Biggest Airports in the US – Top 10 Named and Listed

Biggest Airports in the US

When planning your upcoming travels, you may find yourself contemplating which airports to fly in and out of, and which ones to avoid. While many people tend to steer clear of the busiest airports, the question arises, what about the largest ones? The answer may not always be straightforward, as the largest airports in the US may not necessarily be the busiest in terms of passenger traffic. In this article, we will take a look at a list of the largest airports in the US and provide some insights into what makes them unique.

From the busy hub of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to the modern facilities of Denver International Airport, each of these airports has its own unique features, amenities, and challenges.

Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just looking to plan your next vacation, knowing which airports are the largest in the US can help you make informed decisions about where to fly, how to get there, and what to expect along the way. So let’s take a closer look at the top 10 largest airports in the US, their size, and what makes them stand out from the rest.

Top 10 Largest Airports in the US

We have listed the top 10 largest airports in the US in the table below:

S.No.	Airports	Location
1	Denver International Airport	Colorado (DEN)
2	Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport	Texas (DFW)
3	Orlando International Airport	Florida (MCO)
4	Washington (Dulles) International Airport, Washington	D.C. (IAD)
5	George Bush Intercontinental Airport	Houston, TX (IAH)
6	Salt Lake City International Airport	Utah (SLC)
7	O’Hare International Airport	Chicago (ORD)
8	San Francisco International Airport	California (SFO)
9	John F Kennedy Airport	New York City (JFK)
10	Detroit Metropolitan Airport	Michigan (DTW)

TRENDING

1. Denver International Airport – Colorado (DEN)

When it comes to the size of airports, Denver International Airport (DEN) is at the top of the list, covering an astounding 135.69 square kilometers (about 52 and a half miles) of area. It’s hard to imagine the sheer scale of the airport, which has six runways spaced approximately 4,200 feet apart from each other for safety reasons.

What’s even more impressive is that DEN’s largest runway is also the largest in the United States, measuring 16,000 feet in length. Despite its size, DEN is known for its efficiency and was even named the best airport in North America for six consecutive years by Business Traveler Magazine.

The airport consists of two terminals and 89 gates, with plans to modernize and expand in the coming years. As the newest airport on this list, completed in 1995, DEN has been designed with a focus on passenger comfort and convenience. It’s no wonder that despite being only the fifth busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic, Denver International Airport is a favorite among travelers.

2. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport – Texas (DFW)

Ranked as the second largest airport in the US, Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) is situated on a vast area of about 70 square kilometers (27 square miles). The airport comprises five large terminals, equipped with a total of 191 gates, which is impressive given that the airport is only half the size of Denver.

DFW airport offers a modern and efficient transportation system, where all the terminals are connected by Skylink people mover system, which allows passengers to quickly move between terminals without any hassle. The airport has been undergoing several modernization projects to enhance the passenger experience, and the Skylink system is a prime example of such improvements.

DFW airport served almost 70 million passengers in 2017, ranking it as the 12th busiest airport in the world. With its central location in Texas and extensive network of flights, it is a major hub for American Airlines and one of the busiest airports in the US.

3. Orlando International Airport – Florida (MCO)

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is strategically located in Orlando, Florida, a popular tourist destination that hosts millions of visitors every year. The airport, which covers an area of approximately 54 square kilometers (21 square miles), was formerly a US Air Force Base known as McCoy. It was converted for civil use in 1976 and now boasts two terminals with 129 gates spread out over 4 concourses.

MCO is a bustling airport that sees around 50 million passengers annually. The proximity of Walt Disney World and other attractions in the area adds to the airport’s popularity and foot traffic. To manage the increasing passenger numbers, MCO plans to add another terminal in the near future.

Despite its high foot traffic, MCO is well-organized and easy to navigate. The airport’s location makes it a convenient hub for travelers going to and from the Orlando area.

4. Washington (Dulles) International Airport, Washington – D.C. (IAD)

Dulles International Airport, situated on the Northern Virginia side of Washington DC, is among the largest airports in the US. This airport is spread over an expansive 53 square kilometers (20 square feet) of land and welcomes approximately 22 million passengers annually.

Located 25 miles west of the city, it takes only about 45 minutes to commute between Dulles and downtown DC. Dulles has three terminals with 113 gates, serving domestic as well as international flights. It is reputed to be one of the most user-friendly airports, with a well-designed layout that facilitates easy navigation. Most of the foot traffic is concentrated within the main terminal, and the airport provides shuttle buses and mobile lounges for transportation between the concourses.

Dulles airport has also incorporated technology to improve its services for passengers. It features several contactless technologies, including self-service kiosks, baggage drop-off stations, and biometric screening for faster security clearance. Moreover, Dulles is also known for its exclusive amenities, including lounges, spas, restaurants, and retail stores, to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience for its passengers.

5. George Bush Intercontinental Airport – Houston, TX (IAH)

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is Houston’s primary airport, owned by the city of Houston and serving as the second-largest hub for United Airlines. It is a bustling transportation hub, with nearly half a million aircraft movements every year and over 40 million passengers passing through the airport annually. Spanning 15 square miles (approximately 40 square kilometers), IAH is among the largest airports in the United States.

As a highly frequented airport, IAH has implemented innovative technologies to enhance the customer experience. One such technology is United Airlines’ contactless customer service system, which allows passengers to connect with customer service representatives without the need to physically stand in line. Passengers can use their mobile devices to video chat with a representative, providing a more efficient and convenient service. This technology has been especially helpful during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it helps to reduce the risk of infection and promote social distancing.

In addition to its technological innovations, IAH offers a range of amenities and services for travelers. The airport features several dining and shopping options, lounges, and other facilities to help make the travel experience more comfortable. IAH is also committed to sustainability and has implemented various eco-friendly initiatives, including energy-efficient lighting and waste reduction programs.

6. Salt Lake City International Airport – Utah (SLC)

Located just outside Salt Lake City, the SLC airport covers an expansive area of around 12 square miles (31 square kilometers). The airport offers several transportation options, including connections with the Utah Transit Authority’s TRAX system. This allows residents to park outside of the airport and travel in, bypassing the expensive parking fees that are typically associated with airports.

Despite being one of the least busy airports on our top 10 list, SLC still handles around 24 million passengers annually. The airport was built in 1960 and has since undergone several renovations to accommodate the growing traffic flow.

These renovations include upgrades to the airport’s terminals, gates, and other infrastructure, ensuring that it remains a reliable transportation hub for both locals and visitors.

In addition to its convenient transportation options and ongoing renovations, SLC offers a range of amenities and services for travelers. The airport boasts an extensive selection of dining and shopping options, as well as lounges and other facilities to make the travel experience more comfortable.

SLC is also committed to sustainability and has implemented various eco-friendly initiatives, including energy-efficient lighting and waste reduction programs.

7. O’Hare International Airport – Chicago (ORD)

O’Hare International Airport, located in the heart of the Midwest, is a popular airport that serves over 80 million passengers annually. The airport is roughly the same size as Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) but handles four times as much foot traffic, making it a bustling and hectic place.

To accommodate its massive passenger volume, O’Hare has seven runways and is currently constructing an eighth. The airport features four terminals and a total of 191 gates, spread across its massive footprint. However, the airport’s size and traffic can create challenges for passengers navigating the airport.

To alleviate some of these challenges and improve traffic flow, O’Hare is working with architects to explore new design options. This includes developing innovative layouts for the terminals, gates, and other airport infrastructure.

The goal is to create a more efficient and passenger-friendly airport environment, reducing the stress and frustration that can come with navigating such a large and busy airport.

In addition to its expansion plans, O’Hare offers a range of amenities and services to make the travel experience more enjoyable for passengers. This includes a variety of dining and shopping options, lounges, and other services such as baggage storage and pet relief areas.

The airport is also committed to sustainability and has implemented a range of environmentally-friendly practices, such as reducing energy consumption and implementing recycling programs.

8. San Francisco International Airport – California (SFO)

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the only Bay Area airport to feature on the list of the largest airports in the United States. Covering approximately 8.5 square miles (21.07 km) of land, it is situated about 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco.

The airport comprises four terminals and 115 gates, serving approximately 55 million passengers annually.

Due to its high passenger volume, SFO is often congested and challenging to navigate. However, the airport management has taken steps to enhance the passenger experience. In an effort to reduce noise levels, SFO has launched the Quiet Airport program, which aims to minimize unnecessary noise pollution in the airport.

The program features several initiatives, including using digital signage instead of PA systems, providing text and visual alerts to passengers, and reducing overhead announcements.

In addition to noise reduction, SFO offers a range of services and amenities to make travel more comfortable and convenient for passengers. These include a variety of dining and shopping options, airport lounges, and art installations throughout the terminals. SFO is also committed to sustainability, implementing eco-friendly practices such as the use of renewable energy sources, recycling programs, and water conservation initiatives.

As one of the busiest airports in the country, SFO is constantly evolving and improving to meet the needs of its passengers. With ongoing initiatives such as the Quiet Airport program, the airport management is committed to enhancing the travel experience and making SFO a more enjoyable and efficient airport for all.

9. John F Kennedy Airport – New York City (JFK)

John F. Kennedy Airport, commonly known as JFK, is one of the most recognizable airports in the United States. Located in New York City, it covers 8 square miles of land and consists of 8 terminals. The airport is a vital transportation hub, handling an average of 60 million passengers annually.

To meet the growing demand and improve the airport’s facilities, Governor Cuomo and the city of New York are undertaking an extensive expansion project. The five-year plan aims to enhance the airport’s infrastructure by improving the runways, providing additional ground transportation options, and building two new terminals. The proposed expansion will increase JFK’s capacity and provide more space for passengers to move around, reducing congestion and improving the overall travel experience.

The addition of two new terminals is a significant aspect of the expansion project. The new terminals will help alleviate the airport’s congestion by increasing the number of gates and accommodating more passengers. Furthermore, the new terminals will be designed with advanced technology and modern amenities, making the airport more attractive to airlines and passengers.

The JFK airport expansion project is an ambitious undertaking that will require significant investments and careful planning. However, it is expected to boost the local economy, create new jobs, and improve the travel experience for millions of passengers who use the airport each year.

10. Detroit Metropolitan Airport – Michigan (DTW)

The Detroit Metropolitan Airport, situated in Wayne County just outside the city, covers an area of only 3 square miles, making it a surprise entry on the list of busiest airports. Despite its small size, the airport handles an astonishing 34 million passengers annually, indicating its high traffic volume.

The airport features 103 gates that are accommodated in four concourses, the newest of which opened in 2008. As the airport continues to gain popularity as a connecting hub and destination, it is probable that it will undergo expansion to increase its capacity and accommodate the growing demand.

As the Detroit Metropolitan Airport continues to grow in popularity, it is likely that the airport will undergo further expansion and development to accommodate the increasing passenger traffic.

The airport authority has proposed several expansion projects, including a new terminal building and additional runways, to keep up with the demand and ensure that the airport remains a competitive transportation hub.

What is the Biggest Airport in the US?

Denver International Airport (DEN or DIA) is the largest airport in the United States in terms of area covered, spanning approximately 135.69 square kilometers (about 52 and a half miles). In fact, it’s not just the largest airport in the US, but also the second-largest airport in the world, second only to King Fahd International Airport in Saudi Arabia.

DEN is located about 25 miles northeast of downtown Denver and has become a major hub for several airlines. The airport has six runways, with the longest being 16,000 feet in length, making it the longest commercial runway in North America. Despite its size, Denver International Airport has been lauded for its efficient travel experience and modern amenities.

In 2018, the airport began a modernization project to update its two terminals and 89 gates to better accommodate the growing number of passengers passing through the airport each year.

Largest Airports in the United States

The United States is home to some of the busiest and largest airports in the world, handling millions of passengers and cargo annually. Here are the top 10 largest airports in the US, ranked by land area:

Denver International Airport (DEN) – Covering approximately 135.69 square kilometers (about 52 and a half miles) of area, DEN is the largest airport in the US and the second-largest in the world.

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) – With an area of around 70 square kilometers (27 square miles), DFW is the second-largest airport in the US and the 12th busiest in the world.

Orlando International Airport (MCO) – MCO covers approximately 54 square kilometers (21 square miles) of space and serves as a major gateway to Florida’s popular tourist destinations.

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) – Covering 53 square kilometers (20 square feet), IAD is one of the biggest airports in the US and serves the Washington DC metropolitan area.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) – IAH covers 15 square miles of area and is the second-largest hub for United Airlines.

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) – SLC covers around 12 square miles (31 square kilometers) and is one of the least busy airports on the list.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) – With 7 runways, 191 different gates, and four terminals, ORD sees over 80 million passengers a year.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – SFO covers 13 square miles of area and serves the San Francisco Bay Area.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) – Covering 12.9 square miles of area, JFK is one of the busiest airports in the world and a major gateway to New York City.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) – SEA covers 12.8 square miles of area and serves the Seattle metropolitan area.

Disclaimer: The above information is for general informational purposes only. All information on the Site is provided in good faith, however we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information on the Site.

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