This story was originally published in August 2023 and was updated by Shayla Martin on June 17, 2026, to include current information.
America’s busiest airports handle tens of millions of passengers each year, serving as gateways for domestic vacations, international trips, and cross-country connections. While some of the airports on this list are in the nation’s largest cities, others owe their outsize traffic to their role as major airline hubs. Based on the 2025 passenger data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, we’ve rounded up the busiest airports in the United States—and what to do if you find yourself with time to spare in one of these bustling terminals.
What is the busiest airport in the United States?
The busiest airport in the United States is Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL). The Atlanta airport is also the No. 1 busiest airport in the world. In 2025, 51.45 million passengers boarded commercial aircraft in Atlanta, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
The 20 busiest airports in the United States
1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (51.45 million)
Ten miles from downtown Atlanta, Georgia’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is a massive domestic and international hub for air travel—especially for those traveling with Delta Air Lines and its partners. The 6.8 million-square-foot terminal complex consists of 152 domestic gates and 40 international gates.
This being Delta’s HQ, there’s at least one Delta Sky Club in all seven of the concourses (A, B, C, D, E, F, and T). There’s also an American Airlines Admirals Club, United Club, and the Club at ATL, available to Priority Pass holders and to those who purchase a day pass. In 2023, Atlanta opened a new PS (private suite) terminal for those who want a highly exclusive preflight experience.
The Atlanta airport has an ambitious art program that includes both permanent and rotating exhibits for fliers who have time to spare.
And if you need to fuel up before your flight, there are more than 100 food and beverage establishments to choose from, including such standouts as acclaimed upscale American restaurant One Flew South in Concourse E; Shake Shack in Concourse A; Original El Taco for innovative Mexican (fried chicken tacos, anyone?) in Concourse C; and Ludacris’ Chicken and Beer for Southern comfort fare in Concourse D.
2. Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport (41.29 million)
Get some fresh airs and views of the aircraft at DFW’s Founder’s Plaza observation area.
Photo by Shutterstock
Spanning 26 square miles with five terminals (A, B, C, D, and E) and 168 gates, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) could be considered a small city. It’s larger than Manhattan (which is 22.7 square miles) and even has its own zip code. Despite its size, the airport is on track to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, thanks in part to a $35 million federal grant for a zero-carbon electrical plant.
If you find yourself with extra time in this sprawling travel complex, you can try some of its very decent eateries. In Terminal B, you can fill up on smoked meats and sides at Cousins Bar-B-Q. There’s an always-reliable Shake Shack in Terminal C and the Fort Worth coffeehouse Brewed in Terminals D and E.
Lounges include American Airlines Flagship First lounge and Admirals Clubs, Delta Sky Club, Capital One Lounge, Centurion Lounge, and the Club at DFW for Priority Pass holders. Also Priority Pass–accessible is the Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal D, which opened in February 2026 and is one of the best new airport lounges in the U.S.
3. Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (40.67 million)
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is the main global hub for this bustling Midwestern city and features more than 200 gates spread across four terminals (Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5—there is no Terminal 4).
When it comes to airport lounges, O’Hare is home to an American Airlines Flagship Lounge and an Admirals Club, a Delta Sky Club, and a United Club and a Polaris Lounge.
You can also head to the yoga room and urban garden in Terminal 3 for some preflight zen. A family lounge in Terminal 2 near gate F1 includes a play area for kids, and there are nursing rooms in all four terminals.
As for food options, there are three locations of the chef Rick Bayless–backed Tortas Frontera at O’Hare (in Terminals 1, 3, and 5), where you can get the perfectly toasted tortas. Or for lighter fare, hit up Wicker Park Seafood and Sushi Bar (in Terminals 1 and 2).
4. Denver International Airport (39.98 million)
Denver International Airport (DEN) has 172 gates, 90 of which are operated by United Airlines, the dominant carrier at the airport. Following an expansion effort in 2022, the airport also received three outdoor decks, family seating areas, nursing rooms, new bathroom facilities, charging stations, and workstations.
Besides its unmistakable architecture consisting of striking peaks along its rooftop, the Denver hub is known for its extensive art collection—worth exploring preflight. During the holiday season from mid-November through early January, an ice skating rink and live music performances set up shop in the airport’s outdoor plaza.
Frequent travelers can escape the throngs at several clubs and lounges, including an American Airlines Admirals Club, American Express Centurion Lounge, Delta Sky Club, a supersized United Club lounge that reopened in 2025 following a complete overhaul, and a new United Club Fly concept for travelers on the go.
Non–lounge lizards have some decent food options throughout the terminal. In Concourse A, Breckenridge Brewery pours local craft brews, and Brothers BBQ serves up massive sandwiches. In Concourse B, head to Snooze for a serious breakfast, and in Concourse C, opt for a sweet treat from Little Man Ice Cream.
5. Los Angeles International Airport (36.48 million)
LAX officials are on a multi-million-dollar mission to solve the hub’s seemingly chronic traffic problems.
Courtesy of Shot By Joe/Unsplash
LAX, as it’s commonly called (as that’s the airport code), offers 161 gates spread across nine passenger terminals and is in the midst of a major transformation. The expansive Southern California airport is also very close to opening an electric rail system, known as the People Mover, that will provide public transportation access to and from the airport.
What was once a dearth of options throughout the airport has evolved into a respectable roster of dining experiences. Standouts include inventive burgers at Umami Burger and creative Mexican cuisine at Border Grill in the Tom Bradley International Terminal. The international terminal is also home to a fun surf-themed play area to help with letting the littles run off their big energy preflight.
Every major U.S. carrier has one or more lounges at LAX, as do several international carriers, credit card companies, and airline alliance networks.
6. John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York (30.76 million)
Time to spare at JFK? Check out the Eero Saarinen–designed TWA Flight Center, which has been reborn as the TWA Hotel, complete with several restaurants and bars.
Courtesy of Max Harlynking/Unsplash
New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), is in the middle of a massive $19 billion revamp slated to be completed in 2030. When completed, the six existing terminals (confusingly numbered 1 through 8—terminals 3 and 6 were demolished more than a decade ago) will shrink to four, anchored by two new complexes at either end of the airport.
As part of the “A New JFK” project, terminals 2 and 7 (formerly occupied by Delta Air Lines and British Airways, respectively) will be demolished. And at the south side of JFK will be a new Terminal 1 for major tenants, including Air France and Lufthansa, that will eventually connect to a newly expanded Terminal 4, home to Delta and dozens of foreign flag carriers. At the other end of the airfield, a new Terminal 6 (where JetBlue will be the main tenant) will rise next to JetBlue Airways’ current Terminal 5 base.
Terminal 8’s makeover was unveiled in April 2026. American Airlines, British Airways, and other Oneworld partners like Finnair are the main tenants here. The project expanded the terminal by 130,000 square feet, making room for five new gates, dozens of new shopping and dining venues, and an enhanced baggage system.
If you have time to kill while at JFK, head to one of the airport’s most impressive architectural landmarks, the Eero Saarinen–designed TWA Flight Center, which has been transformed into the TWA Hotel, a nostalgia-filled shrine to 1960s-era glamour. You can grab a proper sit-down meal at the Paris Café by Jean-Georges, with cuisine inspired by 1960s’ in-flight menus curated by celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, or the more casual Food Hall, with everything from bagels and tacos to snacks and hot dogs. Or get cocktails on a scarlet-hued banquette in the Sunken Lounge or in the vintage Lockheed Constellation (or “Connie”) propeller plane parked outside the hotel that now operates as an aviation-themed bar.
7. Orlando International Airport (27.9 million)
Those traveling to and from Orlando are most likely among the masses on a pilgrimage to this Florida region’s sought-after theme parks: namely, the Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando. With numerous gift shops that pay homage to the parks’ popular franchises, you can easily stock up on any souvenirs you may have forgotten between roller coaster rides.
Orlando International Airport‘s (MCO) Terminal C is home to JetBlue, Aer Lingus, British Airways, Emirates, and Lufthansa, among several other carriers. The opening of Terminal C in 2022 brought with it some fun new eateries, notably Sunshine Diner by chef Art Smith, a playful spin on a classic diner with staples like all-day breakfast, burgers, patty melts, a kids’ menu, cocktails, wine, and beer. For a solid dose of innovative Southern fare, head to Cask & Larder for chicken and waffles or pulled pork tacos.
Another big boost for Orlando airport is the Brightline high-speed train line, which recently added service between Miami and Orlando. The new 37,350-square-foot Brightline Orlando Station is in a two-story glass atrium complex at the airport, next to Terminal C. Travelers do not need to be flying in or out of the airport to access the train station.
8. Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas (26.5 million)
Formerly McCarran International Airport, the airport that serves southern Nevada and is the gateway to Las Vegas was renamed Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in December 2021. (It’s named after the Nevada congressman who served from 1983 until 2017.) While more than 26 million travelers arrived at the hub last year, likely headed to the Strip for its myriad hotels and resorts, casinos, nightlife, and hopping foodie scene, the airport itself hasn’t traditionally been much to write home about. But that has been slowly changing thanks to a fresh crop of new and impressive airport lounges, including American Express’s brand-new speakeasy-style Sidecar concept for travelers with limited time, and a two-story, 5,390-square-foot Chase Sapphire lounge with a champagne room.
If you’re flying out of Terminal 1, your best bet is to find the Shake Shack near the B gates or the Ruby’s Diner near the D gates for a preflight burger-and-fries-fueled calorie boost, or the Jose Cuervo Tequileria near the C gates for a refreshing marg, and chips and guac. If you find yourself in Terminal 3, good luck and godspeed. No matter where you find yourself, you’ll have access to some slot machines for one last chance at a jackpot—it is Vegas, after all.
9. Miami International Airport (26.4 million)
Miami International Airport embraces inclusivity and accessibility with a wide range of options and services for travelers with special needs.
Courtesy of Daniel Lee/Unsplash
Miami International Airport (MIA) serves as a major gateway to the Caribbean, Latin America, and points beyond. Miami airport consists of a North (D gates), Central (E, F, and G gates), and South Terminal (H and J gates).
In June 2023, MIA became the first airport in Florida and only the second in the United States to be accredited by the Airports Council International’s (ACI) Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation (AEA) program. Within the past decade, Miami has launched a MIAair tour program, which lets passengers with special needs do an in-person dry run of the air travel experience; added accessibility lanes in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) areas; created 10 wheelchair-charging stations for electric wheelchairs; offers sunflower lanyards to travelers with hidden disabilities; and has multi-sensory rooms in its North and South terminals for neurodivergent travelers. It also provides access to the Aira Airport Network, a free mobile service for blind and low-vision travelers to receive navigation assistance.
Miami airport has an MIA2Go app that allows travelers to order food from any of the terminals online or via the app. If you’re looking for a Cuban food fix, seek out one of several Café Versailles locations throughout the North and Central terminals, as well as Ku-Va near gate D19. Or head to the Miami Beach cult brunch outpost Icebox Cafe for any meal of the day—they have it all, with a healthy twist.
10. San Francisco International Airport (26.2 million)
About 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is Northern California’s largest airport and one of the nation’s premier gateways to Asia and the Pacific. The airport serves as United Airlines’ primary West Coast hub and also hosts extensive service from Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and dozens of international carriers. SFO’s four-terminal complex includes Harvey Milk Terminal 1, terminals 2 and 3, and the International Terminal, all connected post-security for easy transfers.
Travelers seeking a comfortable place to wait for their flight have no shortage of lounge options. United operates multiple United Clubs and a Polaris Lounge for international premium-cabin passengers, while other options include the Delta Sky Club, Alaska Lounge, American Airlines Admirals Club, Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge, and the American Express Centurion Lounge. Several international carriers, including British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, and Air France-KLM, also maintain lounges at the airport. Air India recently opened its first international signature lounge at SFO.
When it comes to dining, SFO is widely considered one of the best airports in the country. Local favorites include Boudin Bakery for sourdough bread bowls in Terminal A, Bun Mee for Vietnamese sandwiches in Terminal 3, Proposition Chicken (also in Terminal 3), Ritual Coffee in Terminal 1, and Napa Farms Market across various terminals, which showcases products from Northern California. Full-service restaurants such as Lark Creek Grill and Mustards Bar & Grill offer a more leisurely preflight meal, while numerous wine bars highlight the region’s proximity to Napa and Sonoma wine country.
Here’s the entire top 20 list of the busiest aiports in the United States.
1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
2. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
3. Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
4. Denver International Airport (DEN)
5. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX))
6. John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York (JFK)
7. Orlando International Airport (MCO)
8. Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas (LAS)
9. Miami International Airport (MIA)
10. San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
11. Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
12. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
13. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
14. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
15. Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
16. Boston’s General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport (BOS)
17. Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
18. Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport (DTW)
19. LaGuardia Airport in New York (LGA)
20. Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
(Data note: The FAA data used for this list refers only to passenger enplanements or travelers who boarded planes and doesn’t count those who disembarked as well. Airports Council International, which releases an annual list of the world’s busiest airports, calculates its figures based on both enplanements and deplanements, which is why these numbers differ from those in the busiest global airports list.)
