Dubai International Airport (DXB) maintains its status as the world’s busiest international airport, with a 7% increase from 2023.
The year 2024 saw a remarkable change in global aviation, with considerable increases in airline capacity as air traffic continued to recover.
According to OAG Data, this report provides a complete breakdown of the world’s busiest airports, organized by global, international, and regional ranks.
From Atlanta’s dominance to Dubai’s strategic placement, this report explores the changing dynamics of air transport in a post-pandemic world. Here is a closer look at the important themes and trends influencing aviation in 2024.
Busiest Global Airports of 2024
The examination of 2024’s biggest airports indicates intriguing trends in global air traffic. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) continues its supremacy with 62.7 million seats, a small 2% increase from 2023.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) comes in second with 60.2 million seats, representing a phenomenal 7% year-over-year growth and 12% increase over 2019.
| Rank | Airport Code | Airport Name | City/Location | Total Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ATL | Hartsfield-Jackson | Atlanta | 62,743,665 |
| 2 | DXB | Dubai | Dubai | 60,236,220 |
| 3 | HND | Haneda | Tokyo | 55,204,580 |
| 4 | LHR | Heathrow | London | 51,553,190 |
| 5 | DFW | Fort Worth | Dallas | 51,516,707 |
| 6 | DEN | Denver | Denver | 49,218,244 |
| 7 | CAN | Baiyun | Guangzhou | 48,852,986 |
| 8 | IST | Istanbul | Istanbul | 48,517,967 |
| 9 | PVG | Pudong | Shanghai | 48,503,741 |
| 10 | ORD | O’Hare | Chicago | 46,992,360 |
1. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL)
Airline Capacity: 62,743,665
In 2024, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) remained the world’s busiest airport. The airport increased by 2% from 2023, but stayed somewhat lower (-1%) than in 2019. Since 2023, the airport has continually retained the top spot.
2. Dubai International Airport(DXB)
- Airline Capacity: 60,236,220
Dubai’s main center experienced significant growth, up 7% from 2023 and 12% above 2019 levels. It retains its status as the world’s second busiest airport and continues to be the busiest international airport.
3. Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND)
- Airline Capacity: 55,204,580
Tokyo Haneda (HND), Japan’s busiest airport, remained in third place with 55.2 million seats, representing a robust 5% increase over 2023 and exceeding its 2019 capacity by 1%.
4. London Heathrow International Airport (LHR)
- Airline Capacity: 51,553,190
London Heathrow (LHR), Europe’s busiest airport, ranked fourth with 51.5 million seats, a 4% rise from 2023 and 3% more than current 2019 capacity.
5. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Airline Capacity: 51,516,707
Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) jumped from 13th rank in 2019 to 5th in 2024. The airport had strong growth, up 7% from 2023 and 18% above 2019 levels.
6. Denver International Airport (DEN)
- Airline Capacity: 49,218,244
Denver International Airport (DEN) ranked sixth in 2024, up from 21st in 2019. The airport grew capacity by 5% from 2023 and had the second-highest growth rate among the top ten, at 24% above 2019 levels.
7. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
- Airline Capacity: 48,852,986
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) has improved from 12th in 2019 to 7th in 2024, indicating China’s aviation revival. The airport had considerable growth, up 12% from 2023 and 9% above 2019 levels.
8. Istanbul International Airport (IST)
- Airline Capacity: 48,517,967
Istanbul International Airport (IST) ranked 8th in 2024, up from 16th in 2019. The airport’s capacity increased by 5% from 2023, and it now stands 15% higher than in 2019.
9. Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG)
- Airline Capacity: 48,503,741
Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) experienced the highest growth among the top ten, with a 29% rise from 2023. The airport rose from 15th rank in 2023 to 9th in 2024, demonstrating China’s strong aviation recovery.
10. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Airline Capacity: 46,992,360
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) closes out the top ten, with over 47 million seats. While up 8% from 2023, it remains 7% below 2019 capacity levels.
These rankings demonstrate the worldwide aviation industry’s recovery and expansion, with excellent performances from Middle Eastern, Asian, and North American airports.
The figure represents overall airline capacity in 2024, including both domestic and foreign flights.
Busiest International Airports of 2024
| Rank | Airport Code | Airport Name | City/Location | Seats (Total) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DXB | Dubai International | Dubai | 60,236,220 |
| 2 | LHR | London Heathrow | London | 48,358,450 |
| 3 | ICN | Seoul Incheon International | Seoul | 41,633,831 |
| 4 | SIN | Singapore Changi | Singapore | 41,530,309 |
| 5 | AMS | Amsterdam | Amsterdam | 39,998,853 |
| 6 | IST | Istanbul | Istanbul | 38,636,958 |
| 7 | CDG | Paris Charles de Gaulle | Paris | 38,482,460 |
| 8 | FRA | Frankfurt International | Frankfurt | 35,736,533 |
| 9 | HKG | Hong Kong International | Hong Kong | 34,607,000 |
| 10 | DOH | Doha | Doha | 32,455,882 |
1. Dubai International Airport (DXB)
- Airline Capacity: 60,236,220
Dubai International Airport (DXB) maintains its status as the world’s busiest international airport, with a 7% rise over 2023 and 12% above 2019 levels. It has constantly retained the #1 spot since 2019.
2. London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
- Airline Capacity: 48,358,450
London Heathrow (LHR) remains the world’s second busiest airport, with a 4% increase from 2023 and 2% over 2019 levels. It continues to be Europe’s busiest international airport.
3. Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN)
- Airline Capacity: 41,633,831
Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) jumped from 7th to 3rd place by 2024, with a 24% increase in capacity. However, it remains somewhat lower (-2%) below its 2019 levels.
4. Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
- Airline Capacity: 41,530,309
Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) improved from 5th rank in 2023, with a 15% increase in capacity. Like ICN, it is still somewhat lower (-2%) than in 2019.
5. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
- Airline Capacity: 39,998,853
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) fell from third to fifth place in 2023, but maintained growth with an 8% increase in capacity. Currently operating 3% below 2019 levels.
6. Istanbul International Airport (IST)
- Airline Capacity: 38,636,958
Istanbul International Airport (IST) has maintained its sixth-place ranking since 2023, with constant increase of 8% and an astonishing 20% rise over 2019, indicating one of the greatest recoveries among leading airports.
7. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
- Airline Capacity: 38,482,460
Despite a 5% increase in capacity, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) fell from fourth place in 2023. Currently functioning at 7% below 2019 levels.
8. Frankfurt International Airport (FRA)
- Airline Capacity: 35,736,533
It maintained its eighth position in 2023, with 7% growth, but remains 10% below 2019 levels, indicating ongoing recovery challenges.
9. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
- Airline Capacity: 34,607,000
The most dramatic growth among the top ten airports, with a 40% increase from 2023, pushed it up from 11th place. However, it remains 23% below 2019 levels, indicating the impact of past limitations.
10. Doha International Airport (DOH)
- Airline Capacity: 32,455,882
Doha International Airport (DOH) fell one spot from 2023, but had 13% increase and is now 19% higher than 2019 levels, highlighting Qatar’s expanding status as a global hub.
Busiest European Airports 2024
| Rank | Airport Code | Airport Name | City/Location | Seats (Total) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LHR | London Heathrow | London | 51,553,190 |
| 2 | IST | Istanbul | Istanbul | 48,517,967 |
| 3 | CDG | Paris Charles de Gaulle | Paris | 42,080,518 |
| 4 | AMS | Amsterdam | Amsterdam | 40,004,242 |
| 5 | FRA | Frankfurt International | Frankfurt | 39,631,163 |
| 6 | MAD | Madrid Adolfo Suarez-Barajas | Madrid | 38,146,041 |
| 7 | BCN | Barcelona | Barcelona | 31,824,302 |
| 8 | FCO | Rome Fiumicino | Rome | 30,486,201 |
| 9 | MUC | Munich International | Munich | 26,738,742 |
| 10 | LGW | London Gatwick | London | 25,500,205 |
1. London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
- Airline Capacity: 51,553,190
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) maintains its dominant position as Europe’s busiest airport, with a 4% increase from 2023 and 3% higher than pre-pandemic 2019 levels.
2. Istanbul International Airport (IST)
- Airline Capacity: 48,517,967
Istanbul International Airport (IST) shows impressive growth as Europe’s second busiest airport, with a 5% increase from 2023 and a staggering 15% increase from 2019, indicating robust recovery and expansion.
3. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
- Airline Capacity: 42,080,518
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) remains in third place with 4% growth from 2023, while running 7% below 2019 levels, reflecting continuous recovery efforts.
4. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
- Airline Capacity: 40,004,242
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) improves significantly, rising from fifth place in 2023 to third with an 8% capacity increase, exhibiting strong recovery momentum.
5. Frankfurt International Airport (FRA)
- Airline Capacity: 39,631,163
Despite 6% growth, Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) has slid from 4th place in 2023 and is still 12% behind 2019 levels, indicating ongoing recovery issues.
6. Madrid Adolfo Suarez-Barajas Airport (MAD)
- Airline Capacity: 38,146,041
Maintains its sixth place in recent years, demonstrating sustained performance in the European aviation sector.
7. Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN)
- Airline Capacity: 31,824,302
Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) now ranks seventh, up from eighth in 2019 and consistent with its 2023 standing.
8. Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
- Airline Capacity: 30,486,201
With a 21% increase from 2023, it presently operates 9% over 2019 levels, making it the fastest growing of any top European airport.
9. Munich International Airport (MUC)
- Airline Capacity: 26,738,742
Despite growing by 13% in 2023, Munich International Airport (MUC) is still 16% below pre-pandemic levels, indicating a substantial capacity gap.
10. London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
- Airline Capacity: 25,500,205
Dropped from ninth to tenth place in 2023, but remained one of Europe’s busiest airports despite fluctuating rankings.
This data demonstrates a diverse recovery pattern across European airports, with some experiencing significant growth above pre-pandemic levels and others still working toward complete recovery.
Notable success stories include Istanbul’s persistent expansion and Rome’s exceptional capacity increase, while traditional powerhouses such as Frankfurt and Munich have ongoing difficulty in meeting their 2019 capacity levels.
FAQ
Why do Asia and Europe dominate the list of the busiest international airports?
Asia and Europe dominate the list due to their high population densities, significant tourism industries, and their status as major global business hubs. Additionally, they host airlines with extensive international networks.
Which airports in Asia are among the busiest in the world?
Airports such as Dubai International (DXB), Singapore Changi (SIN), and Beijing Capital (PEK) are consistently ranked among the busiest due to their strategic locations and role as major transit hubs.
What are the busiest airports in Europe?
Airports like London Heathrow (LHR), Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), and Frankfurt (FRA) are among the busiest, serving as key gateways for international travelers and cargo.
How is airport traffic measured?
Airport traffic is typically measured by the number of passenger movements (arrivals, departures, and transits), aircraft movements, and the volume of cargo handled.
What role does connectivity play in making an airport busy?
Connectivity is crucial as it determines the number of destinations served and the frequency of flights. Airports with strong airline hubs or alliances tend to attract more passengers and rank higher in terms of traffic.
