The World’s Busiest Airports
Air travel has become an essential mode of transportation for people all over the world. With millions of passengers flying daily, it’s no wonder that some airports are busier than others. The world’s busiest airports are located in major cities and serve as important hubs for international and domestic flights.
In this article, we will explore the busiest airports in the southern hemisphere. We will look at the top five airports and other busy airports in the region, as well as the factors that influence airport traffic.
What is the Southern Hemisphere?
The southern hemisphere is the half of the Earth south of the equator. It includes all of Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa, and most of Antarctica. The region is home to some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, including Sydney, Rio de Janeiro, and Cape Town.
Air travel is a crucial component of the southern hemisphere’s transportation infrastructure, connecting people and businesses across the region and around the globe. Let’s take a look at the top five busiest airports in the southern hemisphere.
Top 5 Busiest Airports in the Southern Hemisphere
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Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport
Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport is the busiest airport in the southern hemisphere, serving over 44 million passengers in 2019. The airport is the primary hub for Qantas, Australia’s national airline, and offers direct flights to over 90 international destinations. -
Sao Paulo Guarulhos International Airport
Sao Paulo Guarulhos International Airport is the second-busiest airport in the southern hemisphere, with over 43 million passengers in 2019. The airport serves as a hub for several Brazilian airlines, including LATAM Brasil and Gol Transportes Aéreos. -
Melbourne Tullamarine International Airport
Melbourne Tullamarine International Airport is the third-busiest airport in the southern hemisphere, accommodating over 37 million passengers in 2019. The airport is the second-busiest in Australia and serves as a hub for several airlines, including Qantas and Jetstar Airways. -
Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport
Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport is the fourth-busiest airport in the southern hemisphere, handling over 21 million passengers in 2019. The airport is the primary hub for South African Airways, the country’s national airline, and offers direct flights to several African and international destinations. -
Santiago International Airport
Santiago International Airport is the fifth-busiest airport in the southern hemisphere, serving over 21 million passengers in 2019. The airport is the primary hub for LATAM Airlines, the largest airline in South America, and offers direct flights to several North and South American destinations.
Other Busy Airports in the Southern Hemisphere
In addition to the top five busiest airports, several other airports in the southern hemisphere handle significant passenger traffic. These include Auckland Airport in New Zealand, Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport in Argentina, and Perth Airport in Australia.
Factors that Influence Airport Traffic
Several factors influence airport traffic, including population density, tourism, and economic activity. Airports located in major cities with large populations tend to be busier than those in smaller cities or rural areas. Tourism is also a significant driver of airport traffic, with many people traveling to popular destinations for vacations or business. Economic activity, such as trade and investment, can also lead to increased air travel between countries and regions.
Conclusion: The Future of Southern Hemisphere Airports
As air travel continues to grow in popularity, we can expect southern hemisphere airports to become even busier in the future. With increasing demand for air travel, airports will need to invest in infrastructure and technology to handle larger numbers of passengers and flights.
Overall, the southern hemisphere’s busiest airports play a vital role in connecting people and businesses across the region and around the world. As air travel continues to evolve, these airports will remain important hubs for international and domestic flights.
References and Further Reading
- "World’s Busiest Airports." Airports Council International, 2021, .
- "List of Busiest Airports in the Southern Hemisphere." Wikipedia, 2021, .