Major airports frequently boast impressive amenities, ranging from bookstores and dining establishments to luxurious lounges and children’s play areas. However, navigating through larger airports can sometimes be daunting, leading to stress, anxiety, and potential missed flights. Visiting these airports can be both exhilarating and overwhelming, requiring travelers to navigate multiple levels, terminals, and check-in counters. Explore the top 10 largest airports in the world to uncover their locations, sizes, and amenities.
1. King Fahd International Airport – 299 Square Miles
Situated in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, King Fahd International Airport spans nearly 300 square miles, earning the title of the world’s largest airport. Originally a U.S. airbase during the Gulf War, commercial flights commenced in 1999. Despite being the largest airport in Saudi Arabia by area, it ranks third in terms of passenger volume, welcoming approximately 10 million passengers annually. King Fahd International Airport boasts two runways and three terminal buildings, catering to employees, mainstream passengers, and the Saudi royal family separately. The most frequented route is between Dammam and Dubai. The main terminal offers a variety of amenities including gift shops, restaurants, cafeterias, and banking facilities, while the royal terminal boasts luxurious furnishings, albeit with infrequent use.
2. Denver International Airport – 53 Square Miles
Denver International Airport, commonly known as DIA, ranks as the second-largest airport globally and the largest in the United States. Spanning over 33,000 acres (equivalent to 53 square miles), it boasts one of the longest runways worldwide, stretching 16,000 feet (or three miles) in length. Situated in Denver, Colorado, this expansive airport holds the distinction of being the largest employer in the state, catering to over 69 million passengers annually. As one of the world’s busiest airports and an international hub, DIA serves 25 airlines and offers flights to more than 215 destinations worldwide. Notable features include an underground train connecting three concourses, captivating art installations, breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, lounges, massage facilities, and an extensive array of over 150 stores and restaurants.
3. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport – 26 Square Miles
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) caters to the North Texas region and ranks as the third-largest airport globally. Moreover, it holds the distinction of being the second-busiest airport worldwide and serves as the largest hub for American Airlines, which has its headquarters in the vicinity. Encompassing over 17,000 acres (equivalent to 26 square miles), DFW boasts its own zip code and emergency services. With access to 260 destinations served by 28 different airlines, DFW facilitated over 73 million passengers in 2022 alone. Inside the airport resembles a bustling mall, featuring spas, lounges, business clubs, and an extensive array of shops and restaurants. Additionally, there are two hotels situated on the airport premises.
4. Orlando International Airport – 20 Square Miles
Situated six miles southeast of Downtown Orlando, the Orlando International Airport ranks as the fourth-largest globally and the seventh busiest in the United States. Spanning 20 square miles, or over 11,000 acres, the airport serves as an operating base for multiple airlines, including JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, and Avelo. It boasts a total of 44 airlines and facilitates an average of 850 daily flights. Inside the airport, travelers can enjoy abundant amenities, including a Hyatt Hotel with a spacious lobby, bars, and restaurants. Beyond the hotel, visitors can explore over 120 shops and restaurants, offering everything from casual quick bites to fine dining experiences.
5. Dulles International Airport – 18 Square Miles
Situated 26 miles west of Downtown Washington, D.C., Dulles International Airport serves the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. It holds the distinction of being the fifth-largest airport globally and the fourth-largest in the United States, encompassing 18 square miles. Dulles is one of three airports catering to the Washington-Baltimore area and ranks as the 28th busiest airport worldwide. This international hub accommodates approximately 60,000 passengers daily, facilitating travel to over 139 destinations. Visitors to Dulles can enjoy a wide array of dining and shopping options, ranging from grills and taprooms to gourmet markets and luxury designer stores. Additionally, the airport offers lounges, nursing rooms, pet relief areas, and kid’s play areas to enhance the traveler experience.
6. Beijing Daxing International Airport – 18 Square Miles
Covering 18 square miles of land, Beijing Daxing International Airport stands out as the largest single-building airport globally, spanning 7.5 million square feet. Renowned for its distinctive design, resembling a starfish, this airport is a relatively recent addition to the aviation landscape, having been completed in 2019. Despite its relatively short operational history, it already caters to 10 to 25 million passengers annually, with the capacity to accommodate up to 75 million travelers. Positioned 29 miles south of Tiananmen Square, the bustling city center of Beijing, China, Beijing Daxing International Airport offers a plethora of amenities within its premises. Travelers can enjoy lounges, banking facilities, children’s areas, smart technology stations, an airport hotel, medical facilities, a yoga room, and a diverse array of restaurants and shops. Praised for its hygiene standards and cutting-edge technology, this airport is hailed as one of the most advanced in the world.
7. George Bush Intercontinental Airport – 17 Square Miles
Located in Houston, Texas, the George Bush Intercontinental Airport serves the Greater Houston metro area. As the busiest airport in Texas for international travel, it holds the distinction of being the eighth largest globally, spanning 17 square miles. Additionally, it ranks as the 12th busiest airport overall in the United States and boasts one of the largest passenger hubs for United Airlines. The George Bush Intercontinental Airport is equipped with five runways, an on-site hotel, an inter-terminal train, a variety of restaurants, bars, shops, lounges, health clubs, and conference centers.
8. Shanghai Pudong International Airport – 15 Square Miles
Situated approximately 19 miles east of the city center in Shanghai, Shanghai Pudong International Airport serves as a prominent international hub for East Asia. It hosts airline hubs for China Eastern, Shanghai Airlines, and Air China. With two passenger terminals and four runways spanning an area of 15 square miles, this airport ranks as the world’s third busiest for cargo traffic and the third busiest for passengers in China, catering to a staggering 74 million travelers annually. Inside the terminals, passengers can enjoy a variety of amenities, including lounges, art installations, stunning architecture, a diverse selection of restaurants, and high-end shops.
9. Cairo International Airport – 14 Square Miles
Covering an area of 14 square miles, Cairo International Airport ranks as the ninth largest airport globally. Situated in Heliopolis, Egypt, it serves the Greater Cairo area and stands as the primary hub for Nile Air, Egyptair, Air Cairo, and Air Arabia Egypt. Regularly hailed as the best and busiest airport in Africa, Cairo International Airport offers a range of amenities including a luxury hotel, an international food court, lounges, and various stores.
10. Suvarnabhumi International Airport – 12 Square Miles
Suvarnabhumi International Airport, also referred to as Bangkok International Airport, is situated in Bangkok, Thailand, and ranks as the tenth-largest airport globally. Spanning 12 square miles, it stands as one of the largest airports in Southeast Asia and serves as a bustling hub for cargo air freight. Renowned for its striking architectural design, the Bangkok Airport offers an array of amenities including an airport hotel, captivating art installations, shopping outlets, and dining establishments.