ACI World reveals the global airport rankings for 2024

ACI World has just published its 2024 global airport traffic rankings, offering a fresh look at which airports handled the most passengers, cargo, and flights this year. With data from over 2,800 airports in 185+ countries and territories, the report gives a snapshot of how air travel is evolving around the world.

In this article, Slava Cheglatonyev and Aram Karagueuzian, leaders of ACI World Airports as Businesses Centre of Excellence, explore the patterns behind the rankings, highlighting the operational shifts, regional rebounds, and long-term signals that are reshaping the world’s top airports.

Atlanta holds the top spot – again

So, what is the busiest airport in the world? 

In 2024, passenger numbers worldwide surged to 9.4 billion—an 8.4% year-over-year increase, and a full 2.7% above 2019 levels. For another consecutive year, Atlanta Hartsfield–Jackson International Airport (ATL) maintains its leading position, once again ranking as the busiest airport in the world by total passenger volume. Last year, ATL served as the principal artery of North American aviation, cementing its role not only as a critical domestic hub but also as a global benchmark in post-pandemic air travel resilience. 

This upward shift confirms the sector’s full recovery and reasserts ATL’s dominance at the top of the list of the busiest airports in the United States.

Asia’s soaring comeback: China’s airports climb the ranks

The busiest airports in Asia saw significant upward movement in 2024, marking the region’s robust return to international airspace. Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) climbed 11 places into the global top 10, while Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) held 12th position—after ranking 57th just two years earlier.

Asia’s rise back into the top ranks comes down to reopened borders, growing demand for long-haul flights, and a thriving domestic market. Asia’s top-performing airports are once again reshaping the global airport rankings by passengers, reinforcing the region’s long-term trajectory as a global aviation leader. 

Europe in transition: France, Germany, and the UK

In Europe, traffic recovery remains promising. The busiest airports in France, such as Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Germany’s leading airports by volume continue to close the gap with pre-2019 levels. Meanwhile, the largest airports in the UK, including London Heathrow and Gatwick, regained their positions in the global top 20. 

t’s a mix of recovering international travel, regional economic shifts, and the return of popular transatlantic routes that’s driving the change. Europe’s legacy hubs are adapting—through modernization, capacity optimization, and route diversification. 

Cargo volumes: the rise of e-commerce and route volatility

After two slow years, air cargo bounced back in 2024, fueled by e-commerce growth and more demand for fast global shipping. Global cargo volume reached almost 127 million metric tonnes, 9.9% more than in 2023. The busiest cargo airports in the world remained consistent, with Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Memphis continuing to lead.

The most notable mover was Dubai International Airport (DXB), which jumped six places to 11th globally in air cargo volume. Factors contributing to this growth include maritime instability, faster cross-border fulfillment demands, and lower fuel costs—each reinforcing the strategic value of airports with highest cargo volumes in a reconfigured supply chain landscape.

Movements in the skies: tracking aircraft operations 

Aircraft movements worldwide reached 100.6 million in 2024—a 3.9% increase over 2023, signaling steady progress. However, this still represents just 96.8% of 2019 levels, showing that full recovery has yet to be achieved. 

Within the top 10 busiest airports worldwide, Shanghai Pudong again featured prominently, rising to 8th in total aircraft operations.  

Top 20 busiest airports worldwide: The full list of 2,800 airports in the world is available in the ACI World Airport Traffic Dataset 2025

Other notable highlights

Japan’s most trafficked airports, Haneda and Narita, posted strong international gains following a phased reopening strategy. 

King Fahd International Airport (DMM) in Saudi Arabia retained its title as the largest airport in the world by area. 

North America’s busiest air terminals led across all three categories: passengers, cargo, and movements—showcasing the region’s continued centrality in global aviation flows. 

Several entries on the largest airports UK list returned to global relevance in 2024, marking a broader trend toward renewed international mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top 5 busiest airports in the world?

Based on total passenger traffic in 2024, the top five busiest airports in the world are:

1. Atlanta Hartsfield–Jackson International (ATL) – United States
2. Dubai International (DXB) – United Arab Emirates
3. Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW) – United States
4. London Heathrow (LHR) – United Kingdom
5. Tokyo Haneda (HND) – Japan

Which airport handles the most international passengers?

Dubai International Airport (DXB) remains the global leader in international passenger traffic.

What are the top 5 cargo airports worldwide in 2024?

In 2024, the busiest cargo airports in the world—by total freight tonnage—were led by:

1. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
2. Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)
3. Memphis International (MEM)
4. Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
5. Louisville Muhammad Ali International (SDF)