Dubai International Airport maintained its position as the world’s busiest international airport in 2024, with global travel surpassing pre-pandemic levels, as reported by Airports Council International.
The Gulf mega hub, serving as the base for Emirates Airlines, accommodated 92.3 million passengers last year, marking a 6.1% increase from 2023, according to a report released by ACI on Monday. Following Dubai, London’s Heathrow ranked second, with Seoul Incheon in third place. Rounding out the top five were Singapore and Amsterdam.
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Air travel experienced a significant rise in 2024, with the total number of passengers increasing by 9% to approximately 9.5 billion, the report highlighted. This figure is about 3.8% above pre-pandemic levels recorded in 2019.
“Despite ongoing global challenges, the resilience exhibited by the world’s busiest airports is commendable,” stated ACI World Director General Justin Erbacci. “These airports serve as critical conduits for trade, commerce, and connectivity.”
Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai.
ACI, which represents 2,181 airports across 170 nations, predicted in February that 9.9 billion passengers are expected to take flight this year, though growth rates are anticipated to decelerate.
“Significant challenges, including economic instability, geopolitical issues, and airline capacity constraints, are likely to increasingly influence the industry’s direction,” it stated.
Travellers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
When accounting for domestic flights, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport—the global hub and headquarters for Delta Air Lines Inc—maintained its status as the busiest airport worldwide, facilitating 108.1 million passengers. It was followed closely by Dubai and Dallas-Fort Worth.
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Hong Kong International Airport, after its recent expansion and the addition of a third runway, also continued to lead as the busiest cargo airport, processing 4.9 million metric tonnes of freight. Shanghai moved up a spot to claim second place, while Memphis fell to third.
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