The top 10 busiest airports in the world handled a combined total of 855 million passengers last year. — AI generated image/Pixabay
Global passenger numbers for air travel has finally surpassed its 2019 record.
According to preliminary figures released recently by Airports Council International World (ACI), there were nearly 9.5 billion passengers globally in 2024. This is a 9% increase from 2023, and a 3.8% rise compared to pre-pandemic levels (2019).
ACI is the trade association of the world's airports, and a federated organisation. As of January 2025, ACI serves 830 members and represents the interests of 2,181 airports in 170 countries, including Malaysia.
The report also showed that the top 10 busiest airports in the world handled a combined total of 855 million passengers last year, which accounts for 9% of global air traffic. This is an 8.8% rise from the numbers in 2023, and an 8.4% increase from 2019 (789 million passengers).
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in the United States maintained its lead as the world’s busiest airport for overall passenger traffic. This airport has held the top spot 26 times in the past 27 years; in 2020 it fell to the #2 spot (Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in China was the busiest that year).
Meanwhile, for the second year running, Dubai International Airport retained its #2 spot, with Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (US) in the third position.
All the airports on the top 10 list saw an increase in overall passenger numbers, with Shanghai Pudong International Airport (#10) posting a whopping 41% jump in air traffic. Experts say this growth is most likely due to China's timely visa-waiver programmes, which then encouraged a significant increase in new flight routes into the country from all over the globe.
In 2023, Shanghai Pudong International Airport was the 21st busiest airport in the world.
In terms of air cargo, volumes grew by 8.4% year-on-year – and by 3.9% compared to 2019 – reaching more than 124 million metric tonnes in 2024.
The increase in cargo is attributed mainly to strong e-commerce demand, maritime shipping disruptions, and declines in jet fuel prices, according to ACI's report.
Commenting on the data, ACI World director-general Justin Erbacci said in a statement: "Amid global challenges, the resilience of the world’s busiest airports shines through. These hubs are vital arteries of trade, commerce and connectivity.
"As air travel continues to grow, ACI World stands ready to support its members in ensuring the smooth flow of people and goods that underpin global economic, social and cultural progress.”
The ACI website also cites predictions for 2025. "... global passenger traffic is forecast to reach 9.9 billion with a 4.8% year-over-year growth rate. While passenger demand remains strong, the pace of expansion is expected to slow as markets shift from recovery-driven surges to structural, long-term growth patterns."
World’s top 10 busiest airports for passenger traffic in 2024*
1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (ATL): 108.1 million passengers
2. Dubai (DBX): 92.3 million
3. Dallas Fort Worth (DFW): 87.8 million
4. Tokyo Haneda (HND): 85.9 million
5. London Heathrow (LHR): 83.9 million
6. Denver (DEN): 82.4 million
7. Istanbul (IST): 80.1 million
8. Chicago O’Hare (ORD): 80 million
9. New Delhi (DEL): 77.8 million
10. Shanghai Pudong (PVG): 76.8 million
*Total passengers enplaned and deplaned; passengers in transit counted once
World’s top 10 busiest airports for international passenger traffic in 2024*
1. Dubai International: 60.23 million
2. London Heathrow: 48.3 million
3. Seoul Incheon International (ICN): 41.63 million
4. Singapore Changi (SIN): 41.53 million
5. Amsterdam (AMS): 39.99 million
6. Istanbul (IST): 38.63 million
7. Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG): 38.48 million
8. Frankfurt International (FRA): 35.73 million
9. Hong Kong International (HKG): 34.6 million
10. Doha (DOH): 32.45 million
*International passengers enplaned and deplaned
About the ACI World airport rankings
The busiest airport rankings provide an exclusive first look of global air traffic. Initial data may differ slightly when the full rankings are confirmed in July 2025, which are based on detailed information from over 2,700 airports worldwide. ACI World’s extensive dataset ensures the highest accuracy and reliability in airport travel demand rankings.
ACI makes a significant contribution toward ensuring a global air transport system that is safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally sustainable.
Photo: Pixabay
