Top 10 Biggest Airports In The US

Posted on 15th Sep, 2023 by Heena Ganotra , Updated 9 months ago

Airport size may not always equate to efficiency, but it can be an indication of a city’s importance as a travel hub. The US airport system is the busiest in the world with the biggest airports in the US serving as the main hub for both domestic and international travel. There are over 19,920 airports in the US, which are managed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

They handle more than one-half of the world’s air traffic and more than two-thirds of international air traffic. In 2019, U.S. airports handled a record 1.1 billion passengers, almost 48 million tons of cargo, and 22 million aircraft operations (takeoffs and landings).

List Of Top 10 Biggest Airports In The US By Land Area 

Most of the largest US airports are located in or near major metropolitan areas. Here is a list of the 10 largest airports in the US, based on the total land area. 

1. Denver International Airport, Colorado

Airport Name	Denver International Airport
IATA Code	DEN
Location	Northeast Denver, Colorado, U.S.
Area	52.4 sq mi
Opened	February 28, 1995
Major Airlines Hub	Frontier Airlines, United Airlines, Alpine Air Express, Bemidji Airlines

The biggest airport in USA, Denver Airport covers a total area of 53 square miles, making it larger than the city of San Francisco. The airport is also recognized as the 2nd busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic and aircraft movements. DIA was voted “Best Airport in North America” and “Second Best Airport in the World” in Skytrax’s 2018 global airport customer satisfaction survey. 

DIA is a major hub for United Airlines, Alpine Air Express, Bemidji Airlines, and Frontier Airlines and is the operating base for Southwest Airlines and Great Lakes Airlines. The airport currently has six runways and four concourses and is served by over 25 major airlines. From 1995 till now, the airport has gone through huge expansions and has experienced record-breaking growth.  Today, being one of the largest airports in USA, DEN Airport has wonderfully outgrown itself to become an economic powerhouse in the country. 

Major Denver to India Routes

If you’re looking for Denver to India flights, these are the best options you can go ahead with –

2. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Texas

Airport Name	Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
IATA Code	DFW
Location	Texas, United States
Area	27 sq mi
Opened	23-Sep-1973
Major Airlines Hub	American Airlines, Ameriflight, Southern Airways Express, UPS Airlines

A primary international airport serving the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area in Texas, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is the second biggest airport in the U.S. The airport serves as a hub for American Airlines, Ameriflight, Southern Airways Express, and UPS Airlines with a focus city for Spirit Airlines and Sun Country Airlines. The airport is located mostly in Grapevine, Texas, but also includes portions of other cities including Euless, Irving, and Coppell. 

Since its inception, the DFW Airport has experienced substantial growth in terms of both passenger traffic and aircraft movements, making it one of the busiest airports in the USA. The airport is larger than the land area of Manhattan and grew from serving 50 million in 1994 to over 62 million in 2021. This huge airport has 5 terminals with 188 gates in total.  This huge airport has 5 terminals with 188 gates. Now years later, the Dallas Forth Worth International has exceeded the original capacity and is expecting to reach over 80 million passengers by 2023. 

Major Dallas to India Routes

Let’s help in your search for Dallas to India flights by sharing a few options –

3. Dulles International Airport, Washington D.C.

Airport Name	Dulles International Airport
IATA Code	IAD
Location	Dulles, Virginia, United States
Area	20.3 sq mi
Opened	November 17, 1962
Major Airlines Hub	Southern Airways Express, United Airlines

At 20.3 square miles, Dulles International Airport is a hub for business and tourism in the region. It is another biggest airport in U.S that serves as a hub for United Airlines and Southern Airways Express.  The airport was built to relieve overcrowding at the Baltimore-Washington International Airport and today the airport has substantially grown, handling over 24 million passengers (as per 2019 records). 

From the beginning. the IAD Airport has been committed to being true to the visionaries and implementations of the operator. Thus, successfully handled more than 27 million passengers in the year 2005 which is also the highest record of Dulles Airport till present. The airport is also undergoing an ambitious expansion program which will add new concourses in addition to more parking garages and hotels. This expansion program will help the airports for future growth and will also enhance passengers’ experience. 

Major Washington to India Routes

Discover your best options for Washington to India flights with the following recommendations –

4. Orlando International Airport, Florida

Airport Name	Orlando International Airport, Florida
IATA Code	MCO
Location	Orlando, Florida, United States
Area	19.68 sq mi
Opened	1981
Major Airlines Hub	Silver Airways

Located six miles southwest of Orlando, the MCO airport is the primary airport in the country serving more than 50 million passengers in a year. Today, it falls under the list of biggest airports in the US and serves as a major hub for Silver Airways with focus cities for JetBlue, Frontier Airlines, Avelo Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. Delta Air Lines is the airport’s largest carrier by departures with nearly 40% of all flights and Southwest Airlines is the largest carrier by passenger traffic and by aircraft movements with 22% and 21% respectively.

The Orlando Airport is an extraordinary asset to the country which remains positioned for growth at low-maintenance costs. In 2019, MCO handled a record-breaking 51.4 million passengers, making it the busiest airport in Florida and the second fastest-growing major airport in passenger traffic. Under the leadership of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, the MCO airport has become a world-class airport today in continuation to remaining focused on growth and expansion. 

Major Orlando to India Routes

Allow us to assist you in your quest for Orlando to India flights by sharing a few suggestions.

5. George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Texas

Airport Name	George Bush Intercontinental Airport
IATA Code	IAH
Location	Houston, Texas, United States
Area	15.6 sq mi
Opened	8 June 1969
Major Airlines Hub	United Airlines

Located 23 miles north of Downtown Houston and handling more than 40 million passengers in a year, George Bush Intercontinental Airport is among the largest US airports. The airport has successfully solidified its position in the list of best airports in the country, recognizing Texas globally, serving as a hub for United Airlines and is a focus city for Spirit Airlines. The airport is also set to keep up with the growing demand and maintain a competitive structure for its airline carriers. 

George Bush Intercontinental Airport is named after the 41st President of the United States, George Bush. The airport code of IAH comes from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City, which was originally known as Idle wild Airport before being renamed in 1963. The airport is currently undergoing an expansion program that will be more efficient for passengers, adding more parking garages, a people mover system, gates, outdoor spaces, and shopping options. 

Major Houston to India Routes

Allow us to assist you in your quest for Washington to India flights by sharing a few suggestions.

6. Salt Lake International Airport, Utah

Airport Name	Salt Lake International Airport
IATA Code	SLC
Location	Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Area	12 sq mi
Opened	1911
Major Airlines Hub	Delta Air Lines, Alpine Air Express, Corporate Air

The airport with a strong on-time performance record, the Salt Lake International Airport is the sixth biggest airport in U.S. It was ranked by Condé Nast Traveler magazine as the 8th best airport in the United States and 20th best in the world in 2016. The airport is a hub for Delta Air Lines, Alpine Air Express, and Corporate Air. It is also served by many international airlines such as Air Canada, British Airways, Condor Airlines, Icelandair, Lufthansa, and Virgin Atlantic. 

The SLC is managed by the Salt Lake City Department of Airports and has been recognized as the 70th busiest in the world. With its redevelopment program of $4 billion, the airport is soon to give a better experience to its passengers through certain updates across the airport. The mission of planners is to develop an advanced transportation system that is safer and more convenient. Currently, it has four runways, covering around 7,700 acres, and terminals with a total of 46 gates. 

Major Salt Lake City to India Routes

We’re here to assist you in finding Salt Lake City to India flights. Here are some options to consider –

7. O’Hare International Airport, Chicago

Airport Name	O’Hare International Airport
IATA Code	ORD
Location	Chicago, United States
Area	11.9 sq mi
Opened	February 1944
Major Airlines Hub	American Airlines, United Airlines

Handling more than 60 million passengers in a year since 2000, O’Hare Chicago International Airport is among the biggest airports in the US. The airport is named after Edward “Butch” O’Hare, a World War II fighter pilot who was the first to shoot down five enemy planes in a single mission. O’Hare International Airport was originally built in 1942 as a municipal field for Chicago’s Midway Airport. The city of Chicago purchased the land for the airport in 1945, and it officially opened as an international airport in 1955.

At present, the airport serves as a hub for American Airlines and United Airlines in addition to a focus city for Polar Air Cargo and Spirit Airlines. O’Hare’s $8.5 billion project includes the construction of a new runway, a new terminal, and an automated people mover system. The airport is the state’s largest economic engine and is dedicated to bringing more flights, destinations, and airlines in the coming years.

Major Chicago to India Routes

Exploring Chicago to India flights? Let us offer you a few options to consider –

8. San Francisco International Airport, California

Airport Name	San Francisco International Airport
IATA Code	SFO
Location	San Mateo County, California, United States
Area	8.13 sq mi
Opened	May 7, 1927
Major Airlines Hub	Alaska Airlines, United Airlines

Hub for Alaska Airlines and United Airlines, SFO Airport is the eighth biggest airport in USA and is the seventh busiest airport by passenger traffic in the country.  The San Francisco Airport is managed by the City and County of San Francisco. It is nicknamed “The City by the Bay” and serves as a major financial, commercial, and cultural center for the region. With over 8.13 square miles, features four runways and two passenger terminals along with numerous cargo facilities. 

SFO Airport is recorded to be the busiest international air gateway on the West Coast of the United States and sees over 55 million passengers annually. The airport is recognized as the 4th biggest hub for United Airlines and operates as United’s primary transpacific gateway. Located 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco, near Millbrae and San Bruno, it has flights to points throughout North America and is a major gateway to Europe and Asia. From the beginning, the airport is devoted to its mission and potential for continued success. 

Major San Francisco to India Routes

Your search for San Francisco to India flights just got easier – here are some recommendations –

9. John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York

Airport Name	John F. Kennedy International Airport,
IATA Code	JFK
Location	Jamaica, Queens, New York, United States
Area	8.10 sq mi
Opened	1 July 1948
Major Airlines Hub	American Airlines, Delta Air Lines

One of the oldest yet one of the largest US airports, JFK Airport has jumped from serving 10 million passengers in 1960 to 60 million aviation customers in 2019. JFK’s non-stop service to hundreds of destinations has wonderfully supported the economic growth and employment of the country. In addition to its extensive flight network, JFK also offers a wide range of ground transportation options, making it easy to get to and from the airport. 

JFK is one of the most popular airports for New York City visitors, offering endless service to destinations around the globe. It is served by several mass transit rail lines, including the AirTrain JFK which connects passengers to Manhattan’s subway system. The airport has 9 terminals and four runways and is a major hub for both domestic and international travel. At present, it serves as a hub for American Airlines and Delta Air Airlines in addition to a focus city for Eeastern Airlines, LLC, Polar Air Cargo, Norse Atlantic Airways, and JetBlue.

Major New York to India Routes

Simplify your search for New York to India flights with these handpicked selections –

10. Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Michigan

Airport Name	Detroit Metropolitan Airport
IATA Code	DTW
Location	Romulus, Michigan, United States
Area	7.57 sq mi
Opened	September 4, 1930
Major Airlines Hub	Delta Air Lines

Located in Romulus, Michigan, Detroit Metropolitan Airport is a major hub for both domestic and international flights and serves as a gateway to the Midwest. The airport offers a wide variety of amenities and services for travelers, including restaurants, shops, lounges, Wi-Fi, and a business center. It is also home to the Spirit of Detroit monument, which honors the city’s history and its people.

With handling over 36 million passengers in the year 2019, the DTW Airport is one of the busiest and largest airports in the US by land area. With Delta Airlines as a hub and Spirit Airlines as a focus city, the airport has 2 main terminals, 4 concourses, and 129 gates in total. The airport serves 30 destinations across the globe and 39 states within the country. So whenever flying to this one of the largest airports in the US, be sure to check what Detroit Metropolitan Airport has to offer. 

Major Detroit to India Routes

Make your search for Detroit to India flights a breeze with these helpful choices –

As you can see, the biggest airports in the US vary greatly in terms of size, making Denver International Airport by far the largest in terms of land area. If you are looking to explore any of the above-mentioned airports in the United States, the best would be to get your flight tickets to India booked with us.

We, at MyIndiaFlight, are an IATA-certified flight-booking platform that gives customers a memorable traveling experience. Our team of travel experts works round the clock to make sure you have the best one. All you need to do is, get on a call with us at +1-585-648-5851 or join our live chat to unlock heavy flight discounts and deals. Pick your phone now and get exploring like never before!