Passengers might number anything from one hundred to one million, depending on the airport. Four U.S. airports rank among the world’s busiest, giving the country a commanding lead in international passenger volume.
Large airlines utilize these airports as their principal hubs. These flights are quite well worth the trouble of navigating the throngs of people because they are more cost-effective than those departing from smaller local airports.
Today’s article will discuss the busiest airports in the US that are seeing increased tourist transit.
1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Georgia
There are over 300,000 people that are traveling in and out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport every day, making it not only the largest airport in the US but also the busiest airport in the world. That’s a mind-boggling number in action!
One of the ten largest urban areas, Georgia in the United States is located in its city area, which is considerably larger than the enclosing rural area. Additionally, it is about 250 miles distant from any other significant airport.
This airport serves as a key focus for Delta, the second-largest transporter in the United States and globally. Aside from that, the airport acts as a gateway to Latin America.
2. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Texas
The second busiest airport in the US on my list is Dallas/Fort Worth International, with the overwhelming majority of its 39 million yearly passengers boarding planes to other locations in the USA.
It is frequently regarded as the world’s largest airline, having the largest fleet and the highest passenger capacity. Likewise, It is among the most prominent US Airports, spanning an area bigger than Manhattan, New York.
3. Denver International Airport, Colorado
The only airport in the United States larger than Dallas is Denver, covering an extensive 140-kilometer square. Working as a common plane, it features the seventh-longest global runway at 4.88 kilometers.
It is also popularly observed as one of the best airports in the nation, with a considerably more contemporary feel owing to its recent opening in 1995 and more visually appealing architecture.
Considering a bigger picture, Denver International Airport seems to have the possibility of getting a new terminal and two more passageways, which will enable it to accommodate up to 100 million people a year.
You might also like to know about the best airport lounges in the US.
4. O’Hare International Airport, Chicago
It first aired in 1944, and it’s currently United Airlines’ core venue. The third-largest airport globally is the 7,600-acre airport, O’Hare International, with a transport system covering six continents.
It has direct links with ports all over the globe. Local airlines account for the majority of traffic at this airport. You will find its name being one of the busiest airports in the US, carrying 30,860,251 passengers annually.
The major changes for O’Hare International Airport are still on the way. The city is continuing with an enthusiastic $8.5 billion initiative to renovate the port. The 2.2 million-square-foot O’Hare International Airport, which will take of Terminal 2, will be the masterpiece.
5. Los Angeles International Airport, California
Los Angeles International Airport(LAX) had over 28 million people transit through the airport in 2020. It is presently the fifth busiest airport in the US by worldwide travel percentage, with many of its flights are local.
It is among the most renowned airports in the world, connecting the United States’ West Coast to the Far East and most big towns in North, Central, and South America.
The airport yearly produces over $61bn to the US economic system. Four runways are needed to handle all aircraft coming and leaving from one of the world’s busiest cargo airports.
6. Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Charlotte
Charlotte Douglas International Airport, a militant and industrial airport, is approximately ten kilomters from Charlotte. The airport is occupied and maintained by the City of Charlotte.
With over 27 million passengers flying annually, it is United States’ sixth busiest airport. The airport can accommodate approximately 35 million people.
There are 700 flights a day to almost 149 locations flying from here, making it the hub for American Airlines. There is a single passenger terminal, four runways, and 115 gates at the airport.
Airports can also be dangerous places to go. These are the most dangerous airports in the US.
7. McCarran International Airport, Las Vegas
Settled about 8 kilometers south of Las Vegas, McCarran International Airport covers 11.3 square kilometers. It was built in 1942 and became operational in 1948. Las Vegas International Airport is presently the seventh busiest airport in the United States, managing over 22 million yearly.
LAS serves as the entry point to the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, the Grand Canyon, and Death Valley, as well as a slew of other national parks. It is a core for various carriers, such as Frontier Airlines, Allegiant Air, and Southwest Airlines. The runways were created of asphalt, but later, they were composed of reinforced concrete.
8. Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, Phoenix
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is sometimes abbreviated as PHX airport or just Phoenix Airport. It is located in Phoenix, Arizona.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a top-notch commercial airport in the country. It’s also the state’s highest structure, standing at 3,400 feet.
More than 120,000 passengers embark and depart on more than 1,200 aircraft each day. It’s also a significant core for Southwest Airlines, which operates more than 200 flights a day to more than 50 locations in the country.
9. Orlando International Airport, Orlando
Many aircraft arrive at Orlando International Airport, which serves as a significant transportation hub for Florida. This public airport is located 6 miles southeast of Orlando, the state’s leading commercial center.
International and domestic travelers equally use the MCO airport in Orlando to get to their destinations. Approximately 850 trips per day are conducted via this airport by 44 different airlines and from destinations all over the globe. Every day, an average of 126,743 passengers and crew members take to the sky.
Check out these top airport restaurants in the US that can serve delicious meals.
10. Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, Seattle
Seattle Tacoma International Airport is the city’s chief financial airport. It’s around 23 km from Seattle’s CBD and 29 km from Tacoma.
Airport situated near Portland (US) and Vancouver (CAN), SEA (Canada). Continuing as one of the busiest airports in the US, it offers international flights to destinations in North America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East accordingly. It has three long runways and about 40 million passengers per year.
Alaska Airlines and Delta Airlines use the airport as a major hub. In 2020, SEA handled 20 million passengers, ranking ninth in the US.
11. Miami International Airport, Miami
In terms of international travel demand, Miami International Airport ranks eleventh. It’s also Florida’s second busiest airport when it comes to overall passenger volume. MIA serves as the primary airport for international and long-distance flights into and out of South Florida.
The Miami International Airport (MIA) is a major hub for travel between the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean, with over 18 million people handled in 2020.
12. George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston
In Houston, Texas, George Bush International Airport serves the Greater Houston Metropolitan Area and is operated by the United States Air Force. The Houston International Airport is settled about 23 miles north. It covers approximately 10,000 acres.
The airport was formerly known as Houston Intercontinental Airport until being renamed in honor of George H.W. Bush. It is recognized as the 12th busiest airport in the US, which carries 18,213,571 people annually.
13. John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York
With 16 million passengers a year, JFK Airport is the world’s 21st busiest airport and the 13th busiest in the United States.
As North America’s busiest worldwide gateway, JFK International Airport (previously named the New York International Airport) serves various international locations. It’s about a 26-kilometer drive from Midtown Manhattan to JFK International Airport in Queens, New York City. In 1948, JFK Airport became operational.
It’s no surprise that JFK Airport serves more than 70 different cities all across the country and the world. The airport is attended by several airlines, including Emirates, Delta, Aeroflot, Air France, and international ones like Alaska and British Airways.
14. Fort Lauderdale International Airport, Fort Lauderdale
In Broward County, Florida, the Fort Lauderdale International Airport is situated. Fort Lauderdale International Airport is the United States’ 18th busiest airport near Port Everglades, a world-famous cruise port.
Approximately 16 million people use the airport each year. It is one of three airports that serve the Miami-Fort Lauderdale city area.
Fort Lauderdale International Airport serves almost every major city globally with 700 daily flights, including local and international routes. These aircraft fly to Europe, the United States, Canada, Asia, Scandinavia, and South America.
15. San Francisco International Airport, San Francisco
The San Francisco International Airport is located between rural San Bruno and Millbrae. San Francisco’s most popular airport sees nearly 16 million passengers a year. Almost half of all passengers flying out of SFO were doing so to places outside the United States.
As the largest of the three San Francisco Bay Area airports, it is found about 13 miles (21 kilometers) south of the city center. From here, you may fly to or from any region of North America. The airport is occupied and operated by the city of San Francisco.
Holiday and tourism season travel may clog these airports. Airports with more direct international and local flights are more convenient. If you’re travelling through these airports, watch out for the crowds.