The top 10 busiest airports in the world by aircraft movements

The following list is based on figures from Airports Council International (ACI) and displays the top 10 airports in order of total aircraft movements in 2020. Figures are calculated by totalling all aircraft landings and take-offs at each airport throughout the course of the year, with consideration of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This article was updated on 9 September 2021, based on figures published on 22 April 2021.

1. Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

(ATL)

Acting as the primary international airport serving Atlanta, Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the world by passenger number and is one of the busiest by aircraft movements.

Total aircraft movements: 548,016

Compared to 2019: 39.4 per cent decrease

2. Chicago O’Hare International Airport

(ORD)

Located on the Northwest Side of Chicago, Illinois, O’Hare International Airport is the second busiest airport in the world and one of the most significant transportation hubs in the U.S.

Total aircraft movements: 538,211

Compared to 2019: 41.5 per cent decrease

3. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

(DFW)

Located across two counties due to its size, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is the largest hub for American Airlines and third busiest airport by passenger number.

Total aircraft movements: 514,702

Compared to 2019: 28.5 per cent decrease

4. Denver International Airport (DEN)

Generating over $26 billion for the region of Colorado each year, Denver International Airport is the fourth-busiest airport in the U.S., the world’s largest aviation market. 

Total aircraft movements: 436,971

Compared to 2019: 30.9 per cent decrease

5. Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT)

Phoenix Deer Valley Airport is a public airport in Maricopa County, Arizona. It is owned by the City of Phoenix and acts as a reliever airport for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).

Total aircraft movements: 4402,444

Compared to 2019: 11.9 per cent decrease

6. Charlotte Douglas International Airport

(CLT)

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a civil-military airport located in North Carolina and is financially operated on a fully self-sustaining basis.

Total aircraft movements: 397,983

Compared to 2019: 31.2 per cent decrease

7. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Located along the West Coast of the U.S., Los Angeles International Airport is a gateway to multiple international destinations, particularly Asia and the Pacific.

Total aircraft movements: 379,364

Compared to 2019: 45.1 per cent decrease

8. Guangzhou Baiyun International

Airport (CAN)

The primary airport serving Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province in China, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is China’s largest transportation hub.

Total aircraft movements: 373,421

Compared to 2019: 24.0 per cent decrease

9. Shanghai Pudong International Airport

(PVG)

One of two international airports in the region, Shanghai Pudong International Airport is a major hub in the Chinese aviation industry, serving predominantly international flights. 

Total aircraft movements: 325,678

Compared to 2019: 36.4 per cent decrease

10. Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS)

Located in Paradise, Nevada, McCarran International Airport is the main airport for public and military use in the Las Vegas Valley.

Total aircraft movements: 323,422

Compared to 2019: 41.5 per cent decrease

Passenger numbers

To view the top 10 busiest airports in the world by passenger number – click here.

Cargo handled 

To view the top 10 busiest airports in the world by tonnes of cargo handled – click here.