The top ten largest airports in the United States by area in 2025

Denver International Airport (DEN) is the largest airport in the United States by land area and one of the most vast in the world.

Airports are more than just transportation hubs; they are critical infrastructure for effective air travel. With air traffic on the rise in 2025, major US airports’ wide expanses will allow them to accommodate massive passenger and cargo volumes.

This article examines the largest airports in the United States by area, highlighting their importance and involvement in the aviation ecosystem.

From connecting continents to supporting regional economies, these airports highlight the importance of space and effective design. Let’s look at how they contribute to better travel experiences and stronger airline operations.

Top 10 Largest Airports in the United States

Airport land areas are more than just statistics; they reflect operational capability. Larger airports can manage significant passenger traffic, large freight loads, and many terminals and support infrastructure.

Here’s a detailed look at the top ten major airports in the United States by area in 2025.

Rank	Airport Name	City	Area (Sq. Km)	Passenger Traffic (2023)
1	Denver International Airport	Denver, Colorado	137.26	69 million
2	Dallas/Fort Worth International	Dallas, Texas	69.01	73 million
3	Orlando International Airport	Orlando, Florida	53.88	54 million
4	Washington Dulles International	Dulles, Virginia	52.60	24 million
5	George Bush Intercontinental	Houston, Texas	40.47	45 million
6	Salt Lake City International	Salt Lake City, Utah	31.16	27 million
7	O’Hare International Airport	Chicago, Illinois	30.86	83 million
8	San Francisco International	San Francisco, CA	21.07	50 million
9	John F. Kennedy International	New York City, NY	21.04	62 million
10	Detroit Metropolitan Airport	Detroit, Michigan	19.63	36 million

1. Denver International Airport (DEN)

• Area: 137.26 sq.km
• Passenger Traffic: 69 million (2023)
• Location: Denver, Colorado

Denver International Airport (DEN) is the largest airport in the United States by land area and one of the most vast in the world.

It is known for its white-tented architecture that resembles the Rocky Mountains and serves as a vital hub for both domestic and international aircraft.

It facilitates efficient freight operations and has ample room for growth, cementing its position as a major gateway to the western United States.

2. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

• Area: 69.01 sq.km
• Passenger Traffic: 73 million (2023)
• Location: Dallas, Texas

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) serves as a key hub for American Airlines (AA), with five terminals and various runways.

Its strategic location between Dallas and Fort Worth allows for smooth domestic and international connectivity.

The airport has ample parking, efficient ground services, and excellent cargo processing equipment.

3. Orlando International Airport (MCO)

• Area: 53.88 sq.km
• Passenger Traffic: 54 million (2023)
• Location: Orlando, Florida

Orlando International Airport (MCO) serves as a gateway to Florida’s most prominent attractions, such as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.

Its spacious layout accommodates millions of tourists each year, with cutting-edge terminals, sufficient parking, and easy access to major highways. It also has a substantial cargo sector to supplement its passenger services.

4. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

• Area: 52.60 sq.km
• Passenger Traffic: 24 million (2023)
• Location: Dulles, Virginia

Eero Saarinen designed the futuristic terminal at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), which is located near the nation’s capital. Its broad size allows for effective international operations and frequent transatlantic flights.

The airport serves as a hub for United Airlines (UA) and is an important link between Washington, D.C. and other global destinations.

5. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston

• Area: 40.47 sq.km
• Passenger Traffic: 45 million (2023)
• Location: Houston, Texas

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), named after the 41st US president, connects Houston to major global cities, particularly those in Latin America. Its layout accommodates five terminals, vast freight facilities, and modern runway systems.

The airport serves as a main hub for United Airlines (UA), handling both passenger and freight operations.

6. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

• Area: 31.16 sq.km
• Passenger Traffic: 27 million (2023)
• Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) serves as a hub for Delta Airlines (DL), supporting both domestic and international travel. The airport recently completed substantial improvements, which included a new terminal and upgraded runway systems.

Its strategic location makes it an important transportation hub for the Western United States.

7. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

• Area: 30.86 sq.km
• Passenger Traffic: 83 million (2023)
• Location: Chicago, Illinois

O’Hare International Airport (ORD), one of the world’s busiest, is well-known for its wide terminal network and efficient runway operations.

It serves as an important hub for both American Airlines (AA) and United Airlines (UA). The airport connects the Midwest to both domestic and international destinations.

8. San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

• Area: 21.07 sq.km
• Passenger Traffic: 58 million (2023)
• Location: San Francisco, California

San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which is strategically placed along the Pacific coast, is a major gateway for transpacific flights. The airport has four terminals, innovative cargo facilities, and a focus on sustainability. It provides a variety of luxury services and is noted for its environmentally friendly initiatives.

9. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York

• Area: 21.04 sq.km
• Passenger Traffic: 62 million (2023)
• Location: New York City, New York

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is an important international gateway for the United States, linking New York to destinations throughout the world.

The airport has six terminals and handles a large amount of passenger and freight traffic. It is a hub for several airlines, notably Delta and American Airlines.

10. Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)

• Area: 19.63 sq.km
• Passenger Traffic: 36 million (2023)
• Location: Detroit, Michigan

Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) is a significant Delta Airlines hub and a vital connectivity point for the Midwest. It has contemporary terminals, efficient runways, and improved amenities for passengers and freight. The airport contributes to the economic prosperity of Detroit and its surrounding areas.

Bottom Line

These enormous airports are critical to the United States’ transportation network. Their layouts promote efficient passenger circulation, eliminate delays, and improve cargo handling.

Furthermore, their flexibility to add infrastructure, like as lounges, terminals, and parking lots, ensures that they can satisfy changing demands.

The largest US airports by area are more than just engineering wonders; they are critical to global connectivity and economic prosperity. These airports represent the evolution of contemporary aviation, from helping international trade to enriching travel experiences.

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