The World’s 10 Biggest Airports and Tips on How to Navigate Them

Flying out of any airport is always an adventure, one that will take you to new and exciting places. However, there are some airports that are so busy that traveling through them can seem not only like a chore, but hardly worth the fight. That said, they're typically busy for a reason, and understanding how to fly from or into these facilities can significantly streamline your experience.

At The Parking Spot, we know how tough it can be to get through the airports in time for your family vacation, solo adventure, or business trip. Thankfully, we can not only help you identify the 10 busiest airports in the world but also provide travel tips that make your flight much more manageable. So, before you reserve a parking spot for your big trip, read on to learn more about this topic.

Why Are Some Airports So Busy?

When examining the 10 busiest airports in the world, there are always a few obvious reasons why these facilities are so popular. These are typically consistent from airport to airport, even in cities worldwide. Just a few influences on the busiest airports in the world include:

• Location, Location, Location: The 10 busiest airports internationally are almost always located in large and bustling cities. Obviously, sprawling metropolises come with busy airports that can efficiently serve international flying needs.
• History of Flight and Service: Most of the busiest airports have a long history that stretches back almost to the beginning of flight. For example, the number one entry has operated since the 1920s and is almost always the busiest.
• Connection With Various Airlines: When traveling through busy airports, you'll quickly notice that they work with many airlines. That's a big part of why they're so busy! Juggling a dozen or more airlines brings a lot of passengers.
• High-Quality Service Experience: Many of the biggest cities in the world have multiple airports, with one often being far busier than the other. Typically, the most packed airport provides better service to attract more repeat customers.
• Demand: While a city's size often impacts its airport's busyness, sheer population isn't enough to make an airport busy. If that were the case, cities like New York would be on this list. Instead, it's the demand that makes it popular.

But what exactly makes an airport busy? Is it the number of flights it processes or passengers? Typically, most lists define it as the sheer number of people who fly from the facility, not the number of flights. The busiest airports process many millions of passengers a year.

The Top 10 Busiest Airports in the World by Passengers

The following facilities are almost always on the list of the busiest airports in the world. They process between 72 to 100 million people annually, which is astonishing.

10. Delhi Airport (DEL), Delhi, India: 72.2 Million Annual Passengers

As the single most populated country in the world, India's airports are almost always incredibly busy. Delhi Airport, or DEL, is by far the busiest in the country, processing nearly 73 million people a year. Accordingly, it has many unique amenities that make flying through it enjoyable.

For example, there are plenty of places to dine, shop, and relax, as well as cab services that make travel more enjoyable. Most people visiting India will likely come into Delhi, so it's essential to understand its layout and amenities before visiting this sprawling and fascinating airport.

9. Chicago O'Hare, Chicago, Illinois (ORD): 73.9 Million Annual Passengers

Chicago, or "Second City" to New York, is currently the third-largest metropolis in the nation. Accordingly, its airport, Chicago O'Hare, is one of the busiest in the world. With four terminals serving the country and the world, ORD remains one of the busiest and best airports.

In fact, it's so close to the city that many people hop onto a train, bus, or cab and check out the metropolis for a few hours before their trip. Services and amenities like chapels, animal relief stations, yoga rooms, restaurants, and other facilities make ORD a cozy place to hang out on any trip.

8. Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles, California (LAX): 75.1 Million Annual Passengers

Since overtaking Chicago as the second-most populated city in America, Los Angeles has grown in importance. Not surprisingly, its airport is a little busier than Chicago O'Hare—but not by much! In fact, it processes just over one million more people than ORD.

The fact that other American airports (serving smaller cities) appear higher on this list indicates the complexities of airline travel. In fact, New York City, the country's biggest city by far, doesn't even appear here at all. That said, LAX still works with many people every day.

7. Istanbul International Airport, Istanbul, Turkey (IST): 76 Million Annual Passengers

Reading Istanbul International Airport's (IST) official site reveals a fascinating estimation: they expect to process more than 200 million passengers by 2025! That's a huge goal; it would quickly jump IST to the top of this list. For now, though, they're well below that.

As one of the newest airports on this list, IST is also one of the largest, with over six runways, multiple terminals, and other amenities. It already handles 76 million people a year, which is impressive, but there's still a long way to go before it hits 100 million, let alone 200 million.

6. Denver International Airport, Denver, Colorado (DEN): 77.8 Million Annual Passengers

As only the 19th biggest city in America, Denver has surprisingly one of its busiest airports. DEN has long been a popular destination thanks to its somewhat central location. It's easy for flights across the country and the world to stop here during layovers and change flights more quickly.

Denver International Airport also works with many airlines to process a significant number of people very quickly. Again, it's a reminder that city size isn't always the most important determining factor in an airport's demand. Thankfully, DEN is very modern and has lots of updated amenities.

5. Tokyo Haneda, Tokyo, Japan (HND): 78.7 Million Annual Passengers

As Japan's biggest city by far (with over five million people more than Yokohama), Tokyo is a densely populated and exciting place to live and visit. Perhaps that's why Haneda processes nearly 79 million passengers a year and looks only to get bigger as time passes.

Haneda is a very modern airport with an extensive list of restaurants, shops, duty-free buying, and other services. Anyone visiting is likely to see some interesting sights, such as robot guides, making it one of the most fun of the busiest airports in the world.

4. London Heathrow, London, United Kingdom (LHR): 79.2 Million Annual Passengers

As far as the busiest airports in the world go, Heathrow is surprisingly laid back. It has lots of English charm, plenty of activities for children, multiple shops and restaurants, and an easy booking platform that makes flying in and out of the airport far more accessible than others.

That's one reason it keeps jumping up the list of busiest airports. However, it's also in an excellent central location for international flights from central Europe to America and beyond. Combined with its extensive airline roster, these facts make Heathrow a bustling airport indeed.

3. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Dallas, Texas (DFW): 81.8 Million Annual Passengers

The Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area is one of the biggest in the world, with a combined 2.2 million people, making it the fifth-largest area in the country. Accordingly, its airport is one of the busiest and often serves international flights well beyond North American borders.

Like ORD, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is so close to the cities it serves that it's usually easy to reserve a parking spot nearby and explore the rest of the area. The Parking Spot is not too far from the airport, either, giving it a nice and workable proximity.

2. Dubai International Airport, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (DXB): 87 Million Annual Passengers

The United Arab Emirates is one of the world's wealthiest and most exciting countries right now, and most visitors fly into DXB. As one of the busiest airports in the world, this facility processes nearly 90 million passengers and is by far one of the busiest airports internationally.

Visitors to this country can easily travel to many of its most exciting areas, including fascinating museums, amazing attractions, and other unique places. With a rapidly growing population and lots of money, Dubai will only get bigger and more exciting to visit.

1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Atlanta, Georgia (ATL): 104.7 Million Annual Passengers

Anyone who's ever researched the busiest airports in the world probably knew that ATL would be at the top. In fact, anybody who's ever traveled through it knows full well that it's a bustling, constantly innovating, and exciting place to visit, no matter where you're traveling.

As with all busy airports, it's best to reserve a parking spot ahead of time to avoid long waiting times. The Parking Spot is located near ATL, making it a great choice. Thankfully, this facility is not only amazingly busy but also capable of providing amazing customer service.

Tips For Flying in the Busiest Airports in the World

When traveling through the busiest airports in the world, finding ways to streamline your travel is critical. After all, spending hours in line simply waiting to take off isn't a great way to start your trip. Thankfully, our team at The Parking Spot can help you reserve a parking spot successfully and provide some great tips to make your travel easier.

Know When to Fly

The term "shoulder season" refers to weeks and months when travel is very light. For example, winter in very cold parts of the world often significantly decreases trip and vacation time. If possible, schedule your flights around these times. Even the busiest airports should be less hectic.

Download Travel Apps

The best travel apps can tell you when airports are less busy and help you plan your vacations in various ways. Some even include coupons and other money-saving deals that can cut back on expenses and ensure you feel comfortable during your trip.

Plan Parking Ahead of Time

Reserve a parking spot well before your trip to ensure you can easily travel through the airport. Finding a spot closer to the facility can reduce your travel time. You can also book parking with The Parking Spot and get shuttled directly to the doors to reduce your walking time.

Pack Smartly

Knowing how to pack your suitcase properly can reduce frustration and confusion. Keep your luggage light by bringing only what you need to survive your vacation. In fact, if you can maximize your carry-on luggage, you can reduce your processing time considerably.

Move Through Security Smoothly

Knowing how to streamline your trip through security (such as gathering any metal items ahead of time) can ensure you don't feel trapped and slowed down. Furthermore, understanding the differences between Global Entry and TSA Precheck can minimize confusion.

Keep Yourself Entertained

Long layovers are common in the world's busiest airports, so make sure you can keep yourself entertained with books, puzzles, and even activities in the airport itself. When flying with kids, knowing how to keep them entertained can greatly reduce a lot of agitation and frustration.

Other Tips to Consider When Traveling the World's Busiest Airports

No matter what airport you travel through this year, it's essential to keep the following tips in mind to speed up your processing and ensure you don't get too hassled by long lines, frustrating delays, and other common issues with plane travel:

• Find shuttles or "Plane Trains" to get you where you need to go
• Study the layout ahead of time to avoid getting lost later
• Download airport apps to track your movement through terminals
• Find and utilize eGates whenever possible to speed up processing
• Track waiting times using online apps and other services
• Use the appropriate security lines, such as family lines, for your trip
• Arrive 2-3 hours before your flight to avoid panic and confusion

Don't Forget to Reserve a Parking Spot!

Knowing how to get through the busiest airports in the world is just half the battle! For example, you need to reserve a parking spot with a team that knows how to protect your vehicle and keep it safe from prowlers, thieves, and bad weather. Thankfully, you can easily reserve a parking spot at all the American airports listed here by working with our team at The Parking Spot.

We can provide discounts and coupons on your parking experience, set up your business travel experience, and provide other benefits through our exclusive Spot Club. Our team offers reasonably priced parking options that are typically below that of the airport itself. So, do yourself a favor and reserve a parking spot with us before your big trip through a busy airport.