Global airport rankings reveal resilience as major hubs grow passenger numbers and reclaim top positions

Airports Council International (ACI) World has revealed its 2024 preliminary rankings of the world’s busiest airports, highlighting their resilience amid global uncertainty. Despite ongoing geopolitical and economic challenges, these key international hubs have retained their top positions and are poised for continued growth.

What are the World’s busiest airports

Justin Erbacci, Director General of ACI World, 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.”

ACI’s data estimates global passenger traffic in 2024 to reach nearly 9.5 billion, a 9% increase from 2023 and a 3.8% rise from pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

The top 10 busiest airports, handling 855 million passengers in total, represent 9% of global traffic. They recorded an 8.8% increase on 2023 figures and an 8.4% increase compared to 2019.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport maintained its position as the world’s busiest, followed by Dubai International and Dallas Fort Worth International.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport made the biggest leap in the rankings, climbing from 21st in 2023 to 10th in 2024. This rise is attributed to China’s relaxed visa rules, expanded international flight schedules, and the region’s broader recovery, alongside operational improvements.

Istanbul and New Delhi International Airports also showed continued momentum, driven by airline growth, infrastructure expansion, and increased global connectivity. Both airports have significantly outperformed their 2019 performance, demonstrating the sustained strength of emerging aviation markets.

As airports continue to evolve and rebuild from the pandemic, ACI World emphasises the importance of robust infrastructure and collaboration in meeting the demands of a dynamic global aviation landscape.

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