubai are amazing!
6 out of the 20! Dubai is class apart in terms of shopping options… Bangkok is another cool airport. Changi and Hong Kong are little over hyped. Outside Asia, loved Sydney and Schiphol – amazing airports!!
Delhi Airport deserved to be in the list. Thank you for including this!
To me, there is no airport like Heathrow airport, especially Terminal 2, the most beautiful and friendly one! I hope no Brexit will bring it down in years to come.
Provably this airport is not it the 200 busiest, but coming to the airport from the capital city os Santo Domingo, this airport have the most beautiful scenery adorn by palms and blue ocean i have seen, and right before you enter the airport ground punta caucedo there is a Native American cemetery overlooking a great encenada. To me this is priceless