Top 10 busiest airports you need to know

The latest global ranking released by Airports Council International (ACI) shows that the world’s busiest airports in 2025 are largely concentrated in the United States and Asia, reflecting strong passenger demand and a rapid aviation recovery in these regions.

Topping the list once again is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which handled 106.3 million passengers over the year—an average of around 291,000 travellers per day. The airport has now retained its position as the world’s busiest for 27 of the past 28 years.

The United States continues to dominate the ranking, with multiple entries in the top 10, including Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, O’Hare International Airport and Denver International Airport.

Asia and the Middle East also feature prominently. Dubai International Airport ranked second with 95.2 million passengers, maintaining its position for the third consecutive year, while Haneda Airport came third with 91.7 million passengers. China’s Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport also remained among the busiest global hubs.

European representation in the top 10 was led by Heathrow Airport and Istanbul Airport, both handling over 84 million passengers.

The ranking underscores a broader trend: global air travel has not only recovered but is expanding, with major hubs across North America, Asia and the Middle East handling tens of millions of passengers annually and reinforcing their roles as key connectors in the global aviation network.

Here is the list of the top 10 busiest airports in 2025:

1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (USA)

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport handled 10.63 crore passengers in 2025, making it the world’s busiest airport once again. On average, around 291,000 passengers passed through it every day. It serves as a major global transit hub for domestic and international flights and has maintained the number one position for 27 out of the last 28 years due to its strong network and connectivity across North America and beyond.

A view of the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport at night. Photo: Wikipedia

2. Dubai International Airport (UAE)

Dubai International Airport recorded 9.52 crore passengers, ranking second globally. It continues to be the busiest international airport in the world, serving as a major connecting hub between Asia, Europe, and Africa. Its growth is driven by long-haul transit traffic and strong tourism demand in Dubai.

FlyDubai aircraft parked at Terminal 2 of Dubai International Airport. Photo: Simon Stonier/Wikipedia

3. Haneda Airport (Japan)

Haneda Airport handled 9.17 crore passengers, placing it third worldwide. Located close to central Tokyo, it is known for high efficiency and heavy domestic traffic alongside increasing international operations. It plays a key role in Japan’s business and tourism connectivity.

New air traffic control tower (right) and old tower (center) of Haneda Airport. Photo: Yamaguchi Yoshiaki/Wikipedia

4. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (USA)

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport served 8.57 crore passengers in 2025. It is one of the largest airport hubs in the United States, connecting domestic routes across the country with long-haul international destinations, especially across the Americas and Europe.

An aerial view of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Photo: Wikipedia

5. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (China)

Shanghai Pudong International Airport recorded 8.50 crore passengers. It is one of China’s most important international gateways, handling significant cargo and passenger traffic and serving as a major hub for Asia-Pacific travel.

Interior of Terminal 2 of Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Photo: Wikipedia

6. O'Hare International Airport (USA)

O'Hare International Airport handled 8.48 crore passengers. It is a major connecting point in the United States, linking east-west and north-south routes. O’Hare remains a critical hub for both domestic and international airlines.

Interior of terminal 1, concourse B of O'Hare International Airport. Chris Rycroft/Wikipedia

7. Heathrow Airport (United Kingdom)

Heathrow Airport served 8.45 crore passengers. It is the busiest airport in Europe and a major global gateway linking the UK with North America, Asia, and the Middle East. Heathrow plays a central role in international long-haul aviation.

An aerial view of Terminal 3 of Heathrow Airport. Photo: Wikipedia

8. Istanbul Airport (Turkey)

Istanbul Airport handled 8.44 crore passengers. Positioned between Europe and Asia, it is rapidly growing as a global transit hub, benefiting from Turkish Airlines’ expanding international network.

A frontal view of the Istanbul Airport. Photo: Wikipedia

9. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (China)

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport recorded 8.36 crore passengers. It is one of China’s busiest airports, supporting both domestic travel and international connections across Asia and beyond.

An aerial view of the nearly completed new terminal of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. Photo: Xinhua 

10. Denver International Airport (USA)

Denver International Airport handled 8.24 crore passengers. It is the largest airport in North America by land area and serves as a major connecting hub for domestic US flights as well as select international routes.

The Air Traffic Control Tower and Concourse C at Denver International Airport with a United Airlines Boeing 737-800 taxiing below. Photo: Wikipedia