Airports function as dynamic portals connecting people to global air travel opportunities. A number of these airports are expansive, equipped to handle large numbers of passengers and aircraft. These extensive terminals frequently offer impressive facilities, including bookstores, dining options, luxurious lounges and play areas for children. Exploring these airports can be both thrilling and occasionally challenging due to the multitude of levels, sections and check-in-areas. In this article, we will explore the world’s largest airports and delve into intriguing facts about them.
Top-10 Largest Airport in the World
The largest airport in the world is the king Fahd International Airport, located in Dammam, Saudi Arabia which covers an area of about 300 sq. miles, 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 |
1. Largest Airport in the World: King Fahd International Airport
Area: 299.61 sq. km
Owner: Government Authority of Civil Aviation
Operator: Dammam Airports Company
Opened: 28th November 1999
Key Points: Some of the important points related to world’s largest airport, king Fahd International Airport are as follows:
- King Fahd International Airport is in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
- It is the world’s largest airport at about 300 sq. miles.
- It was a U.S. airbase during the Gulf War before becoming a passenger airport in 1999.
- It is the third largest in passenger numbers in Saudi Arabia, with around 10 million travellers yearly.
- The airport has 3 terminals, one for regular travellers, one for employees and one for the Saudi royal family.
- The busiest route is to and from Dubai.
- The main terminal has shops, restaurants, cafeterias and banks.
- There is a fancy royal terminal too, even though it is not used much.
2. World’s Second Largest Airport: 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), located in Denver, Colorado, is the largest airport in the US and the second-largest globally. Covering an immense 33,000 acres with a remarkable three-mile runway, it serves over 69 million passengers annually. DIA is a bustling international hub, hosting 25 airlines and providing access to 215 destinations. The airport boasts an underground train linking three concourses, stunning art installations, Rocky Mountain vistas, various lounges, message facilities and a plethora of shops and dining options.
3. World’s Third Largest Airport: 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) is the world’s third-largest airport, serving North Texas. It is a major hub for American Airlines, headquartered nearby. Covering 17,000 acres with its own zip code and emerging services, DFW connects to 260 destinations via 28 airlines, serving over 73 million passengers. Inside, it resembles a mall with spas, lounges, business clubs, abundant shops, restaurants and two on-site hotels.
4. 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.
5. 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.