Top 10 Largest Airports in the United States

Written By Joanna Teljeur

13 minutes read
Last Updated: May 13, 2024

Some airports are measured by how many passengers pass through their gates each year, while others stand out for their sheer size and the amount of space they occupy. In this 2024 edition, we explore the ten largest airports in the United States and take an up close look at the different aspects that allow them to land in this ranking. From the number of runways and terminals to the architectural and cultural significance, join us as we venture into what makes each of these massive airports unique.

1. Denver International Airport, Colorado (DEN)

Denver International Airport isn’t only the largest airport in the USA, it’s also the second largest airport in the world. Colossal in the sheer amount of space it occupies, DIA (or DEN as the locals call it) has six runways with one of them being the longest in the United States (for public use) at 16,000 feet. As though that weren’t, there’s enough land around the airport to accommodate another 6 runways.

Many passengers might already be familiar with the distinctive peaked roof design of the Jeppesen Terminal. Created by the Fentress Bradburn architectural group, the design was inspired by the local landscape and the towering Rocky Mountains that surround it. As the only terminal, it takes up 2.6 million square feet. 

DEN is so big, serves as the main economic engine because it has generated $36.4 billion for the area each year. Plus, with over 77 million travelers passing through its gates in 2023, it’s also become the 3rd busiest airport in the United States and the 6th most traveled airport in the world.

Here are some other facts to help you get a better understanding of its size:

• Denver International Airport has more than 5,300 miles of fiber optic cables 
• The airport has a fuel system that’s is capable of pumping 1,000 gallons of fuel per minute 
• The fuel is stored in 6 tanks - each holding 2.73 million gallons a piece.
• Over 19 miles of conveyor belts, baggage handling vehicles, and roadway can be found in their underground tunnel

Good to know: Denver International Airport ranks sixth on our list of the worst airports in the USA. This is due to challenges such as difficult navigation, overcrowding, and adverse weather conditions, which can lead to significant delays.

2. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Texas (DFW)

Opened in 1974, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is the second largest airport in the US, but it is literally as big as a city and, in many ways, operates like one. It has medical departments, six police stations, dedicated emergency operations, and 6 fire departments. This airport even has its own zip code! With 7 runways, Dallas Fort Worth is the 5th busiest airport in the world and the 3rd largest in the world for operations. In 2022 alone, the airport moved 901,908 tons of cargo. 

Because of its size, it can accommodate a huge shopping mall called Founder’s Plaza that features over 30 shops and eateries, but the airport as a whole boasts a total of 248 concession stands, 131 restaurants and bars, 11 lounges and a total of 103 retail shops. So, if you have a flight delay or cancellation, you’ll have plenty to do if DFW is part of your itinerary.

Thanks to all these shops, restaurants, and other amenities, the number of people DFW employs has generated $38 billion in payroll as well as 634,000 jobs. On any given day, there are more than 60,000 people working there. Not only that, but because of the $24 billion in visitor spending, the airport was able to raise $5 billion in tax revenue. No wonder they’re designated as a city. Oh, and did we mention that DFW was the very first carbon neutral airport in North America and the largest on the globe?

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3. Orlando International Airport, Florida (MCO)

A Mecca for tourism, Orlando International Airport comes in as the third largest airport in the US and in North America. It originally opened as McCoy US Air Force Base in 1942, which is how it got its IATA Code, MCO, and became an international airport for public use in 1976. 

This airport covers 12,264 acres, making it bigger than Los Angeles International Airport, JFK, and Miami International Airport combined.  It also has 4 runways and a hub-and-spoke design. If you have a layover at MCO, you can choose from over 50 restaurants and over 150 shops including official merchandise stores for Disney, Sea World, Kennedy Space Center, and Universal Studios. 

Orlando Airport’s new Terminal C, has an undulating roof designed by Fentress Architects that brings to mind the natural landscapes of Florida. But passengers will definitely want to take a look at the Terminal’s multimedia installations: “Window on Orlando” with its 32 foot LED visuals and the “Moment Vault” that gives you a true all-around experience with its 2 sided LED walls that use motion capture AI. You definitely won’t be bored waiting for your flight at MCO.

Tip: Orlando Airport provides a range of transportation options, such as shuttles, taxis, ride-sharing services, and car rentals, making it easy to reach your destination at Disney World. These factors contribute to its ranking as the 7th best airport in the world on our Top 10 list for 2023.

4. Washington (Dulles) International Airport, Washington, D.C. (IAD)

Our fourth largest airport is Dulles, located a convenient 26 miles outside the nation’s capital. With its modernist architecture designed by Eero Saarinen, IAD opened in 1962 and covers more than 10,000 acres across two counties in Virginia. Interestingly, Dulles was the first airport created to meet the needs of commercial aircraft, and its design was chosen to represent the “jet age”.

To get around, passengers can hop on the airport’s transit system called the AeroTrain that connects the A, B, and C Concourses, or you can be delivered to your terminal on one of Dulles’ mobile lounges. A throwback to the 1960s, these 17 and a half foot tall bus-like vehicles can carry more than 100 travelers at a time.

5. George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston, TX (IAH)

Located roughly 23 miles outside downtown Houston, IAH is United’s 2nd largest hub in the country as well as a focus city for Spirit Airlines. When it opened in 1969, it was called Houston International Airport, which is where It got its IATA Code. It was renamed in 1997 after the first President Bush.

Covering over 10,000 acres with 5 runways, IAH was the 15th busiest airport in the nation last year. If you need to kill some time while you’re there, you can browse one of the biggest public collections of art in the state and enjoy some live music thanks to its “Harmony in the Air” series that brings musical performances to all the terminals.

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6. Salt Lake City International Airport, Utah (SLC)

As the 6th largest airport in the United States, Salt Lake City International Airport was originally built to handle around a third of the passengers that pass through its gates today. Because of this, SLC has been steadily expanding since 2014 with its final Phase 4 set to open in 2026. 

SLC is the 21st busiest airport in the US and sees more than 300 departures each day. What makes this airport especially interesting is that it has been recognized for its sustainability efforts because of their use of solar power, recycling, and water conservation programs. While you wait for your departure, be sure to check out the airport’s massive sculptures, digital art installations, and murals that focus on Utah’s beauty and culture.

The best feature of Salt Lake City International might just be their on-time performance record. Over the years, this airport has been consistently named as one of the most punctual in the States with the fewest canceled flights as well.

7. O’Hare International Airport, Chicago (ORD)

You know an airport is big when they’re the hub for not just one, but two major US airlines, which is exactly the case with O’Hare. As the hub for both United and American Airlines, ORD has a few interesting features that passengers will enjoy. 

For starters, families will appreciate the kid zone in Terminal 2 that offers toys, airport-themed video games, a climbing structure, and a funhouse mirror. While your little ones are burning off some energy, you can chill in the airport’s Yoga room and Urban Garden. Passengers who have long layovers can also hop on the CTA’s Blue Line train and explore downtown Chicago.

8. San Francisco International Airport, California (SFO)

Just 13 short miles from downtown San Francisco, SFO was the 14th busiest airport in the United States last year. The International Terminal that opened in 2000, occupies 41 acres and is considered to be the largest international terminal in the country.

If you’re worried about earthquakes, you can feel safer at SFO’s International Terminal thanks to its earthquake resistant design that can withstand up to a Magnitude 8. In fact, the building design lets it move to better absorb the quakes. San Francisco is also innovative in other areas. They were the first in the USA to make baggage handling more efficient with the use of their Independent Carrier System.

As for amenities, you can visit the SkyTerrace while you’re there to get gorgeous views of the Bay or freshen up between flights by utilizing their nap and shower facilities. Once you’re rested, be sure to visit the airport’s aviation and art exhibits or tour the interactive murals and sculptures on display.

9. John F Kennedy Airport, New York City (JFK)

As the 9th largest airport in the nation and the biggest in New York, JFK was first called Idlewild Airport 1948 after the golf course that was once there. In 1963, after John F. Kennedy’s assassination, it was renamed to honor the fallen president. 

The airport is also home to the 2nd longest runway in the country, at 12,511 feet, that served as NASA’s backup runway for its space shuttles. Another unique feature is JFK’s ARK terminal which is dedicated to pets, operates 24/7 and occupies 14.5 acres. It comes complete with grassy areas, wellness centers, and even swimming pools!

As the single busiest international airport in all of North America, JFK is a major hub for several airlines including American, JetBlue, and Delta.

Notice: John F Kennedy Airport earns its sad first place on our list of the worst six airports in the U.S. It stands out for its chronically delayed flights and LDA90 issues.

10. Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Michigan (DTW)

Originally named Detroit-Wayne Airport in 1930, this 10th largest airport hub has grown steadily over the years from just one square mile of land to the over 4,850 acres it occupies today. It’s the busiest airport in the state of Michigan with 6 runways as well as Delta’s main hub for traffic to Asia. Not only that, but it is also the 3rd biggest portal to Europe from the eastern half of the US.

Many passengers might recognize DTW because it’s been featured in several films including Up in the Air (2009) and Grosse Pointe Blank (1997), but one of the most iconic parts of the airport is its light tunnel that looks something like an underground dance club. If you have time to spare, you can visit the water feature located in the center of the terminal that synchronizes 45 “leapfrog” water spouts to create a mesmerizing show. Or, if you have a long layover, you can jump on the AirRide or SMART bus to check out some of Detroit’s downtown area.

Big US Airports Get the Job Done

So, of these top 10 behemoths, which one on the list gave you the biggest surprise? Were there any missing from this list that you were sure would make the cut? Our team here at Air Advisor would love to hear about your experiences. You might also like these articles about airports in the United States:

• Best US Airlines Rating
• Flight Delay Compensation US
• US Air Passenger Rights
• US Domestic flights baggage compensation

To wrap up, did you know that even US citizens can get EU261 compensation for long delays or flight cancellations? Enter your flight details on our website, and we will let you know the exact amount of compensation you are entitled to. Hope you enjoyed, and happy traveling!

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