You’ll never guess what the world’s busiest airport is. When we think about iconic airports, our minds often go to London’s Heathrow (LHR), Los Angeles’ LAX, or Tokyo’s Haneda (HDA). All three of these international airports are extremely busy and see millions of travelers each year. However, the world’s busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic is, surprisingly, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
According to a 2024 report from the Airports Council International (ACI), Atlanta’s International Airport is once again the world’s busiest airport by passenger traffic. Here’s a shocker: ATL handled a mind-boggling 104 million passengers in 2023. For context, that’s nearly three times the population of Canada and twice the population of South Korea.
Why is Atlanta’s Airport so busy?
Out of all the cities in the world, why is Atlanta’s international airport so busy? Keep in mind, Atlanta has a population roughly north of 500,000 — that’s nothing compared to some other giant American cities like New York or Los Angeles. It all goes down to its strategic location. Located in the heart of the Southeastern United States, Atlanta is a major hub for both domestic and international flights. This makes ATL a key connection point for travelers moving between both the East and West coast, as well as between North America and South America.
Because of its strategic placement in the United States, Atlanta’s airport has no choice but to be big. In fact, it’s one of the biggest airports in the world, coming in at a whopping 7.34 miles. The airport features two main runways and a massive terminal complex that includes 7 concourses. Oh, and it has nearly 200 gates. With so many passengers going through its gates, Atlanta’s airport has no choice but to keep on top of things. The airport has implemented advanced passenger flow management systems and automated baggage handling, which help minimize delays and keep things moving smoothly.
One Airline is Responsible for How Busy Atlanta’s Airport is
ATL is arguably the most important hub for Delta, one of the United States’ leading airlines. Chances are you’ve flown on a Delta plane, as the airline is the world’s largest in terms of revenue. Delta has its headquarters in Atlanta, and the airline operates a large number of flights out of ATL, making it a central part in its extensive network. Because the airport relies so heavily on Delta’s passengers, it makes sense that ATL is the world’s busiest airport. Keep in mind that Delta flies internationally, not just domestically.
Is Atlanta’s Airport Any Good?
Atlanta’s ATL has a mixed reputation amongst seasoned travelers, with many complaining about how it’s often overcrowded. Yes, the airport is overwhelming, but it tries to provide a number of quality services to passengers. If you’re a Delta Sky Club member, you’ll find a number of lounges at ATL. And if you’re rocking a Platinum American Express, there’s a chance you’ll be enjoying some wining and dining at the world-class Centurion Lounge, located in Concourse E. Don’t have lounge access? Atlanta’s airport has art installations and exhibitions that make layovers a bit less stressful.
