These Are the Busiest Airports in the World; Delhi Makes It to the Top 10
In light of the significant increase in global air travel, the list of the world’s busiest airports for 2024 has been released. The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in the United States has once again retained its top position.
In 2024, the Atlanta airport served a total of 108.1 million passengers. This marks a 3.3% increase over 2023 figures, although it still falls 2% short of the pre-COVID levels of 2019. Atlanta continues to rank first due to its unmatched connectivity across the United States and to international destinations.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) secured the second position for the second consecutive year. According to the Airports Council International (ACI) World report, Dubai handled 92.3 million passengers in 2024, recording a 6.1% year-on-year growth. This growth has been driven by Emirates’ expanding role in connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) ranked third with 87.8 million passengers, reflecting a 7.4% increase. Notably, this figure is 17% higher than its 2019 level.
Among Asian airports, Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) stood in fourth place with 85.9 million passengers and a growth rate of 9.1%. The revival of international travel and the resurgence of Japan’s tourism industry contributed to this growth.
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) claimed the fifth spot, serving 83.9 million passengers, which marks a 5.9% increase over the previous year.
India’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in New Delhi made a significant global impact. With 77.8 million passengers in 2024—an increase of 7.8% compared to 2023—DEL ranked ninth in the world. The airport's growth has been fueled by the rapid rise in domestic air travel and expansion of international routes, positioning it as a key hub for South Asia.
Other notable airports include Denver (DEN) at sixth place with 82.4 million passengers, Istanbul (IST) at seventh with 80.1 million, and Chicago O'Hare (ORD) in eighth with 80 million. Istanbul’s airport showed a remarkable 53% increase compared to 2019.
China’s Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) witnessed an unexpected leap. Rising from the 21st position in 2023 to 10th in 2024, PVG served 76.8 million passengers, registering an extraordinary 41% growth.