When we consider total passenger volume, several US airports consistently rank among the top 10 globally. This is largely attributable to the considerable volume of domestic air travel within the United States, pushing these airports ahead. However, if the metric shifts to international passengers alone, specifically those traveling between countries, US airports don't appear within the top 10 busiest international airports. The recovery of international air travel is clearly reflected in figures from 2024, indicating substantial growth. Global passenger numbers neared 9.5 billion, which represents approximately a 9% increase from 2023 and is also about 3.8% higher than levels seen in 2019. According to recent data released by Airports Council International (ACI), Tourism Review presents the top 10 international airports according to passenger volume.
TOP 10 BUSIEST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS IN THE WORLD
10/ Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD), Spain
Madrid cemented its spot as Spain's leading aviation hub with 43.8 million international passengers.
9/ Hamad International Airport (DOH), Qatar
Known for its modern amenities and role as the hub for Qatar Airways, DOH processed 45.9 million international passengers.
8/ Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA), Germany
Recording 54.1 million international passengers, Frankfurt remains the largest aviation hub in Germany.
7/ Incheon International Airport (ICN), South Korea
Thanks to a robust rebound in Asian air travel, ICN served 55.8 million international passengers - an increase of more than 200% over the previous year.
6/ Istanbul Airport (IST), Turkey
Facilitating 58.2 million international passengers, IST acts as a connecting point between Europe and Asia. The expansion of Turkish Airlines plays a key role here.
5/ Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
Welcoming 58.4 million international passengers, Singapore Changi is renowned for its high-quality service and extensive connections throughout Asia.
4/ Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), Netherlands
Schiphol saw 61.9 million international passengers pass through, confirming its position as a crucial hub within Europe.
3/ Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), France
With 68.8 million international passengers, CDG maintained its strong standing as a major European air travel hub.
2/ London Heathrow Airport (LHR), United Kingdom
Handling 74.9 million international passengers, Heathrow remains the busiest international airport in Europe. Several significant events and concerts likely boosted these figures.
1/ Dubai International Airport (DXB), United Arab Emirates
DXB held its position as the world's busiest for international traffic, handling around 92.3 million passengers in 2024. As the main hub for Emirates, this airport offers connections to more than 270 cities worldwide.
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