The 10 Busiest Airports In The United States

Every day, people around the world embark on trips, filling airports and planes to capacity. Leading the pack are the busiest airports in the United States, drawing in tens of millions of visitors each year and recording impressive growth in passenger traffic. Following the newest report from Airports Council International, it is evident that Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL), Dallas/Ft. Worth International (DFW), and Denver International (DEN) are the busiest airports in the United States by passenger traffic in 2023; passengers totaled 104.6 million in ATL alone.

The 10 Busiest Airports In The United States According To Passenger Traffic

• Click here for an expanded list: The 35 Busiest Airports In The United States

1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport continues its reign as the busiest airport in not only the United States, but the entire world, recording 104,653,451 total passengers in 2023. To put this number in perspective, that is over twice the population of South Korea. Compared to 2022, passenger traffic grew 11.69%.

The entire airport complex spans 4,700 acres, with the terminal complex spanning 130. Hartsfield-Jackson has both a national and international terminal, seven concourses, 192 gates (152 domestic, 40 international), five runways, and over 200 concession outlets and businesses. As Delta’s headquarters, there is a Delta Sky Club in each of the seven concourses. The airport also boasts an extensive art program, showcasing more than 1,000 pieces through permanent and rotating exhibits. Cuisine options are very specialized as well. Ecco, for example, is a local Atlanta favorite, with an airport location in Concourse F, which offers Modern European cuisine in a sit-down environment.

2. Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport (DFW)

Totaling 81,755,538 passengers in 2023, the Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport is the second busiest in the United States. Compared to 2022, the airport saw an increase of 11.4% in passenger traffic. It spans a colossal 17,207 acres, making it the second biggest airport in the country, and even has its own zip code and postal service city designation (DFW Airport, TX).

American Airlines is currently headquartered near the airport, making it a hub for American Airlines flights. The airport possesses five terminals, more than 160 gates, and around 215 restaurants, with a 24-hour light rail train connecting the terminals together. To showcase local artist talent, Dallas/Ft. Worth International periodically puts on live music performances for airport passengers to enjoy. Some notable restaurants include The Salt Lick Bar-B-Que in Terminal A, serving traditional Texas smoked meats, and Cru Food & Wine Bar in Terminal D, which serves wine by the glass and stone-fired pizzas.

3. Denver International Airport (DEN)

Bringing in a total of 77,837,917 passengers in 2023, Denver International Airport ranks as the third busiest in the country. These 77.8 million passengers represent a 12.34% increase in comparison to 2022. Denver International is the largest airport in the US by land area, occupying over 34,000 acres, which makes it approximately two times the size of Manhattan. In fact, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Dallas/Ft. Worth International, Chicago O’Hare, and Los Angeles International could all collectively fit inside its premises.

With only one terminal, there are three concourses and 72 gates servicing passengers. Denver International has strong ties and collaborations with local food vendors, thus the presence of many local restaurants throughout the airport, such as Breckenridge Brewery and Mercantile Dining & Provisions, both in Concourse A.

4. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

The bustling Los Angeles International Airport registered 75,050,875 passengers during 2023, a 13.84% increase compared to the year prior. The main, active airport covers 2,950 acres of land and consists of 9 terminals and over 150 gates.

LAX has been working on airport renovations and updates since 2004 to make the airport more modern and comfortable. While passengers can currently take shuttle buses between terminals, the airport is developing an electric train system to improve connectivity. Some of Los Angeles International’s extensive dining options include Native by Nyesha, in Terminal 3, serving globally-inspired cuisine, and The Kitchen, by Wolfgang Puck, serving pizzas, pastas, and sandwiches.

5. O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

O’Hare International, located in Chicago, Illinois, is currently the fifth busiest airport in the country with 73,894,226 passengers visiting in 2023. Since 2022, its traffic has grown at a slower pace compared to many of the other busiest airports, with only an 8.13% increase in passenger count. Regarding size, it covers 7,627 acres, and consists of four passenger terminals, nine lettered concourses, and 213 gates. It offers approximately 214 non-stop flights to both domestic and international locations.

O’Hare boasts many activities for passengers during layovers, including two spas, a yoga room, a public art collection, live music, a free family lounge, a dinosaur fossil replica, and more. Culinary options abound as well, such as Bar Siena, located in terminal 5, which is a newly opened restaurant with casual Italian food, well known for its successful location on the Chicago West Loop.

6. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Located in Queens, New York, John F. Kennedy International Airport welcomed 62,464,331 in 2023, making it the country’s sixth busiest airport. With respect to its growth, passenger traffic increased by 12.98% in comparison to 2022. The airport spans 5,200 acres, and has five terminals, and 130 gates. More than 90 airlines operate in JFK, offering flights to the six inhabited continents.

JFK has been developing a more thorough arts program over the last few years. In 2023, Terminal Four opened an extended art exhibit, now including more immersive installations, murals, and aviation-inspired photography, organized in collaboration with the Cradle of Aviation Museum. The Palm Bar & Grille, serving steaks, and Uptown Brasserie, offering a nicer sit-down environment, are both in terminal four.

7. Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Although Orlando International Airport was the ninth busiest airport in 2022, it jumped to the seventh busiest following its passenger traffic in 2023. It saw 57,735,726 passengers in 2023 and experienced huge growth at 15.06%. The third largest airport in the US following Denver and Dallas, Orland International spans 11,605 acres. It was also Delta Airlines’ hub until 2007.

It has three terminals, 96 gates, over 150 shops and restaurants, a rotating art exhibit, and four spas. In 2022, the airport opened its third terminal, which now hosts 11 airlines, including Emirates, British Airways, Jet Blue, and Lufthansa. Along with these 11 airlines, terminal C’s opening also brought in new restaurants, such as Sunshine Diner, which serves classic diner cuisine with a playful twist.

8. Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)

Harry Reid International Airport, formerly known as McCarran International Airport, is located in Las Vegas, Nevada, and ranks as the eighth busiest, with just slightly lower numbers than Orlando International. A total of 57,666,456 passengers frequented the airport in 2023, and the airport grew 9.44% in comparison to 2022. It spans 2,800 acres and has four runways, two passenger terminals, and 110 gates.

Harry Reid International is also one of two United States airports that have slot machines in the terminals. Tourists generally recognize the airport as being very conveniently located, as it takes just a little over 10 minutes to arrive at the famous Strip from the airport by car.

9. Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)

Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, Charlotte Douglas International Airport received 53,445,770 passengers in 2023 and grew 11.91% compared to 2022. It covers 5,558 acres and has one terminal, five concourses, and 115 gates. Following Dallas, it is American Airline’s largest hub. It offers more than 180 non-stop destinations, 35 of which include international destinations.

Various art exhibits can be found throughout the lobby and concourses. In the Main Atrium, a 22 by 26 feet mobile sculpture, known as “First in Flight” hangs in the air. Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar, a Charlotte classic, draws in many guests in Concourse C.

10. Miami International Airport (MIA)

Concluding the list of the United States’ busiest airports is Miami International, ranking 10th, with 52,340,934 visitors during the year of 2023. It grew the least out of the list’s airports, with only a 3.27% increase in passengers. It spreads across some 3,300 acres and has three terminals, six concourses, and 131 gates. Over 80 airlines function in Miami International, summing to approximately 150 destinations worldwide.

Five of the six concourses include US Customs and Border Protection Facilities. Additionally, there are 47 food and beverage locations, 38 retail stores, 15 gifts & news stores, 8 duty-free stores, and numerous rotating art galleries throughout the terminals. Various local food options are available as well, such as Cafe Versailles, a local Miami joint offering Cuban cuisine.

Final Thoughts

These 10 airports are not only the busiest in the United States but also rank among the busiest in the world. The post-covid resurgence in travel is unmistakable, with these airports seeing significant growth and accommodating tens of millions of passengers annually. More than just transit points, they are bustling hubs offering a wealth of amenities, from exquisite dining options to immersive art installations. With promising growth projections, all eyes are on these airports to see how they adapt to the ever-evolving market and increasing demand for travel.

The 35 Busiest Airports In The United States According To Passenger Traffic