The best airports in the world this year
The world’s busiest airports this year
The world's busiest airports are usually ranked by passenger traffic. These rankings can fluctuate from year to year due to a variety of factors, including changing travel patterns, global events, and airport expansion. Airports are more than just a physical building; they are a vast intercultural space where travelers from all over the world come together.
Most popular airports for European travelers
Lithuanian travelers choose flights to a wide variety of destinations, but of course leisure and entertainment destinations such as Antalya (AYT), Tenerife (TFS, TFN), Sharm el-Sheikh (SSH), Hurghada (HRG), Rome (FCO, CIA), Paris (CDG, BVA, ORY), Barcelona (BCN) are leading. The most popular airports for migrant destinations are London Stansted (STN) and London Luton (LTN), as they are also the main hubs for airlines such as Ryanair and Wizzair. For business and official trips, people choose to travel via Frankfurt, Munich, London, and Amsterdam airports.
Biggest worldwide airports
The world's largest airports are important hubs for international traffic. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), USA, is the busiest airport, handling more than 107 million passengers a year. Beijing Capital Airport (PEK), China, is the largest in Asia. Dubai International Airport (DXB) stands out as a major transportation hub.
When it comes to air travel, Asia’s largest airports play a vital role in international connectivity, connecting millions of passengers with destinations across the globe. Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) in China is the busiest airport in Asia and one of the most important in the world, serving over 100 million passengers a year. This airport is a major international hub connecting Asia with Europe, North America and other regions, and allows travellers to conveniently reach both traditional tourist destinations and remote locations.
Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) in Japan is the second-largest in Asia, serving around 87 million passengers annually. Although this airport is primarily focused on domestic flights, it also offers international flights and is renowned for its convenience and high quality of service. Dubai International Airport (DXB) in the United Arab Emirates has become one of the world’s most important transit hubs, serving around 86 million passengers. Dubai, as an international business and tourism hub, connects the East and West, and its airport is one of the main gateways to the Middle East and Asia.
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) are also major Asian air transport hubs, handling approximately 71 million and 76 million passengers per year respectively. Both airports connect a vast number of flights, both domestic and international, and are vital hubs that bolster Asia’s economic growth and tourism links.
Other significant airports, such as Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), renowned for its impeccable service and modern infrastructure, and Incheon Airport (ICN) in South Korea, which is also one of the best airports in the world, contribute to improving the region’s international connectivity and tourism.
Asia is a continent that not only amazes with its nature, culture and history, but also boasts a highly developed transport infrastructure, allowing travellers to easily reach this impressive region. With its vast and modern airports, Asia offers endless opportunities to discover various corners of the world, from ancient temples and mountains to modern metropolises and exotic beaches. For both adventure seekers and travellers who appreciate cultural and natural beauty, Asia is the ideal destination – flights to this continent leave a lasting impression and contribute to valuable life experiences.
South America is a major aviation hub, ensuring connections both within the region and with the rest of the world. The busiest airport on the continent is São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport (GRU) in Brazil, which handles over 43 million passengers annually. It is a major hub for international flights, connecting South America with North America, Europe and Africa. El Dorado International Airport (BOG), located in Bogotá, Colombia, serves around 35 million passengers a year and is a major transit point between South and North America. Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima, Peru, is the gateway for tourists wishing to visit Machu Picchu and other famous attractions in the region. Pistarini International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is also a major hub connecting the country with major cities around the world.
Other important airports, such as Tancredo Neves International Airport (CNF) in Belo Horizonte, Fortaleza-Pinto Martins International Airport (FOR) and Asunción/Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU), contribute to the development of air transport and the growth of tourism in the region.
An extensive air transport network allows for convenient travel both within South American countries and beyond, offering opportunities to discover the continent’s natural wonders, cultural heritage and modern cities. South America is a continent where the grandeur of nature, history and the rhythm of modern life come together, appealing to both adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts.
The major airports in Oceania not only connect the region with the world but also play a vital role in international air travel. Sydney International Airport (SYD), located in Australia, is the largest and busiest airport in Oceania, serving over 44 million passengers a year. SYD Airport acts as a major international gateway and offers a wide range of flights connecting Oceania with Asia, Europe, North America and other continents.
Auckland International Airport (AKL), located in New Zealand, is the second-largest airport in Oceania, serving around 21 million passengers a year. AKL is a major regional hub connecting New Zealand with Australia and other countries, as well as offering international routes to Asia and North America. Brisbane International Airport (BNE) is another major airport in Australia, serving around 38 million passengers; BNE offers a wide range of flights on both domestic and international routes. Brisbane, situated close to popular tourist destinations such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Gold Coast, is a key hub for travel to the heart of Oceania.
La Tontouta Airport (NOU) in New Caledonia and Nadi International Airport (NAN) in Fiji also play a vital role in the region, connecting these island nations with major international hubs. These airports not only contribute to the development of tourism in the region but also promote economic growth, as Oceania becomes increasingly attractive to travellers seeking not only natural beauty but also exotic culture.
Oceania offers not only stunning natural scenery and cultural heritage, but also modern infrastructure that makes even remote islands easily accessible. Flights to this region offer the chance to experience adventures in various countries, visit stunning beaches, explore ancient civilisations and enjoy the unique charm of the region. Oceania is a place where the dreams of adventure seekers and the desires of holidaymakers come together.
Africa’s largest airports play a vital role in both international and domestic connectivity, linking the continent with the rest of the world. O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), located in Johannesburg, South Africa, is the busiest airport on the continent, serving over 21 million passengers a year. It is a major hub for international flights, connecting Africa with cities in Europe, Asia and other continents.
Cairo International Airport (CAI) in Egypt is also one of the largest, handling around 20 million passengers a year; it is an important gateway to North Africa and the Middle East, serving many international airlines. Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in South Africa welcomes around 11 million passengers annually, often serving tourists travelling to famous destinations. Ethiopia’s Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) is a rapidly growing airport, serving over 12 million passengers, and acts as a hub for Ethiopian Airlines, connecting Africa with the world.
Other major airports include Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) in Nigeria, which handles around 8 million passengers, and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Kenya, where passenger numbers exceed 7 million. These airports are not only transport hubs but also important economic centres, contributing to regional development and the promotion of tourism.
North America is also one of the world’s largest aviation hubs, boasting numerous strategically important airports that connect the continent with the rest of the world. Serving over 107 million passengers a year, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), located in Georgia, is one of the busiest in the world, serving as a major hub between the East and West Coasts. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the second-largest in the US, serves around 88 million passengers. LAX connects North America with Asia, Europe and Oceania, offering a wide range of flight options. O’Hare International Airport (ORD) in Chicago, with approximately 84 million passengers a year, is a major North American transport hub connecting the continent with Europe and Asia.
In addition, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Denver International Airport (DEN) are major logistics and passenger transport hubs, serving millions of travellers. New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) are also major global transit hubs, connecting North America with major cities around the world.
North America stands out not only for its natural and cultural riches, but also for its well-developed transport network, making it easy to fly both within the continent and beyond. An extensive network of airports opens up endless opportunities to explore the continent’s contrasts – from the historic cities of Mexico to the modern skyscrapers of New York or the wild nature of Canada. It is a continent where history, culture and technology converge, creating a unique destination for travel, living and discovery.
Europe is also a major aviation hub, home to the largest and busiest airports. The largest in terms of area is Istanbul Airport (IST) in Turkey, covering around 76 square kilometres. London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the busiest airport in Europe, serving over 80 million passengers annually and connecting to numerous international destinations. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in France is the second largest (31 km²), whilst Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) in the Netherlands is the third (28.5 km²). CDG handles around 75 million passengers annually and is France’s main air transport hub. Meanwhile, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), due to its convenient geographical location and excellent transport links, is often used as a transfer point for intercontinental flights and serves around 70 million passengers. London Gatwick Airport (LGW), which handles around 46 million passengers annually, is the second-largest airport in London and an important hub for low-cost flights.
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World Airports: Major Transport Hubs and Travelers’ Gateways
The world’s airports are the most important international transportation hubs, ensuring the smooth movement of passengers and cargo between continents. Today, air transport has become an integral part of globalization, allowing people to quickly and conveniently reach the most distant corners of the world. From giant international airports to smaller regional airfields, each of them plays an important role in the world of aviation. Airports not only facilitate travel, but also stimulate the economy, attract investment and create jobs.
The largest and busiest airports in the world
Some airports stand out for their size, passenger traffic and modern infrastructure. For example, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (USA) has maintained a leading position in terms of the number of passengers served for many years. Beijing Daxing International Airport (China) is famous for its futuristic design and innovative solutions. Dubai International Airport (UAE) is one of the main hubs for flights between Europe, Asia and Africa, while London Heathrow Airport (UK) has been called Europe’s main gateway to the world for many years due to its geographical location.
Technology and passenger services
Modern airports are constantly improving technology to ensure fast and convenient service. Automated check-in desks, biometric screening gates, smart baggage tracking systems and faster security screening procedures allow travelers to save time. Many airports also have modern lounges, restaurants, shopping centers and even hotels.
The future of airports
Airports will become even more advanced in the future - it is planned to introduce artificial intelligence for passenger service, sustainable energy systems and autonomous transport solutions. In addition, the growing demand for green travel is encouraging airports to invest in low-emission sustainable solutions and environmental initiatives.
The world's airports are not only symbols of the beginning and end of flights, but also important meeting centers for the global economy, innovation and cultures.
Airports are ranked and awarded annually by the international air transport rating organization SKYTRAX, more information can be found here: https://www.worldairportawards.com/.
