The Global Ranking of Busiest Airports in 2023

The year 2023 saw a significant resurgence in international travel, propelling airports worldwide to new heights in passenger traffic. According to the Airports Council International’s latest ranking, airports from major cities like London to Tokyo experienced a surge in passenger numbers compared to previous years.

One of the standout performers in the ranking was Dubai International Airport, which leaped to the second spot in 2023. This marked a significant improvement from its fifth-place ranking in 2022 and fourth place in 2019. The impressive growth in passenger traffic at Dubai International Airport reflected the global trend of increased travel activity last year.

Tokyo Haneda International Airport also made a remarkable jump in the rankings, landing in fifth place in 2023. The airport witnessed a staggering 55% increase in passenger traffic compared to the previous year, elevating it from the 16th spot in the rankings. The surge in travelers passing through Tokyo Haneda International Airport underscored the rebound of international travel.

Overall, global airports served a total of 8.5 billion passengers in 2023, signaling a 27% increase from the previous year. Despite this growth, passenger numbers were still approximately 6% below pre-pandemic levels, according to ACI’s preliminary figures. The gradual recovery of international travel has been a positive development for airlines, particularly those with extensive global networks.

While international travel flourished, some U.S. airlines faced challenges in navigating the changing landscape. Ultra-low-cost carriers with a focus on domestic routes struggled to compete with their counterparts serving international destinations. Domestic airports in the U.S. recorded significant gains in passenger volumes, but some experienced a decline in rankings due to restrictions on long-haul travel during the pandemic.

Denver International Airport, a key hub for United Airlines, welcomed nearly 78 million passengers in 2023, reflecting a 12% increase from the previous year. Despite the growth in passenger numbers, the airport slipped from third to sixth place in ACI’s rankings. In contrast, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Delta Air Lines’ largest hub, retained its position as the busiest airport globally, serving 104.7 million passengers last year.

1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (1)
2. Dubai International Airport (5)
3. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (2)
4. London Heathrow (8)
5. Tokyo Haneda International Airport (16)
6. Denver International Airport (3)
7. Istanbul Airport (7)
8. Los Angeles International Airport (6)
9. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (4)
10. New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (9)

The global ranking of busiest airports in 2023 highlighted the recovery of international travel, with airports like Dubai and Tokyo experiencing significant growth in passenger traffic. While challenges persist for U.S. airlines, the overall outlook for the aviation industry is promising as travelers gradually return to the skies.