If you want to travel internationally, there’s a good chance you’ll visit an airport or two (maybe even three) along the way. And whether you love or hate them, airports are essential to seeing the world and getting to new destinations. Although, it’s no secret that some airports are busier than others, which can affect certain components of your travel plans, such as how early you’ll need to get to the airport and how much time you’ll want to have for connecting flights.Â
Understanding which airports see the most traffic is crucial, as it can help you ensure that your travel plans go as smoothly as possible. From Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport to Tokyo International and more – here are some of the busiest airports around the globe, according to CNBC.
The 5 Busiest Airports in the World
1. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport
The busiest airport in the world (and one of the largest airports in the world) is Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. This US-based airport is very popular for international arrivals and sees millions of passengers come through each year. In fact, according to CNBC, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport had more than 93 million passengers come through in 2022.
2. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
The second busiest airport in the world (Dallas Fort Worth International Airport) is also based in the United States. This airport also sees many passengers each year, and it is the biggest hub for American Airlines. In 2022, the number of passengers that came through this airport was 73.4 million, according to CNBC. This number is lower than Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport but is still a significant number of people.Â
3. Denver International Airport
If you’ve ever been to Denver International Airport, you know that it is huge and can be somewhat tricky to navigate. But the navigation issues can also be attributed to the fact that it’s usually very crowded. Denver International Airport is the 3rd busiest airport in the world, and according to CNBC, the airport had more than 69 million passengers come through in 2022.Â
4. Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Although Chicago O’Hare International Airport has been one of America’s busiest airports for many years, the number of passengers it sees continues to grow yearly. According to the Chicago Airport Guide, more than 33 million people used Chicago O’Hare International Airport in 2022, up from just over 22 million in 2021. Many people who live in the midwest take international flights out of Chicago O’Hare, as the airport offers a large of routes.Â
5. Dubai International Airport
Dubai International Airport is the only airport to make the list that isn’t based in the United States. But that doesn’t mean it sees significantly less traffic than the other airports on our list. This airport has millions of passengers come through each year and doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. In fact, Dubai International Airport was the number 1 international airport in the world in 2022, according to WTTW.
Tips For Navigating Busy Airports
Get to the Airport Early
One of the worst things that can happen to you is getting to the airport and finding out that getting through security will take longer than usual. Unfortunately, we frequently see this happen when visiting busy airports, as many people need to be screened. To ensure you have enough time to get through the airport and to your gate in time, arrive earlier than you usually would to account for the extra people.
Leave Enough Time to Make Your Connecting Flight
If you book your flights and find that you will need to catch a connecting flight at a busy airport, make sure that you have enough time between flights so that you can get to your next gate in time. Typically, you’ll want to ensure that you have about a 2-hour layover so that you can have time to get off your plane, find out what your next gate is, and make your way to that gate.Â
Ask For Help if Needed
Some of the busiest airports around the world are also some of the largest airports. Large airports can sometimes be challenging to navigate and confusing, especially if you’ve never been there before. So, if you find that you don’t know where you’re going and need help, ask someone who works at the airport to help you find your way around. Doing so can save you time and ensure you get where you need to be.
Be Patient
Finally, it’s essential to be patient at a crowded airport. There will be many people walking around, and it could get frustrating. But instead of getting upset or becoming impatient, take a deep breath and try to be as patient as possible. Otherwise, you will only work yourself up, and nothing good ever comes from impatience.
If you find that you need a passport or visa for your upcoming international travels, we can help! Simply visit our website to get the application process started, and before you know it, you’ll have your travel documents in hand. If you find that you have any questions along the way, please don’t hesitate to contact a member of our team – we’d be happy to assist you! No matter where you plan on going, we’ll get you there.
