What are the top five largest airports in the US?

The Largest Airports in the US

The United States is home to some of the biggest and busiest airports in the world. These airports handle millions of passengers each year and are crucial to the country’s transportation infrastructure. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top five largest airports in the US, what criteria determines airport size, and what makes these airports stand out.

What Criteria Determines Airport Size?

The size of an airport is typically determined by the number of passengers it serves. Other factors that contribute to airport size include the number of runways, the amount of cargo handled, and the number of aircraft operations. Large airports often have multiple terminals, parking garages, and a wide range of amenities such as restaurants, shopping, and lounges.

Ranking the Largest Airports by Passenger Traffic

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the following are the top five largest airports in the US based on passenger traffic in 2019:

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the US and the world. It serves as a hub for Delta Air Lines and is located in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2019, the airport handled over 110 million passengers, making it the first airport in the world to reach this milestone.

Los Angeles International Airport

Los Angeles International Airport, also known as LAX, is the second-busiest airport in the US. It serves as a hub for American Airlines and is located in Los Angeles, California. In 2019, the airport handled over 88 million passengers.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport

Chicago O’Hare International Airport is the third-busiest airport in the US. It serves as a hub for United Airlines and is located in Chicago, Illinois. In 2019, the airport handled over 83 million passengers.

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is the fourth-busiest airport in the US. It serves as a hub for American Airlines and is located in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. In 2019, the airport handled over 75 million passengers.

Denver International Airport

Denver International Airport is the fifth-busiest airport in the US. It serves as a hub for United Airlines and is located in Denver, Colorado. In 2019, the airport handled over 69 million passengers.

How Do These Airports Compare in Size?

In terms of size, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the largest airport in the US, covering an area of over 4,700 acres. Los Angeles International Airport is the second-largest, followed by Denver International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

What Makes These Airports Stand Out?

Each of these airports has its unique features that make them stand out. For example, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has the world’s largest terminal complex, with seven concourses and over 200 gates. Los Angeles International Airport has a unique architecture that includes the iconic Theme Building, which houses a restaurant and observation deck. Chicago O’Hare International Airport is known for its efficient air traffic control system and state-of-the-art technology. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is the largest hub for American Airlines, and Denver International Airport has a unique tent-like roof structure that covers the main terminal.

Conclusion: The Importance of Large Airports

Large airports play a vital role in the US economy by facilitating travel and commerce. They create jobs, generate revenue, and connect people and businesses from around the world. As air travel continues to grow, it is essential to invest in these airports to ensure they can handle the increasing demand for air transportation.

References and Further Reading

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). (2020). Airport Traffic Reports. Retrieved from

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. (n.d.). About ATL. Retrieved from https://www.atl.com/about-atl/
Los Angeles International Airport. (n.d.). LAX History. Retrieved from
Chicago Department of Aviation. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from