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10 Biggest Airports in the World

Airports are more than just gateways to travel; they are complex ecosystems of runways, terminals, logistics, and infrastructure that keep the global aviation network running. Among thousands of airports worldwide, a few stand out for their vast land area, advanced design, and massive passenger capacity.
Below, we will explain the 10 Biggest Airports in the World, each known for its sheer scale, operations, and importance in international aviation.

Quick Overview of the 10 Biggest Airports in the World

RankAirport NameLocationArea (sq km)Country
1King Fahd International Airport (DMM)Dammam776Saudi Arabia
2Denver International Airport (DEN)Colorado135.7United States
3Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)Texas69.6United States
4Orlando International Airport (MCO)Florida53.8United States
5Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)D.C.48.6United States
6Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)Beijing46.6China
7George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)Houston44.5United States
8Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)Shanghai39.9China
9Cairo International Airport (CAI)Cairo36.3Egypt
10Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)Bangkok32.4Thailand

1. King Fahd International Airport (DMM), Saudi Arabia

Located in Dammam, King Fahd International Airport is the largest airport in the world by land area, covering 776 square kilometers. Built on vast desert terrain, it handles millions of passengers annually and serves as a major hub for domestic and international flights. Despite its size, only a small portion of its land is actively used for aviation, leaving ample room for future expansion.

Key Highlights of King Fahd International Airport:

  • Covers 776 sq km, the largest globally.
  • Features three runways and extensive buffer zones.
  • Hosts VIP terminals and a royal pavilion.
  • Designed with room for future expansion in the desert region.

2. Denver International Airport (DEN), United States

Situated in Colorado, Denver International Airport spans 135.7 square kilometers, making it the largest airport in the U.S. Known for its iconic tent-style roof resembling snow-capped mountains, Denver Airport is a major hub for domestic and international flights across North America and Europe.

Key Highlights of Denver International Airport:

  • Covers 135.7 sq km with six operational runways.
  • Houses one of the largest public art programs in the U.S.
  • Serves over 70 million passengers annually.
  • Strategic hub for United Airlines and Frontier Airlines.

3. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), United States

Located between Dallas and Fort Worth in Texas, DFW Airport spans 69.6 square kilometers. It is one of the busiest airports globally and a critical hub for American Airlines. The airport operates multiple terminals and runways, handling hundreds of daily international and domestic flights.

Key Highlights of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport:

  • Covers 69.6 sq km across five terminals.
  • Primary hub for American Airlines.
  • Features innovative ground transportation systems.
  • Connects to over 250 destinations worldwide.

4. Orlando International Airport (MCO), United States

Orlando International Airport in Florida covers around 53.8 square kilometers and is a gateway for millions of tourists visiting nearby attractions such as Disney World and Universal Studios. It’s one of the busiest airports in the U.S. for leisure travel and international tourism.

Key Highlights of Orlando International Airport:

  • Serves tourism-heavy routes across the U.S. and abroad.
  • Manages over 50 million passengers per year.
  • Features modern terminals and advanced facilities.
  • Plays a key role in Florida’s tourism economy.

5. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), United States

Serving the Washington D.C. metropolitan region, Dulles International Airport occupies 48.6 square kilometers. Known for its iconic design by architect Eero Saarinen, it handles significant international traffic and is a major entry point to the U.S. capital.

Key Highlights of Washington Dulles International Airport:

  • Spreads across 48.6 sq km.
  • Serves as a hub for United Airlines.
  • Handles long-haul international flights daily.
  • Known for its unique mobile lounges and architecture.

6. Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), China

Opened in 2019, Beijing Daxing International Airport is a marvel of modern engineering, covering 46.6 square kilometers. The airport features a starfish-shaped terminal designed by architect Zaha Hadid and integrates cutting-edge automation technology for passenger convenience.

Key Highlights of Beijing Daxing International Airport:

  • Covers 46.6 sq km with five runways planned.
  • Can handle 100 million passengers annually.
  • Advanced AI and biometric systems for operations.
  • Reduces congestion at Beijing Capital Airport (PEK).

7. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), United States

Located in Houston, Texas, George Bush Intercontinental Airport covers 44.5 square kilometers and serves as a major gateway for both passenger and cargo operations. The airport is a key hub for United Airlines and links the U.S. with Latin America and Europe.

Key Highlights of George Bush Intercontinental Airport:

  • Spans 44.5 sq km with five terminals.
  • Major United Airlines base for international flights.
  • Strong focus on energy industry travel and cargo.
  • Provides direct connections to over 180 destinations.

8. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), China

Shanghai Pudong International Airport is one of the largest and busiest airports in Asia, covering 39.9 square kilometers. It handles both passenger and cargo traffic, serving as a central hub for China Eastern Airlines and multiple global carriers.

Key Highlights of Shanghai Pudong International Airport:

  • Covers 39.9 sq km with twin terminal complexes.
  • Key base for China Eastern Airlines.
  • Offers high-speed rail access to central Shanghai.
  • One of the top 10 busiest cargo airports globally.

9. Cairo International Airport (CAI), Egypt

Cairo International Airport spans 36.3 square kilometers, making it one of Africa’s largest airports. It plays a vital role as a hub between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Cairo Airport manages millions of passengers yearly through its modern terminals.

Key Highlights of Cairo International Airport:

  • Covers 36.3 sq km with three terminals.
  • Serves as a hub for EgyptAir.
  • Major connection point between Africa and Europe.
  • Continuous modernization and expansion projects.

10. Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Thailand

Located in Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi Airport covers 32.4 square kilometers and is one of Southeast Asia’s largest aviation hubs. Opened in 2006, it features advanced infrastructure and serves as the main hub for Thai Airways, handling millions of travelers annually.

Key Highlights of Suvarnabhumi Airport:

  • Spreads across 32.4 sq km with two parallel runways.
  • Main hub for Thai Airways International.
  • Handles 60–70 million passengers annually.
  • Central hub for tourism in Southeast Asia.

What Makes an Airport “Big” by Area?

Large-area airports typically include:

  • Multiple parallel runways with wide separations for simultaneous ops.
  • Extensive airfield support (taxiways, de-icing pads, hardstands).
  • Cargo cities & MRO zones (maintenance, repair, overhaul).
  • Ground transport hubs (rail, metro, highways) and future-proof buffer land.

Area rankings can differ depending on whether you count only developed airside land or the entire leased/campus footprint (which may include reserve land for future expansion).

FAQs About the biggest airports in the world

1. Which is the biggest airport in the world by area?

King Fahd International Airport in Saudi Arabia is the world’s largest airport, covering about 776 square kilometers.

2. Which is the largest airport in the United States?

Denver International Airport in Colorado is the largest airport in the U.S. with an area of approximately 135.7 square kilometers.

3. How many terminals does Dallas/Fort Worth Airport have?

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport has five main terminals that handle both domestic and international flights.

4. What makes Orlando International Airport famous?

Orlando International Airport is popular for serving millions of tourists visiting attractions like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.

5. Which airport serves the U.S. capital city?

Washington Dulles International Airport serves the Washington D.C. metropolitan area and handles major international traffic.

6. What is special about Beijing Daxing International Airport?

Beijing Daxing International Airport is known for its starfish-shaped terminal and advanced smart technology for passenger services.

7. Which U.S. airport is a major hub for United Airlines?

George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas, is a key hub for United Airlines, offering extensive global connectivity.

8. Why is Shanghai Pudong Airport important?

Shanghai Pudong International Airport is one of Asia’s busiest airports, serving as a major center for international travel and cargo.

9. Which airport is the largest in Africa?

Cairo International Airport in Egypt is the largest in Africa and connects multiple continents including Asia, Europe, and Africa.

10. What is Suvarnabhumi Airport known for?

Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok is known for its large area, modern design, and status as Southeast Asia’s main air travel hub.

General Knowledge

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