Top 10 Busiest Airports in America (Latest Updated Data)

Aviation landscape in  US is intensely competitive with major hubs continuously investing to handle surging traffic. Following list of the Top 10 Busiest Airports in America is based on the latest verified data from ACI, OAG and official airport reports. And also aligns closely with the list of busiest airports in the US recognized by industry analysts.

These airports form backbone of the US aviation network handling millions of passengers each year through major airline hubs, strategic locations and continual infrastructure upgrades. This updated breakdown offers a clear reliable view of the airports that keep America moving.

The U.S. Airports with the Passenger Traffic: Top 10 Ranked

Here is the most up to date ranking of the busiest airports in the US last year. Based on information data from agencies such as Airports Council International (ACI) OAG Aviation Worldwide (OAG) and official reports.

*Note: Passenger and seat capacity numbers can vary depending on data source (FAA, OA, ACI, etc.). These figures represent projected annual y peak season capacity in 2025.

America’s Busiest Airports: Latest Passenger and Seat Capacity Data

Below is an updated seat capacity breakdown for most busiest airports in US 2025. Including several contenders for largest airport in the US when considering land area operations or infrastructure expansion.

1st Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) – 38,052,956 seats

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Atlanta remains the undisputed leader in US aviation consistently ranking as busiest airport and frequently appearing in discussions of the biggest airports in the US by operations.

Contact Information & Official Resources OF Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport

• Address / Location: Department of Aviation 6000 N Terminal Pkwy Atlanta, GA 30320, USA.
• Area / Size / Runways / Terminals: Airport covers ~ 4,700 acres (~1,902 hectares).  It has 5 runways.  The terminal complex covers about 156.1 acres (≈ 6.8 million sq ft).
• Number of airlines operate: ~ 26–30+ passenger airlines
• Main Hub / Airlines: ATL is primary hub for Delta Air Lines. It’s the world’s largest single airline hub with 1,000+ flights daily to ~225 destinations.
• Contact / Official Info:
  • Main contact: +1 404-209-1700.
  • Mailing address: P.O. Box 20509, Atlanta, GA 30320.
  • For guest relations: (404) 530-7300 / (800) 897-1910;
  • Fax: (404) 530-7374.
• Flight Status / Check-in Info: Official website: www.atl.com — flight statuses, check-in information, and “Trak-A-Flight” service available.
• Other Useful Info (Baggage, Transit, Access): For baggage issues or lost items, contact the airline you flew with. ATL also provides MARTA (rail) access from Domestic Terminal.

The Secrets to ATL's Outstanding Performance

• Handles more flights per day than any airport in the world
• Steady growth (+2% YoY seat capacity)
• Located within a two-hour flight of 80% of the US population
• Delta’s largest hub with thousands of daily connections
• One takeoff/landing every 34 seconds during peak hours
• Remarkably efficient despite enormous volume

2nd Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) – 30,719,339 seats

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DFW’s land area places it among largest airports in the US. OIften cited when travelers ask which airport is the biggest in the US by size.

DFW Airport at a Glance: Key Facts & Essential Details

• Address / Location: 2400 Aviation Dr, DFW Airport, TX 75261, USA.
• Area / Size: Spans ~ 17,207 acres (~ 69.6 km²), among largest airports by land area in the U.S.
• Main Hub / Airlines: ~ 29 passenger airlines (serving 269 destinations). Primary hub for American Airlines. Also serves many passenger airlines providing domestic and international flights.
• Contact / Official Info:
• Main phone: +1 (972) 973-3112 (Customer Service).
• Email: askdfw@dfwairport.com.
• Mailing address: P.O. Box 619428, DFW Airport, TX 75261.
• Lost & Found: +1 972-973-4420.
• Official website: www.dfwairport.com
• Flight Status / Check-in Info: Real-time arrivals/departures and flight status information available via the airport website.
• Other Useful Info: DFW has multiple terminals connected by an automated Skylink train system, many gates, large shopping and amenities, and support services including lost & found, valet, parking, transportation since it’s a big airport complex.

The Factors That Power DFW’s Exceptional Reputation

• Bigger than Manhattan in land area
• Slight dip in traffic in H1 2025
• American Airlines’ core hub and operational stronghold
• Highly reliable weather reduces flight disruptions
• Has its own ZIP code and city level infrastructure
• Major connecting airport for coast to coast travel

3rd Denver International Airport (DEN) – 29,727,333 seats

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Denver is also widely recognized as largest airport in the US by land area. Making it a major reference point in the biggest airports in the US category.

Denver International Airport: Key Facts Every Traveler Should Know

• Address / Location: 8500 Peña Blvd, Denver, CO 80249, USA.
• Area / Size: Covers 33,531 acres (~52.4 sq mi / ~135.7 km²), making it largest airport in U.S. by land area.
• Main Hub / Airlines: ~ 27 airlines (as of 2025. Hub for United Airlines; major operating base for Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines.
• Contact / Official Info:
  • Phone: +1 (720) 730-4359 (720-730-IFLY).
  • Email: INFO@flydenver.com.
  • Official website: www.flydenver.com
  • Lost and found complaint: online form and check status
• Flight Status / Check-in & Terminal Info: DEN has a single main terminal (Jeppesen Terminal) divided into East and West. With three concourses (A, B, C). Gate maps flight status, parking, ground transportation info are on the official site.
• Other Useful Info: Free wifi, ground transport, car rentals, lost & found services, information booths.

Travelers and Airlines Rate DEN Among the Best

• Largest airport by land area in the US
• Strong growth (+4% YoY seat capacity)
• Rapid passenger growth due to booming local population
• Key hub for United, Frontier and Southwest
• Iconic peaked roof inspired by the Rockies
• Major expansion projects continuing through 2030

4th Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) – 31,287,130 seats

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ORD remains central to US aviation and regularly appears on the list of busiest airports in the US and global rankings.

O’Hare Airport Basics: Location, Airlines, Terminals & Services

• Address / Location: 10000 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60666, USA.
• Main Hub / Airlines: Major hubs for both United Airlines and American Airlines.
• Land area: ~ 7,627 acres (≈ 30.9 km²)
• Number of airlines serving: More than 40 airlines with non-stop flights to 249 destinations
• Contact / Official Info:
  • Customer service phone: +1 800-832-6352.
  • Official website: https://www.flychicago.com/ohare
  • Mailing address: Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), Customer Service, P.O. Box 66142, Chicag​o, IL 60666​
  • Lost and found: online contact form and other information.
• Flight Status / Check-in Info: Real-time flight arrivals/departure boards inside terminals, plus official website provides flight status.
• Other Useful Info: Multiple terminals (Terminal 1,2,3,5). Parking garages and long-term parking; connected by ATS rail between terminals. ORD is often called the “most connected airport in USA” and very high number of direct and connecting flights.

The Big Reasons ORD Stands Out for Travelers

• Features eight runways—the most of any airport globally
• Significant growth (+11% YoY seat capacity)
• Dual mega-hub for United and American
• Major connection point between East Coast and West Coast
• Recently modernised terminals boosting capacity
• Strong international network recovery in 2025

5th Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – 27,065,245 seats

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LAX is a top contender among biggest airports in the US due to its global traffic and major international gateway role.

LAX at a Glance: Contacts, Terminals & Traveler Services

• Address / Location: 1 World Way, Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA.
• Area / Size: ~ 3,500 acres of land.
• Main Role / Airlines: Major international gateway on the U.S. West Coast — very high volume of origin/destination and connecting traffic.
• Contact / Official Info:
  • Helpline (Infoline): (855) 463-5252
  • Email: infoline@lawa.org.
  • For TTY: California Relay Service (800) 735-2929.
  • Official site: www.flylax.com
• Flight Status / Check-in Info: Flight status and check in instructions are available on official site. For example, for flights with American Airlines at Terminal 4 / Tom Bradley Terminal check in times: 3:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. daily.
• Other Useful Info: Lost & found, parking and shuttle services managed via LAWA; construction hotline also provided for updates.

Why LAX Shines as a Leading West Coast Airport

• Leading US gateway for flights to Asia and Oceania
• Massive $14+ billion modernisation programme
• Modest growth (+3% YoY seat capacity)
• Heavy premium and business-class demand
• Global hub for entertainment and tourism
• Home to the iconic Theme Building

6th New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) – 23,559,605 seats

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JFK consistently appears in both the top busiest airports in US and global long haul rankings.

Navigating JFK: Key Info for Travelers and Airlines

• Location / Address: Jamaica, Queens, New York City, NY 11430, USA.
• IATA / ICAO Code: JFK / KJFK.
• Terminals & Runways / Infrastructure: 6 terminals (numbered 1–8, excluding 3 and 6).  The airport has 4 runways.
• Area / Size of airport: ~ 4,930 acres
• Airlines / Role / Hub: JFK is a major international gateway. It serves as a hub for multiple airlines including Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, American Airlines, and others.
• Contact / Official Info:
  • Phone for general airport inquiries: +1 (718) 244-4444.
  • Official website (for flight status / check-in info / services): the airport is operated by Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, website is https://www.jfkairport.com/
• Ground Transportation & Access: Airport is served by a 24/7 people mover system, AirTrain JFK, which connects all terminals . Plus parking, rental car center, and local rail/subway & bus systems (Long Island Rail Road, NYC Subway).
• Lost & Found / Baggage / Additional Services:
  • Lost & Found: +1 (718) 244-4225
  • TSA-security-checkpoint lost items: +1 (718) 917-3999.
  • For checked baggage, passengers should contact their airline.

The Secrets Behind JFK’s Exceptional Performance

• Nearly 40% international passengers—among the highest in the country
• Modest growth (+2% YoY seat capacity)
• Huge global airline presence
• Strong transatlantic and long-haul demand
• Ongoing modernisation reshaping the entire airport
• Premier lounges and premium travel services

7th Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) – 20,276,586 seats

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CLT’s strategic positioning and operational efficiency make it one of the American Airlines’ most important hubs. With exceptional aircraft turnaround times and expanding domestic reach Charlotte has become a key backbone airport for East Coast travel.

Everything You Need to Know Before Flying Through CLT

• Address / Location: 5501 Josh Birmingham Parkway, Charlotte, NC, USA.
• Terminal & Gates / Runways: CLT has a single central terminal building with five concourses (A, B, C, D, E) and 124 gates. Terminal building includes ticketing, security, baggage claim.and all concourses connect under a single roof (no need for shuttle or tram).
• Land / area: ~ 5,558 acres
• Airlines / Role / Hub: CLT is the major “fortress hub” for American Airlines — a large portion of flights and traffic through CLT involve American. The airport also handles cargo, general aviation, and hosts the local Air National Guard base.
• Contact / Official Info:
  • Automated airport information: 704-359-4910
  • Info/Paging: 704-359-4013
  • Visitor Info Centre: 704-359-4027
  • Airport Law Enforcement & Emergency: 704-359-4012
  • Media inquiries: 704-359-4933 or email media@cltairport.com
  • Flight status online.
• Lost and found and luggage: must contact your airlines and complain online.
• Passenger Info & Travel Tips: Because all gates are accessible from a central terminal (no shuttles needed), transfer between flights is simpler. Security lines can get busy, recommended to check in early, print or get mobile boarding pass, check luggage rules with the airline. Smoking is prohibited inside; pets/service animals have designated relief areas.

The Secrets Behind CLT’s Smooth Operations

• Some of the fastest turnaround times in the US
• Strong growth (+7% YoY seat capacity)
• Major American Airlines hub
• Smooth terminal layout for quick connections
• Rapid passenger growth and new routes
• Rising in global rankings year after year

8th Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) – 20,063,771 seats

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Las Vegas thrives on constant tourism and major conventions. making LAS one of busiest airports despite being heavily leisure focused. The city’s growing status as a global entertainment and sports capital continues to push traffic numbers upward.

Las Vegas Airport Essentials: Gates, Airlines, and Passenger Services

• Address / Location: 5757 Wayne Newton Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA. Mailing P.O. Box: 11005, Las Vegas, NV 89111-1005.
• Terminals, Gates, Runways & Area: LAS has 2 passenger terminals (Terminal 1 for domestic; Terminal 3 for international & some domestic. Plus a satellite concourse (Concourse D). Combined they offer about 110 aircraft gates. Airport has 4 runways. The airport covers about 2,800 acres of land.
• Airlines / Role: LAS serves many domestic and international airlines.Tit's an operating base or important airport for carriers such as Southwest Airlines Frontier Airlines, Allegiant Air and more. In 2024, airport reportedly handled 58.4 million passengers.
• Contact / Official Info:
  • General information phone: +1 702-261-5211
  • Parking info: 702-261-5121
  • Rent-A-Car Center: 702-261-6001
  • Lost & Found: 702-261-5134 and online contact form
  • Official website: https://www.harryreidairport.com/
• Services & Passenger Amenities: Rental-car center with 10+ rental companies, with 24/7 shuttle connection to terminals.  There are public garages, economy lots, valet parking, and a “Cell Phone Lot” for pickups.  Free Wi-Fi, food, shopping, currency exchange (international terminal), pet-relief areas, lounges, and full services for disabled passengers.  For flight status / check-in / information contact at official website provides latest updates.

Why Las Vegas Airport Excels for Travelers and Airlines

• Driven by 24/7 tourism and global event traffic
• Steady growth (+5% YoY seat capacity)
• Passenger spikes during CES, concerts, F1 and major sports events
• Known for handling large leisure crowds efficiently
• Growing international route network
• One of the only airports featuring slot machines inside terminals

9th  San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – 19,623,701 seats

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SFO stands out as a leading West Coast international hub. Especially for routes to Asia driven by business and tech sectors. Its modern terminals, strong United Airlines presence and early adoption of biometrics make it one of the most advanced airports in the country.

Everything You Need to Know Before Flying Through SFO

• Location / Address: 780 S Airport Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94128, USA.
• IATA / ICAO Code: SFO / KSFO.
• Terminals / Runways / Infrastructure: SFO has 4 terminals currently operating (Domestic Terminals 1, 2, 3 and an International Terminal). Combined, there are about 120 gates. There are 4 runways.
• Airport covers: ~ 5,207 acres
• Airlines / Role / Hub: SFO is a hub for United Airlines (especially for trans-Pacific and international flights) and Alaska Airlines. It is a major gateway for international and domestic travel for the San Francisco Bay Area.
• Contact and official information:
  • Main number: 800 435 9736 or 650 821 8211
  • Email: SFOLostandFound@flysfo.com
  • Lost and found contact details: 800 764 8050 and LostandFound@covenantsecurity.com.
  • Official website: flysfo.com
• Ground Transport / Access: Ground transportation includes regional transit (BART — local rail), buses, taxis / ride-shares, rental cars, airport shuttles.
• Flight Status / Official Info: Official airport website: https://www.flysfo.com/.provides flight status, check-in info, terminals and gate maps, travel advisories, amenities, and passenger services.
• Other Useful Info: For international flights, all international arrivals (except those with pre-clearance) are processed via the International Terminal (boarding areas A and G). SFO serves both domestic and international routes and has robust infrastructure for commercial aviation operations. 

The Winning Qualities That Make SFO Stand Out

• Key gateway to Asia and major tech markets
• Strong growth (+6% YoY seat capacity)
• Early adopter of biometric boarding
• United Airlines’ primary Pacific hub
• Strong premium travel demand
• Hosts the world’s first airport-accredited museum

10th Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) – 19,618,526 seats

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SEA has experienced rapid international growth, supported by booming tech industry demand and the dual presence of Alaska Airlines and Delta. It continues to climb the ranks as a major Pacific Northwest hub with expanding connectivity to Asia and Europe.

Seattle-Tacoma Airport (SEA): Flights, Ground Transport, and Traveler Tips

• Location / Address: 17801 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98158, United States.
• IATA / ICAO Code: SEA / KSEA.
• Terminals, Runways & Infrastructure: SEA has a main terminal building with four concourses (A–D) plus two satellite terminals (North and South satellites) connected by an air-train. There are 3 runways.
• Airlines / Role / Hub: SEA serves as a hub for airlines such as Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines. As of 2024, the airport handled a significant number of passengers (52.6 million per 2024 stats).  It offers domestic and international flights.
• Official contact details:
  • Main number: (206) 787-3000
  • Mailing Address: PO Box 1209 | Seattle, WA 98111
  • Airport Lost and Found: (206) 787-5312
• Flight Status / Official Info: Official website: https://www.portseattle.org/sea-tac — for flight status, check-in, lost and found, maps, ground transport, and passenger services.
• Other Useful Info: SEA has 38 airlines operating, serving many domestic and international destinations (96 domestic, 37 international) as of 2024.  The airport operates 24 hours a day, with no curfews.

The Key Strengths Behind SEA’s Airport Excellence

• Fast-growing West Coast hub
• Strong growth, especially in international traffic
• Strong operations from Alaska Airlines and Delta
• Expanding international routes, especially to Asia
• Located in a rapidly growing tech-driven region
• Popular for its eco-friendly design and public art installations

Future Projections and Expansion Plans of Airports (Next 5-10 Years)

Major US airports especially those counted among the largest airports in the US. Are preparing for massive expansion, smart-technology adoption and infrastructure upgrades.

• DFW's Terminal F: The multi phase plan is set to add up to 31 new gates. And is budgeted at over $1.6 billion for phase one alone. This will ensure that the hub can handle the projected growth of over 100 million passengers annually.
• Bigger and Better Infrastructure: Chicago O’Hare is building a new Global Terminal. It replaces older facilities. The project boosts international capacity and simplifies dual-hub operations. Passenger flow will stay smooth into the 2030s.
• Smarter Operations with AI: Airports are becoming Smart Airports by using AI and automation for critical tasks. This technology is key for predictive maintenance optimizing gate assignments. And managing passenger movement dynamically. This reliance on AI is essential for maintaining high passenger loads while drastically reducing flight delays.
• Integrating Urban Air Mobility (UAM): Airports are planning vertiports for autonomous air taxis . And eVTOLs aiming to offer fast direct regional connections to major hubs

Does Being the Busiest Mean an Airport Is the Biggest?

No. An airport can be the busiest (most flights or passengers) without being the biggest, since physical size depends on land area, terminals, and runways, not traffic volume.

Does More Seats Mean Higher Passenger Traffic at Airports?

Not always. Seat capacity measures how many seats airlines offer, while passenger traffic counts how many travelers actually fly. High seat capacity usually leads to high traffic, but factors like demand, cancellations, and load factors can create differences.

Which Are the Largest and Busiest Airports in the United States?

Biggest airports in US and top busiest airports in US include Atlanta (ATL) Chicago OHare ORD and Fort Worth (DFW). These continue to be recognized as both largest airports in the US by operations and some of busiest airports in US by annual passenger traffic.

Which day is the busiest in U.S. airports?

Busiest day in U.S. airports is typically Sunday. Especially during holiday seasons as most travelers return home. It consistently ranks as one of the top busiest airports in the US travel days each week.