The 9 Biggest Airports in The World
You can travel anywhere in the world with a private jet. Find the biggest airports in the world and decide which one works best for you.
You can travel anywhere you want to around the world – especially in a private jet. In fact, you have even more options with a private jet since their smaller size allows them to access even the tiniest, most remote airports in the world. Today, though, we are focusing on the biggest airports in the world. Why? Because even the smallest private jets have clout at a massive airport.
Besides, there is a good chance these airports are so large because so many travelers frequent them. And that could signal that it is a good place to add to your bucket list.
So what are the world’s 9 biggest airports in the world? Let’s take a look.
1.Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)
The largest airport in the world – since its opening in 2019 – is this airport in Beijing, China. The terminal alone is 7.5 million square feet, with the entire airport taking up more than 18 square miles. It was designed with the future in mind — and with being the biggest and the best. Even its design shape – a futuristic starfish – was done with efficiency in mind, moving passengers along at quick speeds. This is what will allow them to reach their goal of serving over 100 million passengers by 2040.
The best part, Beijing took environmental and sustainability options seriously when building this airport. The use of solar panels, water management systems, waste heat recovery systems, and more allows the huge airport to have a lower negative impact on the world around it.
2. King Fahd International Airport (DMM)
King Fahd International Airport is also known as Dammam Airport – and it serves as a hub for airlines that serve the area, such as Saudia, SaudiGulf Airlines, and Flynas. It handles more than 12 million passengers every year.
This three-terminal, 3.5 million square feet airport was officially opened in 1999. And, truth be told, it was the largest airport globally until Beijing’s PKX took over that spot.
Inside you will find a Hilton Hotel, a Mosque that can hold over 2,000 worshippers, shopping, dining, and more amenities.
3. Denver International Airport (DEN)
Who knew that we’d go from China to Dubai to… Denver, Colorado?! That’s right. Denver’s airport rings in at number 3 on the list of the biggest airports in the world. And, as you can tell, it is the biggest airport in the United States. It is the biggest employer in the state of Colorado (with just under 40,000 employees).
This airport takes up 52.4 square miles, serves approximately 23 different airlines, and serves about 69 million passengers annually.
4. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Imagine an airport so large that it has its very own zip code! Well, that’s what you will find here. This airport is 27 square miles and is essentially considered its own city by the U.S. postal service. It has been around since 1974 and has 5 terminals and 7 runways. DFW is the only airport in the world with four runways that are longer than 4,000 meters.
The airport is home to American Airlines and serves hundreds of destinations, both domestic and international.
5. Orlando International Airport (MCO)
It should be no surprise that the airport that serves Disney World would be on this list! MCO accommodates an average of 50 million passengers every year – and it covers about 11 acres of land. With flights to over 135 destinations internationally and domestically, it keeps things organized with one major terminal divided into two, A and B.
6. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
This airport located in Atlanta, Georgia has been ranked one of the busiest airports in the world — every year since 1998. This popular transition spot allows for easy access to many places throughout the U.S. – most within about a 2-hour flight. Though it seems to be more popular among domestic flights than international, it is still a large, bustling airport that nearly every U.S. traveler has passed through at one point or another.
7. Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Beijing’s airport is known as the busiest airport in Asia and can accommodate over 100 million people annually. It may have always been large, but the 2008 Olympics definitely had something to do with it making it on this list. Terminal 3 was added in preparation for the games – and it is massive. In fact, it is even listed among the largest structures worldwide!
Just as Atlanta’s airport is a major hub for the U.S., so is Beijing to China.
8. Dubai International Airport (DXB)
This airport in Dubai is the air travel hot spot for the United Arab Emirates, though it is one of the most used airports by international travelers. Here you will find a massive Terminal 3, as well – just like Beijing. While it officially lost its status in 2013, DXB’s Terminal 3 was dubbed the largest building in the world between 2008 and 2013. It’s still a giant building, though. And just because fun facts are cool to know, this huge terminal is also home to the still most successful airport retailer in the world – Dubai Duty-Free.
9. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
This Chinese airport is the third one on the list, with many Chinese airlines calling it home. And, it is, by far, the busiest airport in mainland China.
As for its size, PVG takes up about 10,000 acres of land and handles approximately 75 million passengers annually, both international and domestic. Currently, there are plans in the works to expand its two terminals by adding a third.
Smallest Jet, Biggest Airport
It doesn’t matter the size of the airport; a private jet can get you there. And that includes the biggest airports. A lot happens around the world – in China, Dubai, and even in Denver. So much to see, so much to do. But if you intend to travel to some of these places, keep this in mind — massive airports mean a massive amount of people.
If you want to avoid all the foot traffic and truly enjoy your travels, fly private. It is an experience that flies high above all the others.
