In continued dominance, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) was crowned the busiest airport in 2024 for the third time in recent years, boasting a staggering 62.7 million seats, according to OAG. This notable achievement solidifies ATL’s top spot from previous years, having led in both 2023 and 2019.
ATL experienced a 2% increase in airline capacity compared to 2023, although it remains 1% shy of 2019’s levels.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) surged to second place globally, recording an impressive 60.2 million seats. DXB’s airline capacity soared, showing a substantial 7% year-on-year increase from 2023 and a striking 12% rise from 2019.
Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) secured third place with 55.2 million seats, reflecting a 5% capacity boost from 2023.
The global distribution of the busiest airports was extensive, with four airports based in North America, three in Asia, two in Europe, and one in the Middle East.
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Denver International Airport (DEN) claimed fifth and sixth places, respectively. Both airports surpassed their 2019 performance, with DFW seeing an 18% increase in capacity and DEN showing a remarkable 24% growth—the most considerable leap among the top ten. Compared to 2023, DFW and DEN showed increases of 7% and 5%, respectively.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) exhibited the most rapid growth among the top ten airports, with an astonishing 29% increase in capacity from 2023. This growth is attributed to China’s ongoing air travel recovery post-pandemic. Consequently, PVG rose from the 15th to the 9th busiest global airport in 2024.
Compared to 2019, the 2024 list of Busiest Global Airports saw four new entrants:
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), which moved from 13th place in 2019 to 5th in 2024.
Denver International Airport (DEN), which leaped from 21st place in 2019 to 6th in 2024.
Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN), which climbed from 12th place in 2019 to 7th in 2024.
Istanbul Airport (IST), which ascended from 16th place in 2019 to 8th in 2024.
