Airports Council International (ACI) has just released its preliminary data for 2024, and despite the challenges, the world’s top airports are not only surviving, they’re thriving, though we’ll have to wait to see what 2025 numbers reveal.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer or are planning your next international escape, here’s what you should know about the world’s most trafficked airports and what their success reveals about the future of air travel.
2024’s Top 10 Busiest Airports in the World (by Passenger Volume)
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Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) – USA
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Dubai International Airport (DXB) – UAE
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Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) – USA
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London Heathrow Airport (LHR) – UK
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Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) – Japan
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Denver International Airport (DEN) – USA
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Istanbul Airport (IST) – Turkey
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Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – USA
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Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) – India
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Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) – China
These ten hubs moved 855 million passengers in 2024. That’s roughly 9% of all global traffic.
Global Passenger Trends: Travel Is Back (and Bigger Than Before)
According to ACI, nearly 5 billion passengers flew in 2024 … a 9% increase from 2023 and 3.8% higher than 2019’s pre-pandemic numbers. The fact that the top 10 alone gained 8.8% year-over-year shows that travel demand is still robust, even in the face of rising airfares and global uncertainty.
The biggest story of the year? Shanghai Pudong’s massive leap from #21 in 2023 to #10 this year, thanks to reopened borders, better visa policies and a strong rebound in Asia-Pacific travel.
What Makes These Airports So Successful?
Several key factors contribute to the high traffic at these airports. Strategic locations for international connections, like Dubai, Istanbul and Tokyo make them essential hubs for global travel. Airports with strong domestic networks, such as Atlanta, Dallas, Denver and Los Angeles, serve as vital points for both national and international flights. Airline expansion and infrastructure growth, especially in airports like New Delhi and Shanghai, have boosted capacity and connectivity. Additionally, improved visa policies and the reopening of international routes, particularly in Shanghai and Dubai, have further fueled passenger growth. Despite challenges like aircraft manufacturing delays, geopolitical tensions and rising operational costs, these airports continue to serve as powerful engines of global mobility and commerce.
What’s Ahead for 2025?
ACI predicts nearly 9.9 billion global passengers in 2025, although the growth rate is expected to moderate to 4.8% as the industry transitions from post-pandemic recovery to long-term expansion. For travelers, this means major airports could become even more crowded, making early bookings and lounge access more valuable than ever. Airfare may remain high, particularly on routes impacted by geopolitical tensions or supply chain challenges. On the upside, emerging markets like India and China are expected to continue expanding, bringing more direct flight options and new international routes from U.S. cities.
Have you been through any of these airports recently? Share your experience or travel tips in the comments below!
KEEP READING
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