Airports Council International (ACI) have revealed the world’s busiest airports according to passenger numbers.
Topping the list once again with a whopping 106.3 million passengers is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta. Not far behind is Dubai International, which processed 95.2 million passengers, followed in third by Tokyo Haneda (91.7 million passengers).
Big movers on the list included Shanghai Pudong, ranked tenth in 2024 but now up to fifth thanks to eased visa restrictions and travel recovery in China. Istanbul continues to track notable growth: from ACI’s 28th busiest in 2019, the airport is now safely confirmed in the top 10, ranking eighth in 2025.
ACI World Director General Justin Erbacci said:
We congratulate the world’s busiest airports for managing growing air travel demand amid increasing operational complexity. These hubs keep people and goods moving, supporting global trade, tourism, and economic growth in their communities and regions. To help keep pace with rising demand, governments must prioritise sustained investment in airports and the broader aviation ecosystem.
Four of the top 10 airports are located in the US, emphasising the importance of domestic traffic despite concerns of a downturn amid national instability. In terms of international traffic, Dubai International continues to lead, with London Heathrow and Seoul Incheon well-established in second and third respectively.
The full list: ACI’s Top 10 busiest airports 2025
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (US)
- Dubai International (UAE)
- Tokyo Haneda (Japan)
- Dallas-Fort Worth (US)
- Shanghai Pudong (China)
- Chicago O’Hare (US)
- London Heathrow (UK)
- Istanbul (Turkey)
- Guangzhou Baiyun (China)
- Denver International (US)
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