Determine what is the largest airport in the world This can be a difficult question, as it depends on the criteria we consider. Some of these factors include the total surface area of the airport, the daily passenger traffic, the quality of services, the punctuality of flights and the architectural beauty of the place. Every major airport offers first-class infrastructure, to make the stay of passengers more pleasant, reducing the usual inconvenience of waiting for boarding or baggage claim.
Some airports have even become tourist attractions in their own right, due to their size, design and cutting-edge technology. With such impressive dimensions, many have become larger than many cities. Below, we will take a look at some of the largest airports in the world, in terms of surface area and passenger traffic.
The largest airport in the world in size
El King Fahd International Airport (KFIA), in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, is the largest airport in terms of area. This airport covers an area of 780.000 square kilometers, making it the largest in the world. Its construction began in 1976 as a tribute to King Fahd, and during the Gulf War in 1990, it served as a shelter for military aircraft.
The terminal was opened for commercial flights in 1999, becoming a fundamental pillar for aviation in the region. Today, the airport receives more than 10 million passengers a year, operated by 66 national airlines and 44 international airlines.
One of the airport's most notable features is a mosque located in its parking lot, which offers a spiritual meeting point amidst its imposing infrastructure. Since its opening, the airport has continued to grow and improve its services and connections.
Beijing Daxing International Airport, China
El Beijing Daxing International Airport It is one of the newest to enter the list of the largest airports in the world. This Chinese giant was opened in 2019, covering an area of 700.000 square meters (equivalent to 98 football fields). The airport is known for its futuristic design and its construction cost, which amounted to 234 billion yuan.
Although not currently one of the busiest, it is expected to reach full capacity by 2040, when it could handle up to 100 million passengers annually. This airport is set to meet the growing demand for international and domestic flights in China, especially with its direct connection to the express train.
Denver International Airport, United States
It is ranked third among the largest airports. Denver International Airport It covers an area of 135,7 square kilometers and has one of the longest runways in the United States, measuring 4.877 meters.
Recognized for six consecutive years as the best airport in the country, Denver also handles impressive air traffic, receiving more than 69 million passengers a year. Added to this is its connection to major airlines and routes that make it a key point for commercial flights in North America.
Large Surface Airports in the United States
The United States is home to several of the world's largest airports in terms of surface area. Some of them are highlighted below:
- El Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport It covers an area of 69,63 square kilometres and receives more than 75 million passengers annually. It is an important hub for domestic and international flights.
- El Orlando Airport It has an area of 53,83 square kilometers and is among the largest in the United States.
- El Washington Dulles International AirportAt 48,56 square miles, it is one of the largest airports on the U.S. East Coast.
- El George Bush Intercontinental Airport In Houston, it covers an area of 44,51 square kilometers and is crucial for connections with Latin America.
The largest airport in the world in terms of passenger traffic
Passenger traffic is another key indicator to determine the magnitude of an airport. In this sense, the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport In Atlanta, USA, it leads the world ranking, with more than 100 million passengers a year. Its strategic location, just two hours by plane from most cities in the United States, and its role as a hub for Southwest Airlines, have consolidated it as the busiest airport in the world.
Founded in 1926, Hartsfield-Jackson has been the hub for domestic flights and flights to Europe, especially due to its proximity to the US East Coast. It has also been a key hub for low-cost airlines, attracting millions of passengers annually.
Beijing Capital International Airport
El Beijing Capital International Airport It is the second busiest airport in the world, with more than 96 million passengers annually. This huge airport is easily accessible thanks to its express train, making it a benchmark in connectivity and speed. In addition, it opened its doors in 1958, and is also notable for its modern architecture and functionality.
Dubai International Airport
El Dubai International Airport is another colossus of global aviation. With an infrastructure of 29.000 square meters, it handles 6.000 flights a day and an influx of 88 million passengers a year. This airport is famous not only for its capacity and traffic, but also for its impressive commercial facilities, spanning 5.400 square meters, where travelers can enjoy a duty-free shopping experience.
Since its opening in 1959, Dubai has established itself as one of the most renowned airports for its architectural beauty, advanced technology and passenger services.
The most beautiful airport in the world
When considering the aesthetics of airports, the Adolfo Suarez International Airport in Madrid, Spain, is frequently cited as one of the most beautiful airports in the world. Designed by architects Antonio Lamela, Richard Rogers and Luis Vidal, the airport features an undulating roof with bamboo slats and skylights that allow abundant natural light to enter, earning it multiple architectural awards.
Furthermore, the Munich airport, in Germany, stands out for its annual events, in which different activities are organized in its spacious central area, making it another of the most interesting airports from an aesthetic point of view.
New projects
Projects for the expansion and construction of new airport infrastructure continue to grow. In Saudi Arabia, the construction of the King Salman International Airport, which is expected to surpass current large airports in size and capacity. Located in Riyadh, this airport will have six runways and will cover some 57 square kilometers.
The airport is expected to serve 120 million passengers by 2030, further elevating Saudi Arabia on the global air traffic map. By 2050, this figure is expected to reach 190 million passengers annually, consolidating the country's influence in the region.
With this extensive information, you now know in detail which are some of the largest airports in the world and the future projects that will change the global landscape of air transport.