Top 10 Largest Airports in the World by Area

Not long ago, an airport was considered adequate with just a runway and basic passenger facilities. However, as the number of travelers has grown, so too has the size of airports. In South Korea, for example, Incheon International Airport recently expanded with a second passenger terminal to accommodate its bustling crowds. This allows for more passengers and ensures that massive aircraft can be safely and efficiently managed. Naturally, airports with high passenger volumes tend to expand in size. So, which airports are the largest in the world, and where are they located? Let’s dive in and explore.

10. Thailand: Suvarnabhumi Airport

Named after the Sanskrit term for “Golden Land,” Suvarnabhumi Airport ranks as the tenth largest airport in the world by area. It’s also the largest airport in Southeast Asia. Covering 12.5 square miles (32.4 km²), it handled over 63 million passengers in 2018. Interestingly, it was named the most popular airport on Instagram in 2012, though this is more of a fun fact than an official metric.

9. Egypt: Cairo International Airport

Cairo International Airport, located in Heliopolis, Egypt, holds the ninth spot as the only African airport to rank globally for its size. Spanning 14.5 square miles (37.5 km²), it served over 15 million passengers in 2017, making it a key hub for the region.

8. China: Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Shanghai Pudong International Airport, also in eighth place, covers 15.4 square miles (39.8 km²) and handled 74 million passengers in 2018. It serves as a hub for major airlines like Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Juneyao Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, and Spring Airlines. Despite China’s relatively modest passport power, it sees an impressive number of travelers.

7. United States: George Bush Intercontinental Airport

Located in Houston, Texas, George Bush Intercontinental Airport ranks seventh with an area of 17.2 square miles (44.5 km²). In 2019, it accommodated 45 million passengers. Named after former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, the reason behind the naming isn’t explicitly documented, which is a bit curious.

6. China: Beijing Daxing International Airport

Beijing Daxing International Airport, a relatively new addition, claims the sixth spot with an area of 18 square miles (46.6 km²). It’s designed to handle over 100 million passengers annually. Built to alleviate congestion at Beijing Capital International Airport—one of the world’s busiest, processing over 100 million passengers yearly—Daxing is a testament to China’s growing aviation needs.

5. United States: Washington Dulles International Airport

Washington Dulles International Airport, named after John Foster Dulles, the 52nd U.S. Secretary of State, covers 18.7 square miles (48.5 km²) and handles 24 million passengers annually.

4. United States: Orlando International Airport

If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World, you’ll likely pass through Orlando International Airport, located in Orlando, Florida—often called the home of Disney World. Covering 20.8 square miles (53.8 km²), it served over 50 million passengers in 2019. Its busiest domestic route is to Atlanta, Georgia, while its top international destination is London, United Kingdom.

3. United States: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, the third largest globally, is so expansive that it has its own zip code, essentially functioning as a small city. Spanning 26.9 square miles (69.6 km²), it connects to 260 destinations. Its busiest domestic route is to Los Angeles, California, and its top international route is to London Heathrow, United Kingdom.

2. United States: Denver International Airport

Denver International Airport takes the second spot with an impressive 53.1 square miles (137.5 km²). It employs over 35,000 workers, but its passenger volume—69 million in 2019—is relatively modest compared to its vast size.

1. Saudi Arabia: King Fahd International Airport

Topping the list is King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Opened in 1999, it has consistently held the title of the world’s largest airport by area, covering a staggering 299.6 square miles (776 km²)—larger than the city of Seoul, South Korea. The airport features public transportation like buses and subways, as well as amenities such as shopping, religious facilities, and hotels.

Today, we’ve explored the top 10 largest airports in the world by area. Notably, China’s Beijing Daxing International Airport has plans to expand further, potentially reaching 270.3 square miles (700 km²) upon completion. If realized, it could claim the second spot on this list!