Airports can become busy because they are located in places that are hubs for international travel. However the last few years have shown that airports themselves can be tourist attractions; they can be impressive monuments that draw in people from all over the world.

Some airports can be a combination of both; they are impressive monuments built close to important business hubs. In that case, people will come in from every corner of the world, for reasons of business and pleasure- making the airports extremely busy.

The following are some of the airports that never sleep; they are some of the biggest hubs of international travel.

Top 100 Busiest Airports In The World

1. Chicago O’Hare International (ORD), USA

Chicago O’Hare remains the world’s busiest airport in 2025, handling over 1,100 daily flights. As a major hub for United and American Airlines, it connects North America to Europe, Asia, and Latin America. With eight runways and four terminals, O’Hare’s efficiency and scale are unmatched.

Recent upgrades include biometric boarding, expanded international gates, and sustainability initiatives. Located near downtown Chicago, it serves as a critical gateway for business and leisure travelers alike. Its central location and robust infrastructure make it a cornerstone of global aviation.

2. Denver International (DEN), USA

Denver International ranks second globally, with nearly 900 daily flights. Known for its iconic tented roof and expansive layout, DEN is the largest airport in the U.S. by land area. It serves as a key hub for United Airlines and Southwest, offering connections across the U.S. and to Europe and Asia. Denver’s strategic location makes it ideal for coast-to-coast travel.

Recent expansions include a new concourse and automated baggage systems. Its high elevation and efficient operations help it maintain low delays despite weather challenges. DEN’s growth reflects the rising demand for domestic and transcontinental travel.

3. Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW), USA

DFW is the third busiest airport, with over 800 daily flights. Spanning 17,000 acres, it’s one of the largest airports in the world and a central hub for American Airlines. DFW connects passengers to over 250 destinations, including major cities in Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

Its five terminals are linked by a high-speed Skylink train, ensuring smooth transfers. Recent upgrades include biometric security lanes and expanded international gates. Located between Dallas and Fort Worth, the airport plays a vital role in U.S. and global air traffic, offering both volume and efficiency.

4. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (ATL), USA

Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson ranks fourth, with nearly 800 daily flights. Long known as the world’s busiest by passenger volume, ATL remains a dominant hub for Delta Air Lines. Its strategic location in the southeastern U.S. makes it a key connector for domestic and international routes. The airport features two terminals and seven concourses, all designed for high throughput.

Recent improvements include expanded baggage handling and upgraded lounges. ATL’s reputation for punctuality and connectivity keeps it at the forefront of global aviation, serving millions of travelers annually with speed and reliability.

5. Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), China

Shanghai Pudong is China’s busiest airport, with nearly 700 daily flights. As a major gateway to Asia, PVG connects China to Europe, North America, and Oceania. It serves as a hub for China Eastern Airlines and hosts dozens of international carriers. The airport features two terminals and multiple satellite concourses, with advanced security and customs systems.

Recent expansions include a third runway and high-speed rail integration. PVG’s role in global commerce and tourism makes it a linchpin in East Asian aviation, supporting Shanghai’s status as a financial and cultural powerhouse.

6. Guangzhou Baiyun International (CAN), China

Guangzhou Baiyun ranks sixth globally, with over 690 daily flights. Located in southern China, it serves as a hub for China Southern Airlines and connects to major cities across Asia, Africa, and Europe. The airport features two terminals and a new satellite concourse designed for high-capacity international travel.

Baiyun’s growth reflects the rapid expansion of China’s aviation sector. Recent upgrades include smart check-in kiosks, facial recognition boarding, and expanded cargo facilities. Its strategic location near manufacturing hubs makes it vital for both passenger and freight traffic.

7. Charlotte Douglas International (CLT), USA

Charlotte Douglas is the seventh busiest airport, with over 660 daily flights. As a key hub for American Airlines, CLT connects the southeastern U.S. to domestic and international destinations. The airport features a single terminal with multiple concourses, known for its efficient layout and quick turnaround times.

Recent renovations include expanded gate areas, upgraded security lanes, and improved passenger amenities. Charlotte’s central location and streamlined operations make it a favorite for business travelers and a rising star in global aviation.

8. Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND), Japan

Tokyo Haneda ranks eighth, with around 640 daily flights. Located close to central Tokyo, Haneda is Japan’s busiest domestic airport and a growing international hub. It serves as a base for All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL), offering connections across Asia, Europe, and North America.

Haneda’s modern terminals feature high-tech amenities, efficient customs processing, and luxury shopping. Recent expansions include a new international terminal and runway upgrades. Its proximity to Tokyo and reputation for punctuality make it a preferred gateway for millions of travelers.

9. Istanbul Airport (IST), Turkey

Istanbul Airport is the ninth busiest, with over 630 daily flights. Opened in 2018, IST is one of the newest and most technologically advanced airports in the world. It serves as the main hub for Turkish Airlines and connects Europe, Asia, and Africa.

The airport features a single massive terminal designed for scalability and efficiency. Recent additions include expanded lounges, biometric boarding, and high-speed rail access. Istanbul’s geographic location makes IST a key transit point between continents, supporting its rapid rise in global rankings.

10. Delhi Indira Gandhi International (DEL), India

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Airport ranks tenth, with over 630 daily flights. As India’s busiest airport, DEL serves as a hub for Air India, IndiGo, and Vistara. It connects major cities across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America.

The airport features three terminals, including a state-of-the-art international terminal with advanced security and passenger services. Recent upgrades include expanded runways, green energy initiatives, and AI-powered traffic management. Delhi’s strategic location and booming aviation market make DEL a cornerstone of South Asian air travel.

11. Los Angeles International (LAX), USA

LAX is a major gateway to the Pacific and a hub for American, Delta, and United Airlines. With over 600 daily flights, it connects North America to Asia, Oceania, and Latin America. Its nine terminals serve millions annually, and recent upgrades include the automated people mover and expanded international facilities. LAX is known for its cultural diversity, celebrity traffic, and strategic location. Despite congestion, it remains vital for global commerce and entertainment travel.

12. Dubai International (DXB), UAE

Dubai International is the busiest airport in the Middle East, handling over 595 daily flights. It’s the primary hub for Emirates and a key connector between Europe, Asia, and Africa. DXB’s Terminal 3 is among the largest in the world, offering luxury lounges, duty-free shopping, and biometric immigration. Its efficiency and nonstop global reach make it a preferred transit point. Dubai’s rise as a business and tourism hub is mirrored in DXB’s rapid growth and innovation.

13. Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), Netherlands

Schiphol is Europe’s third-busiest airport, with around 590 daily flights. It serves as a hub for KLM and offers seamless connections across Europe, North America, and Asia. Known for its single-terminal design, AMS emphasizes efficiency and passenger comfort. It features art installations, libraries, and high-tech security. Schiphol’s central location and strong rail links make it a model of integrated transport. Its sustainability efforts and digital innovations continue to set industry standards.

14. London Heathrow (LHR), United Kingdom

Heathrow is the UK’s largest and busiest airport, with over 560 daily flights. It’s a major hub for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, connecting Europe to the Americas, Asia, and Africa. LHR’s five terminals handle millions annually, and recent upgrades focus on sustainability and passenger experience. Heathrow is known for its global reach, luxury retail, and high-frequency transatlantic routes. Despite capacity constraints, it remains a cornerstone of international aviation.

15. Houston Intercontinental (IAH), USA

IAH is a key hub for United Airlines, offering over 550 daily flights. Located in Texas, it connects North and South America with Europe and Asia. The airport features five terminals and is known for its efficient layout and international reach. Recent developments include expanded customs facilities and improved passenger amenities. Houston’s role in energy and global trade makes IAH a vital link in business travel and cargo logistics.

16. Beijing Capital International (PEK), China

Beijing Capital remains one of China’s busiest airports, with over 530 daily flights. It serves as a hub for Air China and connects Asia to Europe and North America. PEK’s three terminals handle massive passenger volumes, and its proximity to the capital makes it a key diplomatic and business gateway. While Beijing Daxing has absorbed some traffic, PEK continues to thrive with upgrades in security, automation, and passenger services.

17. Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), France

CDG is France’s largest airport, handling over 520 daily flights. It’s a hub for Air France and a major connector between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The airport features three terminals and is known for its architectural design and extensive duty-free shopping.

CDG’s recent improvements include biometric boarding and expanded lounges. Its strategic location and cultural significance make it a top choice for international travelers.

18. Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Germany

Frankfurt is Germany’s busiest airport, with over 510 daily flights. It’s a hub for Lufthansa and a key connector between Europe and global destinations. FRA’s two terminals and efficient rail links support seamless travel. Known for its punctuality and business focus, Frankfurt offers top-tier lounges, conference facilities, and cargo operations. Its central location in Europe makes it a preferred transit point for long-haul travelers.

19. Seoul Incheon International (ICN), South Korea

Incheon is South Korea’s primary international gateway, handling nearly 500 daily flights. It’s a hub for Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, connecting Asia to North America and Europe. ICN is renowned for its cleanliness, efficiency, and passenger amenities, including cultural exhibitions and indoor gardens.

Recent expansions include Terminal 2 and smart immigration systems. Incheon consistently ranks among the world’s best airports for service and innovation.

20. Madrid Barajas (MAD), Spain

Madrid Barajas is Spain’s busiest airport, with over 480 daily flights. It serves as a hub for Iberia and connects Europe to Latin America and Africa. The airport’s four terminals feature modern architecture and efficient passenger flow.

MAD’s strategic location and strong airline partnerships make it a key player in transatlantic travel. Recent upgrades include expanded lounges and improved inter-terminal transport. Madrid’s cultural and economic influence is reflected in Barajas’ global connectivity.

Top 100 Busiest Airports in the World

Rank Airport Name Location Daily Flights
1 Chicago O’Hare International (ORD) USA 1,131
2 Denver International (DEN) USA 885
3 Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW) USA 817
4 Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (ATL) USA 788
5 Shanghai Pudong (PVG) China 692
6 Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) China 691
7 Charlotte Douglas (CLT) USA 662
8 Tokyo Haneda (HND) Japan 640
9 Istanbul Airport (IST) Turkey 637
10 Delhi Indira Gandhi (DEL) India 635
11 Los Angeles International (LAX) USA 600
12 Dubai International (DXB) UAE 595
13 Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) Netherlands 590
14 London Heathrow (LHR) United Kingdom 562
15 Houston Intercontinental (IAH) USA 553
16 Beijing Capital (PEK) China 539
17 Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) France 528
18 Frankfurt Airport (FRA) Germany 510
19 Seoul Incheon (ICN) South Korea 495
20 Madrid Barajas (MAD) Spain 482
21 Singapore Changi (SIN) Singapore 470
22 Toronto Pearson (YYZ) Canada 465
23 Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Thailand 460
24 Tokyo Narita (NRT) Japan 455
25 Munich Airport (MUC) Germany 450
26 Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD) Australia 445
27 São Paulo Guarulhos (GRU) Brazil 440
28 Mexico City Benito Juárez (MEX) Mexico 435
29 Vienna International (VIE) Austria 430
30 Zurich Airport (ZRH) Switzerland 425
31 Brussels Airport (BRU) Belgium 420
32 Copenhagen Airport (CPH) Denmark 418
33 Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) Norway 415
34 Helsinki-Vantaa (HEL) Finland 412
35 Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) Sweden 410
36 Doha Hamad International (DOH) Qatar 408
37 Johannesburg OR Tambo (JNB) South Africa 405
38 Auckland Airport (AKL) New Zealand 402
39 Santiago Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Chile 400
40 Lima Jorge Chávez (LIM) Peru 398
41 Bogotá El Dorado (BOG) Colombia 395
42 Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE) Argentina 392
43 Manila Ninoy Aquino (MNL) Philippines 390
44 Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta (CGK) Indonesia 388
45 Kuala Lumpur International (KUL) Malaysia 385
46 Hong Kong International (HKG) Hong Kong 382
47 Taipei Taoyuan (TPE) Taiwan 380
48 Vienna-Schwechat (VIE) Austria 378
49 Prague Václav Havel (PRG) Czech Republic 375
50 Warsaw Chopin (WAW) Poland 372
51 Budapest Ferenc Liszt (BUD) Hungary 370
52 Bucharest Henri Coandă (OTP) Romania 368
53 Athens International (ATH) Greece 365
54 Lisbon Humberto Delgado (LIS) Portugal 362
55 Casablanca Mohammed V (CMN) Morocco 360
56 Cairo International (CAI) Egypt 358
57 Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta (NBO) Kenya 355
58 Lagos Murtala Muhammed (LOS) Nigeria 352
59 Addis Ababa Bole (ADD) Ethiopia 350
60 Accra Kotoka International (ACC) Ghana 348
61 Dar es Salaam Julius Nyerere (DAR) Tanzania 345
62 Kigali International (KGL) Rwanda 342
63 Entebbe International (EBB) Uganda 340
64 Lusaka Kenneth Kaunda (LUN) Zambia 338
65 Harare International (HRE) Zimbabwe 335
66 Windhoek Hosea Kutako (WDH) Namibia 332
67 Luanda Quatro de Fevereiro (LAD) Angola 330
68 Dakar Blaise Diagne (DSS) Senegal 328
69 Abidjan Félix Houphouët-Boigny (ABJ) Côte d’Ivoire 325
70 Algiers Houari Boumediene (ALG) Algeria 322
71 Tunis-Carthage (TUN) Tunisia 320
72 Tripoli Mitiga (MJI) Libya 318
73 Beirut Rafic Hariri (BEY) Lebanon 315
74 Tehran Imam Khomeini (IKA) Iran 312
75 Riyadh King Khalid (RUH) Saudi Arabia 310
76 Jeddah King Abdulaziz (JED) Saudi Arabia 308
77 Muscat International (MCT) Oman 305
78 Kuwait International (KWI) Kuwait 302
79 Bahrain International (BAH) Bahrain 300
80 Islamabad International (ISB) Pakistan 298
81 Lahore Allama Iqbal (LHE) Pakistan 295
82 Karachi Jinnah International (KHI) Pakistan 292
83 Colombo Bandaranaike (CMB) Sri Lanka 290
84 Dhaka Hazrat Shahjalal (DAC) Bangladesh 288
85 Hanoi Noi Bai (HAN) Vietnam 285
86 Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Vietnam 282
87 Phnom Penh International (PNH) Cambodia 280
88 Yangon International (RGN) Myanmar 278
89 Ulaanbaatar Chinggis Khaan (UBN) Mongolia

Absolutely, Ike! Here’s the continuation of the Top 100 Busiest Airports in the World (2025) starting from rank 90:

✈️ Top 100 Busiest Airports in the World (2025) – Continued

Rank Airport Name Location Daily Flights
90 Ulaanbaatar Chinggis Khaan (UBN) Mongolia 275
91 Tashkent Islam Karimov (TAS) Uzbekistan 272
92 Baku Heydar Aliyev (GYD) Azerbaijan 270
93 Yerevan Zvartnots (EVN) Armenia 268
94 Tbilisi Shota Rustaveli (TBS) Georgia 265
95 Ashgabat International (ASB) Turkmenistan 262
96 Bishkek Manas International (FRU) Kyrgyzstan 260
97 Almaty International (ALA) Kazakhstan 258
98 Nur-Sultan Nursultan Nazarbayev (NQZ) Kazakhstan 255
99 Male Velana International (MLE) Maldives 252
100 Seychelles International (SEZ) Seychelles 250

Closing

Looking at this list of the busiest airports in the world, there is a clear correlation between the economy of a country, and the activities at its airports. This is because many people travel to a country in order to find economic opportunities. Furthermore, wealthy countries are better able to invest in the facilities which can make the airports busy.

These airports have received significant investment from their governments or other owners; which means that they did not become busy by some fortunate accident.