The importance of air travel to the world economy has grown. It is the most well-liked kind of long-distance transportation since it can transport tourists, guests, businesspeople, or members of the armed services to their destinations more quickly and safely than trains, roads, or waterways. Moreover, non-human cargo such as mail, goods, and military payloads are best transported by air. As a result, communities all over the world have quickly adjusted, constructing enormous airports and supporting infrastructure to satisfy the continuously expanding need for accessible, reasonably priced air travel. This article will examine the top ten largest airports in the world 2023 in terms of their physical size, passenger volume, and overall volume (number of flights).
10. SUVARNABHUMI INTERNATIONAL (BKK)
- Country: Thailand
- Owner: Airports of Thailand PCL (AOT)
- Size:4 km2 approx.
- Passenger Volume: 28 million approx.
- Location: Bangkok, Thailand
- Opened In: 2006
- Official Website: suvarnabhumi.airportthai.co.th
The primary international airport servicing Bangkok, Thailand is Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). It is the tenth largest airport among the top ten largest airports in the world 2023. It was inaugurated in 2006 to take over as Bangkok’s main airport from the more dated Don Mueang International Airport. Thai Airlines, Bangkok Airways, and Thai AirAsia all have hubs at BKK, making it one of the busiest airports in all Southeast Asia. With a focus on linking Thailand to cities in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, it provides flights to domestic and foreign destinations.
The airport has a single, sizable terminal structure with seven stories. There are several services available at the airport, including dining establishments, cafes, shops, lounges, and even a hotel. Concourses A, B, C, and D are just a few of the concourses that are there. An automated people mover system links them to the main terminal. The Skytrax Award for Best Airport Crew in Asia in 2020 is one of several accolades for BKK’s customer service. BKK is renowned for its effectiveness and modern amenities. To lessen its influence on the environment, it has also put into practice a number of ecological initiatives, such as employing renewable energy sources and cutting trash.
9. CAIRO INTERNATIONAL (CAI)
- Country: Egypt
- Owner: Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation
- Size:3 km2 approx.
- Passenger Volume: 2 million approx.
- Location: Cairo, Egypt
- Opened In: 1963
- Official Website: cario-airport.com
The primary international airport servicing Cairo, Egypt is Cairo International Airport (CAI). It covers an area of around 37 square kilometers and is situated about 15 kilometers (9 miles) northeast of downtown Cairo (14.3 square miles). The official flag carrier airline of Egypt, EgyptAir, has its hub at CAI, the second busiest airport in Africa. With a focus on linking Egypt to cities in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, it provides flights to internal and foreign locations.
There are three terminals at the airport, with Terminal 2 serving as both the primary terminal and the most recent expansion. A shuttle bus service connects the terminals. Together with a variety of facilities, the airport has a museum devoted to Egyptian aviation history, cafes, restaurants, stores, and lounges. The Skytrax Award for Best Airport Crew in Africa in 2020 is just one of the accolades that CAI has received for its customer service in addition to its efficiency and cutting-edge facilities. To lessen its influence on the environment, it has also put into practice a number of ecological initiatives, such as employing renewable energy sources and cutting trash.
8. SHANGHAI PUDONG INTERNATIONAL (PVG)
- Country: China
- Owner: Shanghai Airport Authority
- Size:9 km2 approx.
- Passenger Volume: 32 million approx.
- Location: Pudong, Shanghai, China
- Opened In: 1999
- Official Website: shairport.com/index_enpdjc.html
A significant airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), is about 30 kilometers (19 miles) east of the city center of Shanghai. It is the eighth largest airport among the top ten largest airports in the world 2023. In order to relieve the congestion at the already-existing Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, it was opened in 1999. PVG is a hub for numerous significant airlines, including China Eastern Airlines and Shanghai Airlines, and is one of the busiest airports in China. With a focus on linking China to cities in Asia, Europe, and North America, it provides flights to domestic and foreign locations.
T1 and T2 are the airport’s two main terminals, and a shuttle bus service connects them. Concourses A, B, C, and D are among the concourses that are present, and they are all connected to the major terminals by an automated people mover system. PVG is renowned for its effectiveness and cutting-edge amenities, which include a variety of eateries and bars, shops, lounges, and even an on-site hotel. To lessen its influence on the environment, it has also put into practice a number of ecological initiatives, such as employing renewable energy sources and cutting trash. The Skytrax World Airport Awards recognized PVG as the “Best Airport in China” and the “Best Airport in the Asia-Pacific Area” in 2019.
7. GEORGE BUSH INTERCONTINENTAL (IAH)
- Country: United States
- Owner: Houston Airport System
- Size:5 km2 approx.
- Passenger Volume: 40 million approx.
- Location: Houston, Texas, United States
- Opened In: 1969
- Official Website: fly2houston.com/iah
Major airport George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is situated 37 kilometers (23 miles) north of Houston’s city center in Texas. It was established in 1969 and is named for Houston-born George H.W. Bush who is the 41st President of the United States. IAH handled more than 45 million passengers in 2019, making it the second-busiest airport in Texas and the 14th busiest airport in the nation. In addition to being a focal city for Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines, it is a hub for United Airlines.
TerminaLink is an underground train network that connects the airport’s five terminals, A, B, C, D, and E. It also offers a variety of services, including dining establishments and bars, retail establishments, public spaces, and even an art gallery. IAH has received numerous accolades for its effectiveness and customer service, including the J.D. Power Award for Customer Satisfaction in 2018. IAH is well renowned for these qualities. To lessen its influence on the environment, it has also put into practice a number of ecological initiatives, such as employing renewable energy sources and cutting trash.
6. BEIJING DAXING INTERNATIONAL (PKX)
- Country: China
- Owner: Beijing Capital International Airport Company Limited
- Size:6 km2 approx.
- Passenger Volume: 52 million approx.
- Location: Daxing District, Beijing, China
- Opened In: 2019
- Official Website: bdia.com.cn
A significant airport, Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), is situated 46 kilometers (29 miles) south of Beijing’s center. It is among the top ten largest airports in the world 2023. The current Beijing Capital International Airport, it was inaugurated in September 2019 as the city’s second international airport. The 700,000 square meter PKX airport is intended to be one of the biggest in the world (7.5 million square feet). It has one terminal building that is fashioned like a starfish and has five concourses connected by a central hub, along with four runways. The airport, which can accommodate up to 100 million passengers annually, is anticipated to rank among the busiest in the world.
PKX serves as a hub for a number of significant airlines, including XiamenAir, China Southern Airlines, and China Eastern Airlines. With a focus on linking China to cities in Europe, Asia, and Africa, it provides flights to domestic and foreign locations. The airport is renowned for its cutting-edge design, which includes contemporary architecture and cutting-edge equipment. Also, it provides a wide range of amenities, such as dining establishments and bars, retail establishments, lounges, and even an indoor garden. To lessen its influence on the environment, PKX has put into practice a number of sustainable initiatives, including recycling garbage and utilizing renewable energy sources. For its design and technology, it has also received numerous honors, including the 2020 International Architecture Award.
5. WASHINGTON DULLES INTERNATIONAL (IAD)
- Country: United States
- Owner: Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority
- Size:6 km2 approx.
- Passenger Volume: 4 million approx.
- Location: Washington D.C., U.S.
- Opened In: 1962
- Official Website: flydulles.com
The main airport serving the Washington, D.C. metro region is Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), which is situated in Virginia. It occupies an area of over 13,000 acres and is situated about 26 miles (42 kilometers) west of the center of Washington, D.C. (5,261 hectares). Almost 25 million passengers are currently served annually by the 1962-opened IAD. It serves as a focus city for American Airlines and Frontier Airlines as well as a hub for United Airlines. The Main Terminal and the International Arrivals Building are the two sections of the airport’s single main terminal structure. Moreover, it has a number of concourses, including Concourses A, B, C, and D, which are connected to the main terminal by the AeroTrain, an underground train system.
Eero Saarinen is credited with designing the famous architecture at IAD, which also has a special “mobile lounge” system that ferries travelers from the terminal to their gates. Also, it provides a wide range of services, such as dining establishments and bars, retail establishments, lounges, and a museum devoted to space and aviation exploration. To lessen its influence on the environment, IAD has launched a number of sustainable initiatives, including the installation of solar panels and the use of alternative fuels. Also, it has received recognition for its excellent customer service, winning the 2019 Skytrax Award for Best Rural Airport in North America.
4. ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL (MCO)
- Country: United States
- Owner: Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
- Size:8 km2 approx.
- Passenger Volume: 1 million approx.
- Location: Orlando, Florida, United States
- Opened In: 1940
- Official Website: orlandoairports.ne
The main airport serving the Orlando metropolitan region in Florida, USA, is Orlando International Airport (MCO). It comes in at fourth number among the top ten largest airports in the world 2023. It is situated around six miles (10 kilometers) southeast of Orlando’s center and has a total size of about 23 square miles (60 square kilometers). Since its inception in 1962, MCO has expanded to become Florida’s second busiest airport by passenger volume, with more than 50 million travelers in 2019. It serves as both a central city for JetBlue Airways and a hub for other significant airlines, including Southwest Airlines and Frontier Airlines.
Two terminals, A and B, are located at the airport and are connected by an automatic people mover. Also, it offers a variety of attractions, such as dining establishments and bars, retail stores, lounges, and a spa. The J.D. Power Award for Customer Satisfaction in 2020 is one of several accolades MCO has received for its effectiveness and customer service. To lessen its influence on the environment, it has also introduced sustainable efforts like employing alternative energies and cutting trash.
3. DALLAS/FORT WORTH INTERNATIONAL (DFW)
- Country: United States
- Owner: Cities of Dallas and Fort Worth
- Size:6 km2 approx.
- Passenger Volume: 73 million approx.
- Location: Dallas, Texas, United States
- Opened In: 1973
- Official Website: dfwairport.com
The main airport serving the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan region in Texas, USA, is Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). It occupies an area of roughly 27 square miles and is situated about 18 miles (29 kilometers) northwest of downtown Dallas (70 square kilometers). With over 71 million passengers served in 2019, DFW, which opened in 1974, is currently the second busiest airport in the US by passenger traffic. One of the biggest airlines in the world, American Airlines, uses it as a hub, and Southwest Airlines uses it as a focal city.
The airport has five terminals, denoted by the letters A, B, C, D, and E. A Skylink train system connects these terminals. Also, it offers a variety of attractions, such as dining establishments and bars, retail stores, lounges, and a spa. DFW has received multiple honors for its effectiveness and customer service, including the 2019 Skytrax Award for Best Airport in North America. To lessen its influence on the environment, it has also put into practice a number of ecological initiatives, such as employing renewable energy and cutting trash.
2. DENVER INTERNATIONAL (DEN)
- Country: United States
- Owner: City & County of Denver
- Size: 136 km2
- Passenger Volume: 69 million approx.
- Location: Denver, United States
- Opened In: 1995
- Official Website: flydenver.com
The main airport servicing Denver, Colorado, in the United States is Denver International Airport (DEN). It is the second-largest airport among the top ten largest airports in the world 2023. The largest airport in North America by land area, it is situated about 25 miles (40 km) northeast of downtown Denver and has a land size of 53 square miles (137 km2). When DEN first opened, Stapleton International Airport was displaced as Denver’s primary airport. It serves more than 69 million passengers annually, making it one of the busiest airports in the world. United Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Southwest Airlines are just a few of the big airlines that have DEN as a hub.
It was planned for the airport’s distinctive tent-like roof to represent the neighboring Rocky Mountains. Also, it offers a variety of amenities, such as lounges, shops, restaurants, and bars. In customer satisfaction polls, DEN routinely receives top marks for effectiveness and customer service. To lessen its influence on the environment, it has also put into practice a number of sustainable measures, including the use of solar power and the collection and reuse of water.
1. KING FAHD INTERNATIONAL (DMM)
- Country: Saudi Arabia
- Owner: GACA
- Size: 776 km2
- Passenger Volume: 10 million approx.
- Location: Dammam, Saudi Arabia
- Opened In: 1999
- Official Website: kfia.gov.sa
In Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, in the city of Dammam, is King Fahd International Airport (DMM), a significant international airport. It bears the name of the late Saudi Arabian King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who ruled the country from 1982 until his passing in 2005. The airport includes a sizable terminal structure with many gates and amenities, including duty-free shops, dining options, lounges, and a mosque. In addition to being used by several major international airlines, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines, it acts as a hub for Saudi Arabian Airlines and Flynas.
With a capacity to handle more than 10 million people annually, King Fahd International Airport is among the busiest airports in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. Al Khobar, Dhahran, and Jubail are all included in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, which is served by this airport, which is situated about 20 kilometers to the west of Dammam.
The top-tier locations from all over the world are prominently included on the list of the top ten largest airports in the world 2023, which is astounding. Traveling is now more convenient than ever thanks to these airports’ safe and effective air transportation services. These airports are a terrific resource whether you’re looking for a new location to conduct business or are just on holiday and want to see the world.
