World's busiest airport is named as passenger numbers top 2019 pre-pandemic levels
Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport has once again been crowned the world's busiest airport.
The US hub had more than 108 million domestic and international passengers in 2024, according to a new report from Airports Council International (ACI) World.
Atlanta has held the top spot every year for 27 years except for during the Covid pandemic in 2020 when China's Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport claimed the crown.
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Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is once again the world's busiest. REUTERS
The ACI World data shows that global passenger numbers have finally surpassed pre-pandemic levels at close to 9.5 billion, up 3.8 per cent from 2019.
ACI World Director General Justin Erbacci said despite "global challenges", the resilience of the world's busiest airports continues to shine.
"These hubs are vital arteries of trade, commerce, and connectivity. As air travel grows, ACI World stands ready to support its members, ensuring the smooth flow of people and goods that drive global economic, social, and cultural progress."
Dubai is in second, ahead of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
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The biggest climber is Shanghai Pudong International Airport, vaulting from 21st position in 2023 to 10th.
"The jump was fuelled by expanded visa policies, the resumption and expansion of international flights, operational enhancements, and the recovery of the Asia-Pacific region, particularly China."
Counting just international passengers, Dubai leads ahead of London Heathrow and Seoul Incheon.
ACI World predicts global passenger traffic will hit 9.9 billion in 2025 with a 4.8 per cent year-over-year growth rate.
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Global passenger numbers have finally surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Getty
"While passenger demand remains strong, the pace of expansion is expected to slow as markets shift from recovery-driven surges to structural, long-term growth patterns."
ACI World is the trade association of the world's airports, representing 2181 aviation hubs in 170 countries.
Another survey earlier in the year also named Atlanta the busiest airport, with more than 62 million seats handled in 2024.
That's up 2 per cent on the previous year and narrowly 1 per cent below pre-pandemic levels in 2019, according to travel data provider Official Airline Guide (OAG).
World's busiest airports in 2024
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, US, 108.1 million passengers
- Dubai, 92.3 million
- Dallas Fort Worth, US, 87.8 million
- Tokyo Haneda, Japan, 85.9 million
- London Heathrow, UK, 83.9 million
- Denver, US, 82.4 million
- Istanbul, Turkey, 80.1 million
- Chicago O'Hare, US, 80 million
- New Delhi, India, 77.8 million
- Shanghai Pudong, China, 76.8 million
This article originally appeared on Stuff and was republished with permission.
