The year 2023 saw a significant resurgence in international travel, with airports around the world experiencing a surge in passenger traffic. According to the preliminary ranking released by the Airports Council International, Dubai International Airport climbed to the second spot in the ranking, a significant jump from fifth place in 2022 and fourth place in 2019.
Passenger traffic at Tokyo Haneda International Airport saw a remarkable 55% increase from the previous year, propelling the airport to fifth place from its 16th place position in 2022. Overall, global airports served a staggering 8.5 billion passengers in 2023, marking a 27% increase from the previous year. Despite this growth, passenger counts still lagged approximately 6% below pre-pandemic levels.
The resurgence of international travel has been particularly beneficial for airlines with extensive international networks. However, ultra-low-cost carriers and domestic-focused U.S. airlines have faced challenges in recent months. While domestic U.S. airports saw significant gains in passenger numbers, some slipped in the rankings due to restrictions on international travel during the pandemic.
Denver International Airport, a major hub for United Airlines, experienced a 12% increase in passenger traffic in 2023, but dropped in the ranking from third to sixth place. Meanwhile, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the largest hub for Delta Air Lines, maintained its position at the top of the list, serving a whopping 104.7 million passengers.
1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (1)
2. Dubai International Airport (5)
3. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (2)
4. London Heathrow (8)
5. Tokyo Haneda International Airport (16)
6. Denver International Airport (3)
7. Istanbul Airport (7)
8. Los Angeles International Airport (6)
9. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (4)
10. New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (9)
The global ranking of the busiest airports in 2023 reflects the significant growth in international travel, with key airports experiencing remarkable increases in passenger traffic. While some airports saw shifts in their rankings, the overall trend points towards a recovery in the aviation industry following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.