In today's globalized world, airports play an essential role in connecting people, cultures, and economies.
The vastness of air travel infrastructure is not only impressive but necessary to accommodate millions of passengers, aircraft, and cargo on a daily basis.
When measuring the largest airports, we can consider different factors such as land area, passenger capacity, and number of runways.
Below, we delve into the details of the biggest airports across the globe, ranked by their size, passenger capacity, and facilities.
1. King Fahd International Airport
King Fahd International Airport, also known as Dammam Airport, is by far the largest airport in the world, covering an astonishing 780 square kilometers.
Located in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, it surpasses all other airports in terms of size. Despite its massive land area, the airport’s passenger traffic is relatively low compared to other global hubs.
A large portion of the airport’s land remains unused, but it has huge potential for future expansions. Opened in 1999, it serves as a gateway to the oil-rich eastern region of Saudi Arabia.
The airport is modern and features extensive duty-free shopping areas and lounges, catering to both business and leisure travelers.
Also Read-Top 10 Largest Lake in the World
2. Denver International Airport
Coming in second is Denver International Airport, located in Colorado, USA. Spanning 135.7 square kilometers, it is the largest airport in North America.
Its iconic tent-like roof design is instantly recognizable, symbolizing the snow-capped peaks of the nearby Rocky Mountains.
The airport serves as a major hub for domestic and international flights, handling over 69 million passengers annually.
Denver International is also renowned for its state-of-the-art infrastructure and efficient services, making it one of the most significant airports in the USA.
With six runways and extensive cargo operations, it is a crucial transportation center for both passengers and goods.
3. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, situated in Texas, USA, covers 69.6 square kilometers. It is the second-largest airport in the United States and serves as a major hub for American Airlines, one of the world’s largest carriers.
DFW handles over 75 million passengers annually, offering flights to hundreds of destinations across the globe.
The airport features five terminals connected by an efficient SkyLink train system, allowing passengers to easily transfer between flights.
With its vast size and high passenger volume, DFW is a vital part of both American and global air travel networks.
Also Read-10 Largest Zoos in the World
4. Orlando International Airport
Orlando International Airport ranks as the fourth largest in the world, occupying 53.8 square kilometers. Located in Florida, USA, it serves as the primary gateway for tourists visiting Disney World and other major attractions in the region.
The airport handles over 50 million passengers annually and is a hub for numerous airlines, offering flights to both domestic and international destinations.
The airport is known for its efficient passenger services and well-designed terminal layout, ensuring a smooth travel experience for millions of visitors each year.
5. Washington Dulles International Airport
Washington Dulles International Airport, located in Virginia, USA, covers 52.6 square kilometers, making it the fifth-largest airport by land area.
As a major hub for international flights, Dulles connects the capital city of the United States to destinations around the world.
With its iconic terminal design by architect Eero Saarinen, the airport is not only functional but also visually striking.
Handling over 24 million passengers annually, Dulles is an essential gateway for both business and diplomatic travel, with a large proportion of its traffic consisting of international flights.
Also Read-Top 15 Mexican Cities to Visit Any Time
6. Beijing Daxing International Airport
Beijing Daxing International Airport is one of the newest additions to the list, having opened in 2019. Covering 47 square kilometers, it was built to alleviate the passenger load from Beijing Capital International Airport.
Designed by the late architect Zaha Hadid, the airport is often referred to as the "Starfish" due to its unique shape.
Despite its vast size, the airport is incredibly efficient, with short walking distances between gates and cutting-edge technology to expedite passenger processing.
Daxing is set to become one of the busiest airports globally as China's aviation demand continues to grow rapidly.
7. George Bush Intercontinental Airport
George Bush Intercontinental Airport, located in Houston, Texas, USA, covers 44.5 square kilometers. It serves as a major hub for United Airlines, offering connections to domestic and international destinations.
The airport handles around 45 million passengers annually and has five terminals, each with its own unique features and services.
With its proximity to Houston, a major business and energy hub, George Bush Intercontinental is a vital transportation center for business travelers and cargo operations alike.
Also Read-Top 10 Biggest Wall in the World
8. Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Shanghai Pudong International Airport is one of China's largest and busiest airports, covering 40 square kilometers. It serves as the primary international gateway to Shanghai, the country's financial capital.
The airport features two major passenger terminals and is a hub for China Eastern Airlines and Shanghai Airlines.
Pudong handles over 76 million passengers annually, making it one of the busiest airports in the world.
It is well-known for its high-speed Maglev train, which connects passengers to downtown Shanghai in just seven minutes.
9. Cairo International Airport
Cairo International Airport, located in the capital city of Egypt, covers 37 square kilometers and is the largest airport in Africa.
Serving as the primary gateway to the Middle East and North Africa, the airport handles over 15 million passengers each year. Cairo International features three terminals and is a hub for EgyptAir.
The airport is undergoing continuous expansion to accommodate increasing passenger traffic and further solidify its position as a key player in global aviation.
Also Read-10 Most Colorful Lakes in the World
10. Suvarnabhumi Airport
Suvarnabhumi Airport, located in Bangkok, Thailand, rounds off our top 10 list, covering 32.4 square kilometers.
As Thailand’s largest airport, Suvarnabhumi is a major hub for both passenger and cargo flights, handling over 60 million passengers annually.
The airport features a single terminal building, which is among the largest in the world, offering state-of-the-art facilities and numerous amenities for travelers.
Suvarnabhumi is renowned for its modern design and serves as a key transportation hub for Southeast Asia.
The Bottom Line
These top 10 largest airports by size play a critical role in the global air travel network, offering connectivity and convenience to millions of passengers each year.
While these airports differ in passenger numbers and operations, they all share the distinction of being the largest by land area, a testament to their importance in global aviation infrastructure.
