The year 2023 witnessed a significant resurgence in international travel, propelling airports worldwide to higher rankings in terms of passenger traffic. According to Airports Council International’s preliminary ranking released on Monday, Dubai International Airport climbed to the second spot from fifth place in 2022 and fourth place in 2019. Tokyo Haneda International Airport also experienced a substantial surge in passenger traffic, jumping from 16th to fifth place in the ranking.
Overall, global airports served a total of 8.5 billion passengers in 2023, marking a 27% increase from the previous year. However, this figure still remained approximately 6% below pre-pandemic levels. The aviation industry had been severely impacted by the global pandemic, with many airports facing restrictions and reduced travel for an extended period.
While the resurgence of international travel brought a glimmer of hope for airlines with expansive international networks, domestic-focused U.S. carriers faced challenges. Ultra-low-cost airlines that primarily catered to domestic routes struggled to regain their footing as international travel picked up pace. Nevertheless, domestic U.S. airports continued to witness significant growth in passenger numbers, albeit some slipping in the rankings compared to the peak of the pandemic.
Denver International Airport, a major hub for United Airlines, saw an increase in passenger traffic with nearly 78 million people passing through its gates in 2023, reflecting a 12% growth from the previous year. Despite the uptick in passenger numbers, the airport slipped in ACI’s ranking to sixth place from its third-place position. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which serves as Delta Air Lines’ primary hub, retained its position at the top of the list as the busiest airport, welcoming 104.7 million passengers.
2023 Airport Rankings
The rankings for 2023 showcased a shift in the global airport landscape, with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport leading the pack once again. The top ten busiest airports in 2023, along with their 2022 rankings in parentheses, were as follows:
1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (1)
2. Dubai International Airport (5)
3. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (2)
4. London Heathrow (8)
5. Tokyo Haneda International Airport (16)
6. Denver International Airport (3)
7. Istanbul Airport (7)
8. Los Angeles International Airport (6)
9. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (4)
10. New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (9)
The shifting dynamics of the global aviation sector in 2023 highlighted the resilience and adaptability of airports and airlines amidst evolving travel patterns and challenges. As the world continues to navigate the complexities of a post-pandemic environment, the aviation industry remains a critical component in facilitating international connectivity and economic growth.