From the neon lights of Las Vegas to the sunny beaches of Miami, the US’s aviation hubs are gateways to endless adventures – but if you hate crowds, you might want to avoid these places.
Newsweek Using data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), we’ve mapped out the busiest airports in the United States, which might come in handy when planning your next vacation.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International University, Georgia
According to the FAA, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the US, and is expected to serve well over 50 million passengers by 2023.
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Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (Texas)
The second-busiest airport in the US will handle about 39 million passengers in 2023, far behind the airport at the top of the list.
Located between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, it covers an area of approximately 27 square miles, larger than the island of Manhattan.
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Denver International Airport, Colorado
Denver International Airport is expected to handle approximately 38 million passengers in 2023, second only to Dallas-Fort Worth Airport.
It is the largest airport in the United States by total area and is known for its distinctive white tent-like roof structure, which is a reference to the nearby Rocky Mountains.
Los Angeles International Airport, California
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is located in the city’s Westchester District. First built in 1929, LAX is now the primary airport serving the Los Angeles area and one of the world’s busiest airports, handling over 36.6 million passengers in 2023.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Illinois
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) serves as a major hub for domestic and international flights. Located approximately 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, O’Hare opened in 1944 and was named after World War II ace pilot Edward “Batch” O’Hare.
The airport’s total passenger numbers will be 35.8 million in 2023.
Robert Alexander/Kenna Betancourt/AFP via Getty Images
John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York
It opened in 1948 and was originally named Idlewild Airport, but was renamed in 1963 in honor of President John F. Kennedy.
It serves as an international travel hub and a major gateway to North America, expected to handle 30.4 million passengers in 2023.
Orlando International Airport, Florida
Built as an Army airfield in the 1940s, Orlando International Airport is now known for its proximity to major attractions like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.
Last year, Orlando International Airport handled more than 28 million passengers.
Harry Reid International, Nevada
Formerly known as McCarran International Airport, Harry Reid International Airport was renamed in 2021 in honor of former Senator Harry Reid.
By 2023, the airport is expected to handle just under 28 million passengers.
Charlotte/Douglas International Airport, North Carolina
Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, the airport is named after former Charlotte Mayor Ben Elbert Douglas. Last year, the airport handled approximately 26 million passengers.
Miami International Airport (Florida)
Miami International Airport, which opened in the 1920s, is a major gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean. In 2023, it served approximately 25 million passengers.
Newsweek We’ve also mapped out the most visitable states in the United States.
Have a story we should feature? Have a question about airports or holiday destinations? Contact us livenews@newsweek.com
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom, seeking common ground and finding connections.
