When it comes to getting from one place to another, flying is often a preferred option. It’s thought to be faster and safer than using roads, trains, or even rivers.
For this reason, countries all over the world have constructed huge airports and supporting infrastructure to keep up with the demand for accessible, moderately priced air travel.
Although most airports are quite large, others have taken the concept of size to an entirely new level. Take a ride with FactsVerse as we fly through the largest airports in the world.
King Fahd International Airport – Saudi Arabia
Dammam, Saudi Arabia, is home to King Fahd International Airport, often regarded as the largest airport anywhere in the world. King Fahd International Airport has a surface area of 776 square kilometers, making it approximately fourfold larger than Manhattan. The airport, named after Saudi Arabia’s late King Fahd, first opened its doors in 1999 under his reign. It boasts a gigantic terminal structure at the airport that spans three stories and more than 570,000 square feet. It can also accommodate a significant number of airplanes and passengers thanks to its four concourses and various gates. There is a wide variety of services available at the airport, from duty-free stores to restaurants to VIP lounges and even a prayer room. Its runway is 4.5 kilometers long, making it suitable for even the largest passenger jets. In addition to serving as a key transportation center for the vast Eastern Province, the airport also acts as one of the three major airports within Saudi Arabia. Despite its status as the largest airport in the world, it handles a relatively modest number of people each year—just 9.7 million.
Denver International Airport – United States of America
This airport, found in the western United States, has a land area of around 135 square kilometers and serves as a massive transportation hub. It features six runways that can accommodate the busiest flight demands. The airport opened its doors in 1995 and has served as United Airlines and Frontier Airlines’ primary hub since then. It serves around 62 million travelers each year. Additionally, it has been one of the world’s busiest airports every year since 2000, consistently placing in the top 20. Both the Jeppesen Terminal’s white-peaked tents and the “Blue Mustang” sculpture, a vivid blue Mustang, have become instantly recognizable symbols of this airport. Denver International Airport provides its guests with cutting-edge services and conveniences to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable trip.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport – United States of America
DFW Airport, short for Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, is among the world’s busiest and largest airports. It’s the third-largest airport in the world and the second-largest within the United States, covering an area of approximately 69.6 square kilometers (nearly 17,000 acres). It is a major hub for American Airlines and is situated between Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas. DFW can accommodate a significant number of airplanes and travelers every day thanks to its seven runways and more than 260 gates. Nearly 40 million travelers used it in 2020, ranking it the world’s fourth-busiest airport. DFW is well-known not just for its size and traveler volume but also for its cutting-edge infrastructure. It features not one but five terminals as well as numerous restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. In addition to being a large passenger airport, DFW also serves as a significant freight hub. It serves as a primary gateway for the global transportation of commodities by numerous logistics and e-commerce firms.
Orlando International Airport – United States of America
This airport, also known as MCO, is a massive transportation hub with world-class amenities. It’s ideally situated in Florida, making it the go-to airport for Orlando and the nearby region.
The 69.63-square-kilometer complex first opened in 1981 as a major hub for several airlines, including Delta and Southwest, and offers flights to destinations worldwide. It is known for its state-of-the-art facilities, including a brand-new terminal that opened in 2020, which features modern amenities and services for travelers.
Unlike other large airports, such as King Fahd International, Orlando International Airport fully utilizes its space and infrastructure. It is the number one airport in terms of passenger traffic in Florida and also ranks as the seventh busiest in the United States. As a key FedEx Express freight hub, it is also important for international shipping.
Washington Dulles International Airport – United States of America
This Northern Virginia airport cannot be ignored when talking about size. It ranks fifth among the largest airports in the world. It is also a central hub for United Airlines and serves as a gateway to destinations in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Established in 1962, the airport occupies an area of 48.6 square kilometers.
It bears the name of John Foster Dulles, the 52nd Secretary of State under President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The airport’s iconic main terminal, designed by renowned architect Eero Saarinen, is known for its sweeping arches and spacious ticketing and baggage areas. Among many things, the airport features four runways, three terminals, and a state-of-the-art terminal with a wide range of amenities and services. Dulles is also known for its high-tech features, such as automated people movers and mobile passport control, which help passengers get through the airport quickly.
Beijing Daxing International Airport – China
In addition to its other namesake, Beijing New Airport is a major international hub. Located in the southern suburbs of Beijing, China, the airport first opened to the public in September 2019. It occupies an area of 18 square miles (46.6 square kilometers). Although it is only the world’s sixth-largest airport, it is the largest in Asia and has the largest terminal size of any airport. The airport has a massive 7.5 million square feet of terminal space and is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including facial recognition systems and automatic baggage handling. It is designed to handle 72 million passengers annually, with the capability to expand to accommodate up to 100 million passengers in the future. The airport also has six runways, which makes it one of the few places in the world where planes can take off and land at the same time. This airport has a lot to offer; it is an attraction in and of itself, providing visitors with a first-rate experience.
George Bush Intercontinental – United States of America
Located in Houston, Texas, this airport is a key hub for local and international travel. The airport, formerly known as Houston Intercontinental, opened in 1969 and spans across an area of 44.5 square kilometers (17.19 square miles). With five terminals and over 700 daily flights, it serves as a gateway to destinations all over the world. It has the capacity to handle over 40 million passengers annually and is currently the 11th busiest airport in the United States and the 48th busiest in the world. The airport serves as the central hub for United Airlines, and it’s the largest hub for the carrier in Texas. Airline companies like Spirit and Sun Country, as well as others, use this airport as their primary hub. In addition, the airport provides its passengers with a comprehensive selection of services, such as WIFI, lounges, and business centers.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport – China
This airport is the largest and one of the busiest airports in China. With a total area of 40 square kilometers (15 square miles), it is also considered one of the largest airports in the world. This airport is located 30 kilometers to the east of downtown Shanghai. It is the principal airport for the surrounding area and handles a substantial number of foreign flights. The airport features two main terminals, as well as a third terminal under construction, and is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including duty-free shops, lounges, and a variety of dining options. It is also connected to the city by multiple forms of transportation, including the metro, bus, and taxi. It handles over 80 million passengers annually, making it one of the busiest airports in the world in terms of passenger traffic. Shanghai Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and China Eastern Airlines are among the major airline companies that operate within this airport. In addition to a cutting-edge air traffic control tower, Pudong Airport is also home to a vast cargo terminal that processes over 2.5 million tons of cargo each year.
Cairo International Airport – Egypt
In addition to ranking as the ninth-largest airport in the world, this facility is one of the biggest in Africa and Cairo, Egypt’s primary airport. As the key airport for Egypt and the surrounding region, it plays a pivotal role as a transportation hub in the Middle East. The airport occupies a total area of about 37 square kilometers and ranks as the busiest airport in North Africa and the second-busiest in Africa. It serves as a central hub for EgyptAir, the flag carrier of Egypt, and several other major airlines, connecting travelers to destinations across the globe. The airport has three terminals, with the first and second terminals primarily used for international flights and the third terminal primarily used for domestic flights. With a capacity of over 45 million passengers annually, Cairo International Airport handles a large volume of air traffic. The airport is also a hub for cargo traffic because it has a big cargo terminal and places to handle and store cargo. Due to its central location, cutting-edge infrastructure, and extensive aviation connections, this airport serves as a primary access point to Egypt and the surrounding region.
Suvarnabhumi International – Thailand
This airport is the primary international airport in Bangkok and is consistently ranked as among the busiest in all of Southeast Asia.
The 32-square-kilometer facility first opened in 2006 and has been a significant transportation hub in Southeast Asia ever since. The airport’s name, Suvarnabhumi, translates to “golden land” in Thai, and it certainly lives up to its name with its state-of-the-art facilities and services. With two terminals and three runways, it has the capacity to handle over 60 million passengers annually, making it one of the busiest airports in Southeast Asia. It also has the capability of handling a significant amount of air traffic. Suvarnabhumi International Airport is a hub for several major airlines, including Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways, connecting passengers to destinations all over the world. In addition, its strategic location and efficient transportation connections make it a popular destination for both business and leisure travelers. The airport also boasts an extensive network of transport options to connect passengers to the city and surrounding areas, including trains, buses, and taxis.
There you have it: the largest airports in the world. It’s time to hear from you. Which of these airports left the biggest impression on you, and why? Let us know in the comments below.