Discover which airports had the highest number of aircraft movements in 2025, based on the total number of landings, take-offs.
The following list of busiest airports in the world by aircraft movements is based on figures from Airports Council International (ACI) and displays the top 10 airports in order of total aircraft movements in 2025. Figures are calculated by totalling all aircraft landings and take-offs at each airport throughout the course of the year.
- Global aircraft movements are estimated to be around 101.5 million in 2025, representing a gain of 2.3% from 2024 results or +0.2% vs 2019.
- The top 10 airports for aircraft movement represent 6.4% of global aircraft movements.
- Chicago O’Hare ranks 1st, followed by Atlanta, and Dallas/Fort Worth.
ACI World Director General Justin Erbacci said: “We congratulate the world’s busiest airports for managing growing air travel demand amid increasing operational complexity. These hubs keep people and goods moving, supporting global trade, tourism, and economic growth in their communities and regions. To help keep pace with rising demand, governments must prioritize sustained investment in airports and the broader aviation ecosystem.”
This article was updated on 14 April 2026, based on figures published on 14 April 2026.
1. 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 in 2025: 860,015
Compared to 2024: 10.8% increase
2. 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 in 2025: 807,625
Compared to 2024: 1.4% increase
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 in 2025: 743,394
Compared to 2024: 0%
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 in 2025: 701,335
Compared to 2024: 1.7% increase
5. 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 in 2025: 586,046
Compared to 2024: -4.6% decrease
6. 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 in 2025: 580,996
Compared to 2024: -0.1% decrease
7. 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 in 2025: 574,193
Compared to 2024: -3.8% decrease
8. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport is one of two international airports serving Shanghai in China. Pudong Airport serves both international flights and a small number of domestic flights.
Total aircraft movements in 2025: 557,046
Compared to 2024: 5.5% increase
9. Guangzhou International Airport, China (CAN)
Guangzhou Baiyun Int’l Airport is one of the top three air hubs in China, and is the gateway to South China.
Total aircraft movements in 2025: 550,512
Compared to 2024: 7.5% increase.
10. Istanbul Airport (IST)
Istanbul Airport is the main international airport serving Istanbul, Turkey. It serves more than 350 domestic and international destinations in 110 countries, while its duty-free area is one of the largest worldwide.
Total aircraft movements in 2025: 549,309
Compared to 2024: 6.2% increase.
Busiest airports in the world by passenger number
To view the top 10 busiest airports in the world by passenger number – click here.
Busiest airports in the world by cargo handled
To view the top 10 busiest airports in the world by tonnes of cargo handled - click here.
