The global aviation industry has seen a remarkable rebound in passenger numbers, with an increase of nearly 94 percent from pre-pandemic levels. This growth was largely driven by international travel, as indicated by the Airports Council International (ACI) World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira. In 2023, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport remained the busiest airport in the world, serving 104.7 million passengers.
For the third consecutive year, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport has claimed the top spot as the busiest airport in the world, serving 104.7 million passengers in 2023. This was followed closely by Dubai International Airport, which rose to second place.
The ACI World rankings are based on data collected from over 2,600 airports in more than 180 countries and territories worldwide. Five other airports in the United States made it onto the list of the world’s busiest airports: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport dropped to third place, while Denver International Airport ranked sixth and Los Angeles at number eight and Chicago at number nine.
International travel is catching up to domestic travel as people are eager to travel despite economic conditions. According to ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira, this growth was largely driven by international travel due to various factors such as China’s reopening and a growing desire to explore new places.
For more detailed information on the world’s busiest airports and additional analysis, visit the ACI website.