12 Busiest Airports in the World | Moving People in Their Masses

You’d be hard-pressed these days to find someone who hasn’t flown on a plane at least once. But if you asked them about their flight experience, you’d likely get a vague or routine response.

Most people are familiar with how to book a plane ticket, prepare for a trip, and arrive at the airport in time to clear security and board their scheduled flight. It’s a standard process for commercial travel.

But what about flying private? What are charter flights? How is this type of travel different? When you charter a plane, the experience is far more flexible and tailored. There’s no rush to catch a departure time – the aircraft is ready when you are. It’s a more convenient, comfortable, and stress-free way to fly.

In this article, we’ll dive into the details, answering questions like what is a charter plane, what does it mean to charter a plane, and the actual charter flight meaning. You’ll also learn how chartered flights compare to commercial travel, the benefits they offer, how they operate, and the different types of chartered flights available.

The Busiest Airports in the World Over the Years

Due to the many uncertainties of recent years, no one is surprised that the aviation industry has undergone several modifications. However, it has now almost completely recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. As for the busiest airports in the world, the following list has not changed a lot.

The USA is keeping its leading position with a great number of airports belonging to the busiest airports in the world. This is no surprise, due to the technological development in aviation that took place in North America. And since the USA stretches from East to West across a whole continent, planes are a necessary means of transportation.

Among the top 10 busiest airports in the world, Europe has kept only one representative. The region to look out for is Asia. In the last couple of years, it has only strengthened its position as an irreplaceable business and industrial partner. And with a constant export of technical advances, it will probably only continue to grow in importance.

A special reference in the article, but just as interesting and important, belongs to the busiest airports in the world for private jets. With the increase in accessibility and options for travel using private jets, many airports have been adapted to be able to handle private aircraft. Some handle both of them just as well, while others specialise in one or the other.

7. IGA Istanbul Airport (IST) in Turkey – 76,027,321

One of the younger airports on the list, since it was opened only in 2018 as a replacement for the previous Atatürk Airport. Due to its very strategic position on the European side of Istanbul, it serves as a very important connection point between Asia, Europe and Africa. It even holds the rank of the fourth biggest airport in the world.

As of 2022, it has kept its title as the 7th busiest airport in the world. Even though it was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, it managed to increase the number of passengers that travel through it by more than 10 million, reaching a total of 76 million.

The airport features the largest structure of a single terminal under one roof in the world for domestic and international flights. It has five runways available, two of which function as backups. The duty-free shop even includes a real Turkish bazaar.

IGA Istanbul Airport – the biggest and busiest airport on the European continent
Source: Wikimedia
Author: Istanbul Airport

6. Denver International Airport (DEN) in the USA – 77,837,917

Denver International Airport has ranked among the 20 busiest airports in the world every single year since the start of the 21st century. It also withstood the wave of the Covid-19 pandemic fairly better than some of its counterparts.

Although the airport's traffic decreased by more than half in the year 2020, it managed to remain in the top 10 busiest airports in the world. Almost 78 million passengers crossed through its terminals in 2023.

The airport is an important hub for travellers inside the USA and also internationally and serves as a gateway to the Western U.S. Its facility spreads over an area of more than 135 km2 and is double the size of Manhattan, which currently makes it the second biggest airport in the world and the biggest in the USA. All of this is serviced by a single terminal.

Planes land and take off using five runways, including the longest commercial runway in North America, which is necessary due to the elevation of the airport.

Denver International Airport – the second largest airport in the world
Source: Wikimedia
Author: Dbenbenn

5. Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND) in Japan – 78,719,302

One of the oldest airports that appears on the list of busiest airports in the world. It was opened in 1931 with a single terminal and a runway measuring just 300 m. It is one of two international airports providing services to the Greater Tokyo Area.

As is tradition in Japan, it has become synonymous with high efficiency and cutting-edge technology. The airport is well recognized for its cleanliness, safety, and punctuality, which gives it a very high rating in customer satisfaction.

The Tokyo Haneda International Airport has also seen a great increase in traffic in just one year. It jumped from the 16th to the 5th position of busiest airports in the world from 2022 to 2023. With an increase of 55%, it managed to service an additional 28 million passengers, during this short time. More than 78 million.

Although, the airport did not completely return to pre-pandemic levels and still hasn’t had the opportunity to pass the 90 million passengers per year goal. The airport has been making preparations for this specifically.

Tokyo Haneda International Airport – a technological marvel
Source: Wikimedia
Author: Tokyo Haneda Airport

4. London Heathrow Airport (LHR) in the UK – 79,183,364

Currently, the only European airport in the list of the top 10 busiest airports in the world, since the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris has fallen below this ranking. Of course, not considering the iGA Istanbul Airport.

Essentially Europe’s busiest airport. Even though it is one of six airports in and around London, its importance is very clear due to the many international connections, especially for flights to and from North America and Asia. The four terminals of the airport make it possible to handle the huge operational complexity with over 80 airlines.

Even London Heathrow Airport has not completely recovered from the pandemic times, during which it lost three-quarters of its traffic. But, more than 79 million people passed through Heathrow in 2023 and the estimates for 2024 predict that this number will jump to over 81 million.

London Heathrow Airport – only European airport among the top 10 busiest airports in the world
Source: Wikimedia
Author: Kenneth Iwelumo

3. Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in the USA – 81,755,538

In the ranking of the busiest airports in the world, the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport has dropped one level from second place to third in 2023. Still, it has managed to assist more than 81 million passengers in the same year. Like many airports in the USA, it also belongs to the biggest airports in the world.

The Covid-19 pandemic also left its mark on it, but it was able to keep more of its passengers compared to other internationally important airports. This is due to the fact that the airport plays an important role not just in the aviation industry of America, but also provides a huge number of international flights to over 260 destinations, many of them nonstop.

The airport’s design is all about comfort and convenience. It operates the Skylink train system for seamless connectivity between its five terminals and 171 gates. It is the first “carbon-neutral” airport in North America and even has its own recycling and composting program to achieve its zero-waste goal.

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport – the most ecological airport in the world
Source: Wikimedia
Author: Todd MacDonald

2. Dubai International Airport (DXB) in the UAE – 86,994,365

Besides being one of the busiest airports in the world, it holds quite a few well-known titles. The busiest airport in Asia, has the biggest baggage handling system in the world and even has one of the largest buildings in the world with its Terminal 3. It might not belong to the largest airports in the world, but its significance is obvious.

However, it first had to grow to such a magnitude. When it opened in 1960 as a small airport, it could get passengers to just a few destinations. Now with three terminals and two runways that have a combined length of over eight kilometres, it is one of the most important connection points with a global reach.

This was also reflected in the fact that in 2023 it jumped from fifth to second rank among the top 10 busiest airports in the world while providing services to almost 87 million passengers.

Speaking of its services, the Dubai International Airport has made a name for itself as a true high-luxury travel and airport experience. Since the UAE started heavily investing in tourism, it has done everything in its power to provide the passengers with the best! 

VIP services, world-class shopping, gourmet dining options, indoor gardens, a swimming pool, and luxurious sleeping pods. The Dubai International Airport is a destination in its own right and worth any trip that crosses through it.

Dubai International Airport – one of the most important connection points in the Middle East
Source: Wikimedia
Author: Konstantin von Wedelstaedt

1. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) in the USA – 104,653,451

The busiest airport in the world and the third biggest airport in the world is located in Georgia, a southern state of the USA. With a very rich history going back to 1926 when it was built on an abandoned race track. It quickly rose in importance and by the end of the 1930s it was as popular as the airports in New York and Chicago.

Nowadays it has become technologically incredibly developed. It has five runways and is even home to the highest air traffic control tower in North America. Its popularity also comes from its strategic position. Besides great global coverage, most of the USA is reachable within a two-hour flight and the airport functions as a key connection point between the eastern and western parts of the U.S.

Among the busiest airports in the world, it holds another title. It is one of the very few airports that have managed to service more than 100 million passengers per year. It managed to pick itself up quickly even from the Covid-19 pandemic and in the year 2023 the total number of passengers passing through this airport reached precisely 104,653,451.

The Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport has held the title of the busiest commercial airport for a lengthy period. Except for a couple of years, it was named the busiest airport in the world for well over two decades.

Dubai International Airport – one of the most important connection points in the Middle East
Source: Wikimedia
Author: Harrison Keely

The necessary information concerning the commercial airports has been acquired from the following website: ACI.AERO

The 5 Busiest Airports in Europe for Private Jets

Travelling by private jet is in a completely different league. Having an entire plane all to yourself and your selected fellow passengers, enjoying all the amenities without all the stressful conditions associated with commercial flights and travelling in true comfort.

The following selected airports in Europe might not come close to the magnitude of the biggest and busiest airports in the world for commercial flights, but they show an entirely different aspect of aviation travel. Plus, today travelling by private jet isn’t as out of reach for the usual person, thanks to many developments like empty leg private jet flights.

In any case, it is a very interesting aspect to look into, to see who and what truly stands behind business airports.

5. London Luton Airport (LTN) in the UK – 26,661 Private Flights in 2023

Located 45 minutes by car (47 km) from Central London with two dedicated private jet terminals, also referred to as Fixed Base Operators (FBOs). It is the UK's busiest private jet airport and very popular not just for business passengers, but celebrities alike. The private terminals are well known for high levels of discretion for sensitive travellers.

The FBOs offer specially tailored services such as VIP lounges, car-to-jet transfers and personal concierge services. London Luton Airport emphasises fast-track processing of customs and immigration and high privacy standards for private jet customers. The airport is also equipped with necessary facilities for aircraft maintenance and hangarage.

London Luton Airport – one of six major airports in London
Source: Wikimedia
Author: London Luton Airport

4. Farnborough Airport (FAB) in the UK – 29,966 Private Flights in 2023

Farnborough Airport is a state-of-the-art and highly efficient private jet airport in Europe. In contrast to Luton Airport, it is dedicated exclusively to business aviation, making it the primary choice for business jet passengers travelling to and from London. It is one of the very few airports in Europe dedicated solely to private jet aviation.

With very efficient operations that ensure short runway wait times and smooth take-offs and landings. Farnborough Airport also offers a range of exceptional facilities The private and very modern terminals and other luxurious amenities, e.g. private lounges, meeting rooms, on-site hotels and many more are always at the disposal of the customers.

Due to high security and privacy protocol, its discreet passenger treatment makes it a popular choice for celebrities and corporate executives.

London Luton Airport – one of six major airports in London
Source: Wikimedia
Author: MilborneOne

3. Geneva International Airport (GVA) in Switzerland – 34,273 Private Flights in 2023

The airport has a very strategic location that allows for further connections to many major hubs of business, sport and diplomacy. Very popular with VIP attendants of famous global events that take place in Switzerland like summits, conferences and Even the World Economic Forum.

High-end FBO services such as luxury lounges, dedicated terminals and concierge services ensure maximum comfort and privacy for business passengers. Exclusive VIP services in the form of personalised assistance with quick immigration, customs and luxury transportation. The airport even provides especially fast and seamless transfers to ski resorts via helicopters or limousines.

Another point of significance comes from its political importance because it is often used by diplomats, important figures from the banking world and world leaders thus driving a high demand not only for exclusive but also very secure services.

London Luton Airport – one of six major airports in London
Source: Geneva International Airport
Author: Geneva International Airport

2. Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE), France – 37,425 Private Flights in 2023

The airport serves as a portal to several prominent destinations. It is a gateway to the Mediterranean, the Côte d'Azur (the French Riviera), Monaco, and Cannes, meaning that it is especially frequented during the summer and film festivals. It is located 6 kilometres southwest of Nice, in the Alpes-Maritimes department of France.

Since it is so close to Monaco, it also functions as the primary airport of Monaco. Utilising particularly quick helicopter transfers to bring passengers to the sovereign state or their yachts. Exclusive partnerships with luxury hotels and resorts ensure a one-of-a-kind travel experience for business customers.

The airport’s own General Aviation Terminal has sea views and luxurious facilities including VIP lounges, dedicated gates, and direct access to the coast. The high security and privacy standards with enhanced protection and safety measures assure discreet travelling for private jet customers.

London Luton Airport – one of six major airports in London
Source: Wikimedia
Author: Olivier Cleynen

1. Le Bourget Airport (LBG), Paris – 55,751 Private Flights in 2023

The busiest airport in Europe dedicated solely to private aviation. Located just 7 kilometres outside of Paris it is very popular among high-profile travellers attending prestigious events or business meetings in the city.

With the largest number of private jet charter terminal (FBO) facilities compared to any other European airport, it hosts 80 businesses offering airport and aviation services, among which you will find the biggest names in business aviation. 

On 553 hectares with three runways, it can handle any type of aircraft and its some thirty buildings house more than 60 maintenance companies, aircraft equipment and facilities, and airport services.

Besides its luxurious services, it is also famous due to its history. It originally opened in the year 1919 and it hosts the Paris Air Show. The airport also used to function as the primary aviation site in Paris.

Le Bourget Airport – the busiest airport in Europe dedicated only for private jets
Source: Wikimedia
Author: Citizen59

The necessary information concerning the commercial airports has been acquired from the following website: Private Jet Card Comparisons

Be it commercial or business aviation, it is nothing short of remarkable, the great numbers that an airport can handle. Even though the aviation industry is still not completely back on its feet, it remains an inseparable service for the global population, no matter their financial background.

And if you would like to have the chance to visit the mentioned or other business airports, we would be very happy to start you off on this journey. Get in touch with us at Albinati Aeronautics to receive information about the potential options available.