Airports are essential for connecting people and places across the globe. Some airports are not only busy but also massive in size, covering vast areas and offering world-class facilities. These giant airports handle millions of travelers every year, showcasing incredible design and efficiency. Let’s explore the largest airports in the world by size and area.
World’s Largest Airport 2024
King Fahd International Airport, in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, is the world’s largest airport, covering 299.61 square kilometers. Opened in 1999, it was once a U.S. airbase during the Gulf War. The airport has three terminals, including one for the Saudi royal family, and serves 10 million passengers annually. Its busiest route is to Dubai, with facilities like shops, restaurants and banks.
Top-10 Largest Airport in the World
King Fahd International Airport, located in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, stands as the largest airport in the world with an area of 776 square kilometers, followed by Denver International Airport, and Dallas/ Fort Worth International Airport.
Here is the list of Top 10 largest airports of the world:
S. No. | Name of Airport | Location | Area (in sq. km) | Area (in miles) |
1 | king Fahd International Airport | Dammam, Saudi Arabia | 776 | 299.61 |
2 | Denver International Airport | Denver, CO United States | 135.7 | 53.09 |
3 | Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport | Dallas, TX United States | 69.6 | 26.88 |
4. | Orlando International Airport | Orlando, FL United States | 53.8 | 20.78 |
5. | Washington Dulles International Airport | Washington D.C., United States | 48.6 | 18.75 |
6. | Beijing Daxing International Airport | Beijing, China | 46.6 | 18 |
7. | George Bush International Airport | Houston, TX United States | 44.5 | 17.19 |
8. | Shanghai Pudong International Airport | Shanghai, China | 39.9 | 15.4 |
9. | Cairo International Airport | Cairo, Egypt | 36.3 | 14 |
10. | Suvarnabhumi International Airport | Bangkok, Thailand | 32.4 | 12.51 |
King Fahd International Airport
Area: 299.61 sq. km
Owner: Government Authority of Civil Aviation
Operator: Dammam Airports Company
Opened: 28th November 1999
King Fahd International Airport, located in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, is the world’s largest airport, covering 300 square miles. Opened for passengers in 1999, it was previously a U.S. airbase during the Gulf War. It has three terminals, including one for the Saudi royal family. With 10 million yearly passengers, its busiest route is to Dubai. Facilities include shops, restaurants and banks.
Denver International Airport
Area: 135.7 sq. km
Owner: City & Country of Denver
Operator: City & Country of Denver Department of Aviation
Opened: 28th February, 1995
Denver International Airport (DIA), in Denver, Colorado, is the biggest airport in the U.S. and the second-largest worldwide, spanning 33,000 acres. It has a three-mile runway and serves over 69 million passengers years. DIA connects to 215 destinations with 25 airlines. It features an underground train, beautiful art, views of the Rocky Mountains, lounges, massage services and many shops and dining spots.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
Area: 69.9 sq. km
Owner: Cities of Dallas and Fort Worth
Operator: DFW Airport Board
Opened: 23rd September, 1973
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), in North Texas, is the world’s third-largest airport and a key hub for American Airlines. Spanning 17,000 acres with its own zip code, it serves over 73 million passengers annually and connects to 260 destinations through 28 airlines. DFW offers a mall-like experience with spas, lounges, business clubs, plenty of shops and restaurants, and two on-site hotels.
Orland International Airport
Area: 53.8 sq. km
Owner: Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
Operator: Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
Opened: 1940
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a major international airport located 6 miles southeast of Downtown Orlando, Florida. It is the busiest airport in Florida and the seventh busiest in the United States, serving as a hub for several airlines and offering a wide range of domestic and international flights. MCO covers 11,605 acres, making it one of the largest U.S. airports by land area.
Dulles International Airport
Area: 48.6 sq. km
Owner: United States federal government
Operator: Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority
Opened: 17th November, 1962
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is a major public airport in Dulles, Virginia, situated 26 miles west of downtown Washington, D.C. It opened in 1962 and is named after John Foster Dulles. Operated by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, it is one of the largest U.S. airports by land area. Dulles serves as a significant hub for United Airlines and handles substantial international passenger traffic in the Mid-Atlantic region.