Overseas travel continues to boom. According to Airports Council International (ACI), global air passenger traffic in 2025 will reach nearly 9.8 billion, 3.6 percent above 2024 levels and 7.3 percent above 2019 levels.
ACI Executive Director Justin Elbassi said the steady passenger growth was driven by several factors, including lower fuel prices and easing inflation, as well as increased travel to and from China, which accelerated growth across major hubs in Asia-Pacific.
This week, ACI released its latest ranking of the world’s 10 busiest airports based on 2025 traffic volume, with U.S. airports occupying four of the top 10 spots. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) made the biggest jump in the list, moving from 10th to 5th place, while Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) also joined the list, jumping from 12th place in 2024 to 9th place last year.
Which airport is the busiest in the world?
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport once again ranks first as the world’s busiest airport. According to ACI, 106.3 million passengers will transit through Atlanta in 2025, up from 104.65 million in 2023. This ranking is not surprising, given Atlanta’s status as a global hub for Delta Air Lines and its strategic location, with 80 percent of the U.S. population within a two-hour flight distance.
What are the top 10 busiest airports in the world?
1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (106.3 million people)
With 106.3 million passengers passing through its terminals last year, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) continues to be a major connecting hub for air travel to, from, and within the United States, especially for travelers flying Delta Air Lines and its partner airlines. But much more is expected than high passenger numbers.
Atlanta has an abundance of airport lounges. Since this airport is the headquarters of Delta Air Lines, there is at least one Delta Sky Club in each of the seven concourses (A, B, C, D, E, F, T). There are also American Airlines Admirals Club, United Club, and ATL clubs available to Priority Pass holders and those who purchase a day pass. Atlanta also has an ambitious arts program that includes both permanent and recurring exhibitions.
Atlanta’s vast airport has really stepped up its culinary efforts in recent years. More than 100 dining options include acclaimed upscale American restaurant One Frew South in Concourse E and Shake Shack in Concourse A. If you’re in Concourse C, head to the original El Taco for some innovative Mexican food (fried chicken tacos, anyone?). You can also refuel with comfort food from the South at Ludacris’ Chicken and Beer in Concourse D.
2. Dubai International Airport (95.2 million)
The huge global hub airport in the United Arab Emirates will remain number two in terms of total passenger traffic in 2025 and remain the top international passenger destination in 2025. Dubai International Airport (DXB) has experienced a significant recovery over the past four years, moving to number 2 after being ranked 5th in 2022, 27th in 2021, and 4th in 2019.
Dubai International Airport consists of three terminals. Terminal 3, with concourses A, B and C, is the exclusive terminal for the UAE’s flag carrier Emirates, as well as Air Canada, Qantas and United Airlines. Terminal 2 is for charter and regional airlines, while Terminal 1 has the huge Concourse D, which is home to all the other global airlines.
Terminal 1 has eight lounges, including SkyTeam, British Airways and Lufthansa lounges. There’s no shortage of dining and shopping options within the terminal, including restaurants and fast-casual outlets such as The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck, Pret a Manger, Starbucks, Costa Coffee, and Krispy Kreme (for early morning layovers). For Emirates passengers, Terminal 3 is home to several Emirates Lounges, as well as the ever-popular burger joint Shake Shack and, if you prefer a kitsch, music-themed vibe, the Hard Rock Café. To give you an idea of how much retail therapy there is in this hub when it comes to shopping, Dubai Duty Free sells an average of 3.5 million bottles of perfume, 2.9 million pounds of chocolate, and nearly 5,300 pounds of gold each year.
3. Tokyo Haneda International Airport (91.7 million people)
Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND) rose from 5th place in 2023 to 4th place in 2024 and 3rd place in 2025. Haneda, approximately 16 miles from central Tokyo, is one of two major airports serving Tokyo, the other being Narita International Airport. However, with Narita being approximately an hour’s drive from central Tokyo, Haneda has the distinct advantage of being very close to the city, with connections via the Keikyu Line subway and Tokyo Monorail, as well as being served by a number of international airlines including American, United, Air Canada, British Airways, Lufthansa, KLM, Japan Airlines (JAL), All Nippon Airways (ANA), Singapore Airlines and Qantas.
Haneda has three terminals. Terminals 1 and 2 are mainly for domestic flights, with JAL operating from Terminal 1 and ANA operating from Terminal 2.
Terminal 3 is the international terminal and has some cool features, including the Edo Market, which is like a traditional Tokyo street with small food stalls and souvenir shops. There is also an area lined with anime character shops called Tokyo Pop Town, and Planetarium Starry Cafe, a real planetarium. If you’re departing from Haneda, you’ll probably be able to eat some solid Japanese food and buy some souvenirs at the end.
4. Dallas-Forth Worth International Airport (85.6 million people)
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) can be considered a small city (with its own zip code), as it spans over 26 square miles, has five terminals, and 168 gates. The airport received a $35 million federal grant to build a zero-carbon power plant to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
If you have time in this vast complex, be sure to wine and dine as there are decent places to eat. In Terminal B, sip a glass of wine in the sophisticated setting of Decanted or gorge on smoked meats and sides at Cousins Bar-BQ. Terminal C has the ever-reliable Shake Shack, while Terminals D and E have Fort Worth Coffeehouse Brewed.
Lounges include five American Airlines Admirals Clubs, Delta Sky Club, Capital One Lounge, Centurion Lounge, and DFW Club for Priority Pass holders.
5. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (84.9 million people)
Located along Shanghai’s east coastline, Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) operates four fixed parallel runways at Terminals 1 and 2 and an extensive satellite concourse connected by underground moving walkways. Terminal 1 offers a selection of local and international restaurants, including Cantonese cuisine at Canton 8 and Northern Chinese cuisine at Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao. Terminal 2 has quick and reliable options such as Ruyi Wonton and several Starbucks counters.
Lounges include multiple China Eastern First and Business Class lounges, including the flagship VIP lounge in Terminal 1. Air China also maintains two premium lounges in Terminal 2. Stand-alone options include China Eastern’s Lounge 77 and other contracted lounges accessed with Priority Pass, which typically offer hot buffets, shower facilities, and quiet seating areas.
6. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (84.8 million people)
This busy Midwest airport has more than 200 gates in four terminals (Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5; there is no Terminal 4) and has been quietly ramping up its efforts. For one, the food options at O’Hare International Airport (ORD) are better than ever. That’s thanks in large part to Tortoise Frontera, which is backed by celebrity chef Rick Bayless and has three locations at O’Hare. For a bite to eat, check out Wicker Park Seafood and Sushi (located in Terminals 1 and 2).
If you want to work up a sweat between flights, the Hilton Athletic Club at the Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport hotel sells day passes that include access to the steam room, sauna, lap pool, and locker room. You can also visit the yoga room and urban garden in Terminal 3. There is a children’s play area in the Family Lounge near Gate F1 in Terminal 2, and nursing rooms are available in all four terminals.
O’Hare is home to the American Airlines Flagship Lounge, Admirals Club, Delta Sky Club, United Club, and United Polaris Lounge.
7. London Heathrow Airport (84.4 million people)
London Heathrow Airport (LHR), the UK capital’s main international hub, is a bustling collection of four terminals, Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5 (Terminal 1 closed in 2015), with plans to eventually build a third runway and a new terminal building by 2035. Even without future additions, this expansive facility has a wealth of services and amenities.
Heathrow Airport has an online restaurant directory with links to the menus of almost all airport venues, as well as notes on places that can accommodate special dietary needs (kosher, vegan, gluten-free, etc.) or are child-friendly.
The mobile ordering app allows passengers in a hurry to pre-order food and drinks and pick them up at participating airport restaurants. In addition, several on-site food and beverage outlets offer special menus that can be delivered within 15 minutes of ordering. Some establishments, such as Gordon Ramsay Plain Foods, will also prepare picnic-style meals that travelers can bring on board. Heathrow Airport is home to dozens of lounges, including numerous British Airways outposts, three airport hotels, play areas in all four terminals, and plenty of shops.
8. Istanbul Airport (84.4 million)
Located 35 miles north of the city center, Istanbul Airport (IST) is a 29.5 square mile facility (larger than Manhattan Island) with five runways. It is expected to be expanded to eight runways by 2028. The main terminal was built to reflect the style of Istanbul’s domed mosques and baths, and the shape of the air traffic control tower was inspired by one of Istanbul’s traditional symbols, the tulip.
If you have time here, head to the lounge of flag carrier Turkish Airlines (Star Alliance members are also welcome) and enjoy a real treat. In addition to serving Turkish cuisine, the lounge also features a relaxation area, toilets, shower facilities, and a children’s area, making it an oasis for business travelers and families alike.
If you’re looking for an overnight stay or a more complete rest, Yotel has 451 guest rooms that passengers can access before and after security. Elsewhere in the terminal, there are numerous dining options including Shake Shack for burgers, Godiva for sweets, Mövenpick for ice cream, Pizzeria Enzo for fine Italian cuisine, and Turkish Place for meals, coffee and snacks.
9. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (83.5 million people)
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) spans over 5.4 square miles in the Pearl River Delta region, with five runways and several terminals, led by Terminal 1 and the newer and larger Terminal 2. Food especially stands out in Terminal 2, where travelers can enjoy Cantonese cuisine at Lao Guangji or try dim sum at Taojiu, alongside international eateries such as KFC and Starbucks. Terminal 1 is home to a mix of local Chinese restaurants and quick service counters, making it easy to find everything from porridge to Western coffee between flights.
The airport serves as a major hub for China Southern Airlines, and the Sky Pearl Club Lounge, which connects both terminals, features shower suites and extensive dining. Other airline lounges include those operated by Air China and Hainan Airlines. Priority Pass users also have access to third-party options such as the Easyboarding Lounge.
10. Denver International Airport (82.4 million people)
Denver International Airport (DEN) has 172 gates, 90 of which are operated by United Airlines, the airport’s primary airline. The airport also features three outdoor decks where travelers can enjoy fresh air and views of Colorado, as well as family seating areas, nursing rooms, new bathroom facilities, charging stations, work stations and rest areas.
Denver is a major transit hub, so even if you don’t plan on flying back and forth to Denver anytime soon, there’s a good chance you’ll be flying through Denver. Each terminal has a solid selection, so it’s easy to get good food during your layover. In Terminal A, check out Breckenridge Brewery for local beers and Brothers BBQ for overflowing barbecue sandwiches. Enjoy a full breakfast in Terminal B. and sweet treats from Little Man Ice Cream Co. in Terminal C.
Another feature of the Denver Airport is an outdoor plaza that hosts an ice skating rink and live music performances during the holiday period from mid-November to early January. Travelers can rent skates for free inside the Westin Hotel.
There’s the American Airlines Admirals Club, American Express Centurion Lounge, Delta Sky Club, several United Clubs, and a new United Club Fly concept with grab-and-go snacks.
How does the ranking of the world’s busiest airports in 2025 compare to the previous year?
In 2024, four of the top 10 busiest airports in the world will be in the United States (this year as well). A year later, the situation is no less international, with Guangzhou dropping India’s Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi from this year’s top 10 list.
The top 10 busiest airports in the world based on passenger numbers in 2024 are:
- Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- dubai international airport
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
- Tokyo Haneda International Airport
- london heathrow airport
- denver international airport
- istanbul airport
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport
- Indira Gandhi International Airport
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport
This article was originally published in August 2019 and updated on April 17, 2026 with current information.