The Top 10 Largest And Busiest Airports Around The World
Time to unveil the jaw dropping giants of the sky.
There are some airports that are big, and then there are some airports that are huge! Let’s explore which airports make the list of the world’s largest and busiest airports. Size isn’t just a number; it’s a reflection of the grand scale of human mobility and global connection. Each of these monumental terminals, has its unique approach to making your journey as impressive as your destination. Prepare to step into a world of grandeur and global connectivity, as we embark on a journey through the colossal gateways of the skies.
King Fahd International Airport (DMM)
Dammam, Saudi Arabia
DMM is the largest in the world by land area, covering about 780 square kilometers (300 square miles).
It features a unique Saudi Arabian Oasis within the airport grounds. This serene retreat amidst the desert landscape, features lush landscaping, traditional architecture, and cultural exhibits that reflect Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage. Travelers can relax, enjoy shops and restaurants, and even witness cultural events within this tranquil environment. To learn more about the airport, visit their website directly.
Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)
Beijing, China
PKX’s terminal building, renowned for its striking starfish-shaped design, is the largest single-terminal airport in the world, covering approximately 7.5 million square feet.
One of it’s most unique features is it’s advanced technology. Here you will experience automated check-in kiosks and facial recognition technology. But what’s superior is their state-of-the-art automated baggage handling system, where robots transport checked luggage to the appropriate gate. To learn more, visit their website directly.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
ATL consistently ranks as the world’s busiest airport in terms of passengers and aircraft movements, handling millions of travelers yearly. It boasts five parallel runways, allowing for efficient takeoffs and landings to help reduce delays and congestion.
Concourse T at the end of the Plane Train is the world’s largest concourse, spanning over 1.2 million square feet. It is home to numerous shops, amenities and restaurants – including the world’s busiest Chic-Fil-A! They also offer passengers private Minute Suites (in Concourse B) for some quiet rest or work between flights. To learn more, visit their website directly.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Dallas, Texas, USA
Known for its large land area (27 square miles), it serves as a major international gateway, a primary entry point for travelers to the United States.
They have a unique open-air observation area called Founder’s Plaza giving passengers a great vantage point to watch planes taking off and landing. For those who can’t visit the Plaza in person, there is a live webcam that allows viewers to watch in real-time from anywhere in the world.
It’s home to a cutting-edge fire training research center catered to firefighters and first responders. It includes mock aircraft and buildings for realistic training scenarios. To learn more, visit their website directly.
Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT)
Tokyo, Japan
One of Asia’s busiest airports, it’s known for its friendly and helpful robots that assist travelers with information and directions, making it a futuristic and interactive airport experience.
Passengers with extended layovers can enjoy a transit and stay program, which includes guided tours of nearby attractions and a chance to experience Japanese culture during their stopover.
For those traveling with pets, they have a pet hotel that provides accommodations, grooming services, and play areas for animals. To learn more, visit their website directly.
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Denver, Colorado, USA
DIA is known for its massive size and having the highest altitude of any commercial airport.
The airport has been the subject of various conspiracy theories, with some suggesting that the art and design hide a secret underground facility. You can see this for yourself in the murals, installations, and their famous “Blue Mustang” sculpture at the entrance. Known as Blucifer, its distinctive, eerie, appearance stands at 32-feet tall and has glowing red eyes. Some even say it’s cursed because it killed the artist who made it. To learn more, visit their website directly.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles, California, USA
Known for its size and being one of the busiest airports in the world, it also makes our list for worst airports. It’s constant hustle and bustle could be stressful to some. For that reason, LAX uniquely offers PUPs – Pets Unstressing Passenger. These therapy dogs and their handlers provide comfort and support to passengers, helping to reduce stress and anxiety in the terminals.
Since it’s a major US hub, with many passengers transiting through, LAX offers luxurious private suites available to rent within the terminals. To learn more, visit their website directly.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Chicago, Illinois, USA
A major hub and one of the largest airports in the world, O’Hare is not just an airport but an economic powerhouse for the city of Chicago and the surrounding region. It provides thousands of jobs and contributes significantly to the local economy.
ORD features a variety of Chicago-style dining options, including famous local food, such as deep-dish pizza and hot dogs. Concourse C is home to the famous “neon underground tunnel.” The tunnel is a colorful, artistic corridor with changing lights and sounds, offering a unique experience for those passing through. To learn more, visit their website directly.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Shanghai, China
One of the largest airports in Asia in terms of passenger numbers, and it features a massive terminal building known for their iconic architecture. It features distinctive and futuristic designs that reflect Shanghai’s reputation as a city of the future.
It’s is home to the world’s fastest commercial maglev (magnetic levitation) train, connecting the airport to downtown Shanghai in just 7 minutes, traveling at speeds of up to 430km/h (267 mph)!
Travelers can savor a wide range of Chinese and international cuisine at PVG, offering a delightful culinary experience. To learn more, visit their website directly.
Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Dubai, UAE
Among the largest airports globally in terms of both passenger traffic and land area. Terminal 3 at DXB is exclusively dedicated to the Emirates airline. It includes lounges and it’s renowned duty-free shopping for luxury items, electronics, and traditional Arabian goods. For those with a long layover, passengers can rent sleep pods in Concourse C for a comfortable rest between flights.
DXB is home to the world’s first-ever gold vending machine, “Gold to Go,” where passengers can purchase gold bars and coins. It also offers an exclusive and luxurious service called “Al Majlis,” providing private lounges and personalized assistance for VIP travelers. To learn more, visit their website directly.
These mammoth aviation hubs are not only monumental in size but also play a pivotal role in the global economy. Their sheer scale illustrates the remarkable growth and interconnectedness of the modern world. These airports are a testament to the power of aviation to connect and unite us all.
Now that you know which airports are the largest, it’s important to know how to navigate through them. These mega airports take more planning preparation than you may be used to. Uncover our secrets on how to maneuver seamlessly through these massive terminals. You’ll be amazed at how intricate and beautiful these buildings are, and happy you know how to plan ahead.
