The United States boasts a vast network of international airports, each a bustling hub connecting people and places across the globe. From the sprawling complex of John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City to the ever-active Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia, these aviation centers serve as critical infrastructure for major carriers like United, American, Delta, and JetBlue. While these airports can experience significant congestion, especially during peak travel seasons and holidays, they offer an unparalleled array of direct international and domestic flight routes, streamlining travel and often providing more affordable options compared to smaller regional airports. Navigating the crowds can be well worth it for the convenience and connectivity these airports provide. This article explores the 25 busiest airports in the United States, delving into their unique characteristics, key airlines, and the regions they serve.
This is a closer look at the airports that keep America moving:
1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Airport Code: ATL
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) isn’t just one of the busiest in the United States; it consistently ranks as the busiest airport in the world, surpassing even Beijing in passenger volume. Annually, it welcomes over 100 million travelers through its gates. Its strategic location, a mere two-hour flight from numerous major American cities, makes it a highly desirable and convenient connecting point for domestic and international flights. As the primary hub for Delta Airlines, ATL offers a vast network of routes, ensuring seamless connections for passengers traveling throughout the Americas and beyond. The airport itself is a sprawling complex with multiple terminals, a wide array of dining and shopping options, and efficient ground transportation links, making it a well-equipped gateway to the Southeastern United States and the world.
2. Denver International Airport
Location: Denver, Colorado
Airport Code: DEN
Denver International Airport (DEN) is a behemoth in terms of land area. Spanning over 33,500 acres – a staggering 54 square miles – it holds the title of the largest airport by area in the United States. This vastness allows for significant expansion capabilities and helps accommodate the ever-growing demands of air travel. DEN serves as a critical hub for many regional carriers, most notably Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines, connecting passengers to destinations throughout the Rocky Mountain region and beyond. Travelers venturing to the western states of Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, Montana, and New Mexico will likely find themselves passing through Denver, making it a crucial transit point for exploring the American West. The airport’s iconic tent-like roofline is a recognizable landmark, and inside, passengers can enjoy a range of amenities and services designed to enhance their travel experience.
3. Los Angeles International Airport
Location: Los Angeles, California
Airport Code: LAX
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is a gateway to the entertainment capital of the world and a major international hub on the West Coast. Handling approximately 87 million passengers annually, LAX is the largest of the five airports serving the Los Angeles metropolitan area, which also includes Hollywood Burbank, Long Beach, John Wayne, and Ontario. Beyond serving the sprawling metropolis of L.A., Hollywood, and Southern California, LAX plays a vital role in connecting travelers to Hawaii, the Pacific Rim, and destinations throughout the Western United States. The airport has undergone significant renovations in recent years, including a $1.9 billion overhaul of the Tom Bradley International Terminal, enhancing the passenger experience with modern facilities and expanded services.
4. John F. Kennedy International Airport
Location: Queens, New York
Airport Code: JFK
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), located in Queens, New York City, is a global gateway, welcoming arrivals and departures from virtually every international airline. While LaGuardia Airport (also in Queens) primarily handles domestic flights, JFK serves as the primary entry point for international travelers visiting New York City and the surrounding region. American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and JetBlue all maintain a significant presence at JFK, offering a wide range of domestic and international connections. The airport is a complex and dynamic environment, with multiple terminals, diverse dining and shopping options, and convenient transportation links to Manhattan and other parts of the city, including the AirTrain, which provides free terminal transfers and connections to the subway and rental car facilities. This makes the 25 busiest airports in the United States one of the busiest.
5. Harry Reid International Airport
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Airport Code: LAS
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), formerly known as McCarran International Airport, offers visitors a taste of Las Vegas even before they leave the terminal. With over 1,300 slot machines scattered throughout the concourses, travelers can try their luck before heading to the city’s famed casinos. LAS is served by a mix of airlines, including low-cost carriers like Southwest and Spirit, as well as major airlines such as United, American, and Delta. This makes it a popular choice for both leisure and business travelers visiting Las Vegas and the surrounding region. The airport’s modern facilities and efficient operations help manage the high volume of passengers traveling to and from this vibrant destination.
6. Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Airport Code: CLT
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is a key connecting point along the East Coast, offering a viable alternative to Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport for flight transfers. This North Carolina airport is known for its passenger-friendly amenities, most notably the rows of rocking chairs that line the main hall, providing a relaxing space for travelers to unwind during layovers. CLT is a major hub for American Airlines, offering extensive domestic and international connections. Its strategic location and efficient operations make it a popular choice for travelers seeking seamless travel throughout the eastern United States and beyond.
7. Miami International Airport
Location: Miami, Florida
Airport Code: MIA
Miami International Airport (MIA) is the primary U.S. gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean. This major Florida airport serves as a crucial hub for American Airlines, offering numerous routes to destinations throughout the Americas. For travelers seeking alternative options, West Palm Beach Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport offer additional flight options in the Miami metropolitan area. MIA’s extensive international connections and convenient location make it a vital link for business and leisure travelers alike.
8. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Location: Seattle, Washington
Airport Code: SEA
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, affectionately known as SEA-TAC by locals, is the main airport serving the Pacific Northwest. In addition to providing access to Seattle and the surrounding region, SEA-TAC is a hub for Alaska Airlines, offering a wide range of domestic and international connections. Conveniently located just 18 kilometers from downtown Seattle, the airport is easily accessible by car, with a travel time of approximately 20 minutes in light traffic. SEA-TAC’s modern facilities, efficient operations, and convenient location make it a popular choice for travelers visiting the Emerald City and exploring the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
9. Newark Liberty International Airport
Location: Newark, New Jersey
Airport Code: EWR
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), despite its location in New Jersey, serves as one of the three primary airport hubs for New York City. In 2016, Terminal A, originally built in 1973, underwent a significant $2.3 billion renovation to better accommodate the airport’s 46 million annual travelers. EWR often offers more affordable flight options compared to its neighboring JFK and LaGuardia airports, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious travelers. The airport’s strategic location and extensive network of domestic and international routes make it a vital transportation hub for the New York metropolitan area.
10. San Francisco International Airport
Location: San Francisco, California
Airport Code: SFO
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the second-largest airport in California, serving as a major gateway connecting West Coast travelers to Europe and Asia. Previously the base for Virgin America (acquired by Alaska Airlines in 2016), SFO has garnered awards for its environmentally conscious design and its commitment to reducing waste, water usage, and greenhouse gas emissions. San Jose and Oakland airports offer convenient alternative options for travelers seeking to avoid the congestion of SFO.
11. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Airport Code: PHX
Serving Phoenix and the greater Southwest area, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) features 100 gates spread across two terminals (Terminal 3 and 4). Renowned for its exceptional customer service, PHX is also known as an extremely friendly airport. The main airlines operating at PHX include American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest. As the 25 busiest airports in the United States PHX is one of the airports known for customer service.
12. George Bush Intercontinental Airport
Location: Houston, Texas
Airport Code: IAH
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is a major hub for United Airlines, but it also serves as an important airport for Alaska, American, and Delta airlines. Routes between IAH and Central and South America are particularly busy, reflecting Houston’s strong ties to the region.
13. Logan International Airport
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Airport Code: BOS
Boston’s Logan International Airport (BOS) is the primary gateway for the New England states, including Rhode Island, Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Delta, JetBlue, and American are all popular carriers at Logan, frequently offering competitive fares.
14. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Airport Code: FLL
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) serves as an alternative to Miami International Airport (approximately 28 miles north of Miami) and provides convenient access to the beaches of South Florida. Southwest, Delta, and JetBlue are among the major carriers at FLL.
15. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport
Location: Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota
Airport Code: MSP
Delta Airlines maintains a major hub at Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP). Beyond serving the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, MSP connects passengers to destinations throughout the Upper Midwest, including Wisconsin, Michigan, and North and South Dakota.
16. LaGuardia Airport
Location: Queens, New York
Airport Code: LGA
LaGuardia Airport (LGA), located in Queens, New York City, is primarily known as New York City’s domestic airport, handling the majority of commuter shuttles to and from the city.
17. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
Location: Detroit, Michigan
Airport Code: DTW
Despite its seemingly regional name, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is an international airport and Delta Airlines’ second-largest hub.
18. Philadelphia International Airport
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Airport Code: PHL
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) serves the city of Philadelphia and the surrounding region, including Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and the Delaware Valley. PHL is often less crowded and more affordable than the major New York City-area airports (JFK, LGA, and EWR).
19. Salt Lake City International Airport
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Airport Code: SLC
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), a hub for Delta Airlines, provides connecting flights to many western destinations, particularly ski resorts. The popular Park City resort is just a 45-minute drive from SLC.
20. Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
Location: Anne Arundel County, Maryland
Airport Code: BWI
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) provides service to the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. metropolitan areas.
21. Orlando International Airport
Location: Orlando, Florida
Airport Code: MCO
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a major gateway for tourists visiting the many theme parks and attractions in central Florida.
22. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
Location: Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
Airport Code: DFW
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) serves the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area and is a major hub for American Airlines.
23. Dulles International Airport
Location: Washington, D.C.
Airport Code: IAD
Located in northern Virginia, Dulles International Airport (IAD) is the main international airport serving Washington, D.C. United Airlines operates frequently out of Dulles.
24. Chicago Midway International Airport
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Airport Code: MDW
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), Chicago’s smaller airport, offers an alternative to the city’s busy O’Hare International Airport. Southwest Airlines has a dominant presence at MDW.
25. Tampa International Airport
Location: Tampa, Florida
Airport Code: TPA
Tampa International Airport (TPA) serves the Tampa Bay area and is a popular gateway for tourists visiting Florida’s Gulf Coast.
These 25 busiest airports in the United States play a vital role in connecting people and places, facilitating both domestic and international travel. While navigating these bustling hubs can sometimes be challenging, the convenience and connectivity they offer make them essential components of the nation’s transportation infrastructure.
