As of 2024, the biggest airports in the United States can be ranked by various metrics such as passenger traffic, land area, or number of flights. Here’s a list of the 10 biggest U.S. airports primarily based on land area:
The 10 Biggest Airports in the United States in 2024
- Denver International Airport
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
- Orlando International Airport
- Washington Dulles International Airport
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport
- Salt Lake City International Airport
- O′Hare International Airport
- San Francisco International Airport
- John F. Kennedy International Airport
- Detroit Metropolitan Airport
1. Denver International Airport (DEN)
Denver International Airport (DIA), also known by its airport code DEN, is the Biggest Airport in the United States by land area, covering 54.05 mi² (≈140 km²). It serves as a major hub for both domestic and international flights. DIA is located about 25 miles (40 kilometers) northeast of downtown Denver, Colorado.
| Size: | 54.05 mi² (≈140 km²) |
| Location: | Denver, Colorado |
| Code: | DEN |
| Opened: | February 28, 1995 |
| Elevation: | 5,430 feet (1,656 m) |
| Passengers in 2023: | ~77 million |
2. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is one of the busiest and largest airports in the world, serving as a major hub for domestic and international flights. Located between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, it is a crucial transportation hub for the southern United States. DFW covers approximately 26.9 mi² (≈69.67 km²), making it the second-biggest airport by land area in the United States.
| Size: | 26.9 mi² (≈69.67 km²) |
| Location: | Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas |
| Code: | DFW |
| Opened: | 23 September 1973 |
| Elevation: | 607 feet (185.01 m) |
| Passengers in 2023: | ~81.7 million |
3. Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is indeed a significant hub in central Florida, serving millions of passengers each year. Its location makes it a primary gateway for tourists visiting major attractions such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and other popular sites in the Orlando area. With its vast coverage of approximately 19.1625 square miles (around 140 square kilometers or 12,264 acres), it ranks as the third-biggest airport by land area in the United States.
| Size: | 19.1625 mi² (≈140 km², ≈12,264 acres) |
| Location: | Orlando, Florida |
| Code: | MCO |
| Opened: | 1961 |
| Elevation: | 96 feet (29.2608 m) |
| Passengers in 2023: | ~57 million |
4. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is a major airport located in Dulles, Virginia, about 26 miles (42 km) west of downtown Washington, D.C. Dulles Airport covers approximately 20.3 square miles (52.6 square kilometers or 13,000 acres), making it fourth-biggest airports by land area in the United States. The airport is known for its iconic main terminal, designed by architect Eero Saarinen, and its role as a key facility in the U.S. transportation network.
| Size: | 20.3 mi² (≈52.6 km²) |
| Location: | Dulles, Virginia |
| Code: | IAD |
| Opened: | November 17, 1962 |
| Elevation: | 313 feet (95.4 m) |
| Passengers in 2023: | ~25 million |
5. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is a major airport located in Houston, Texas, about 23 miles (37 km) north of downtown Houston. Named after the 41st President of the United States, George H. W. Bush, it is one of the busiest airports in the country. Covering approximately 15.6 square miles (40.4 square kilometers or about 10,000 acres), IAH is the second-biggest airport in Texas by land area and fifth-largest in the United States.
| Size: | 15.63 mi² (≈40.5 km²) |
| Location: | Houston, Texas |
| Code: | IAH |
| Opened: | June 8, 1969 |
| Elevation: | 97 feet (29.6 m) |
| Passengers in 2023: | ~60.1 million |
6. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is a major airport in the western United States, serving as the primary gateway for air travel in the state of Utah. Known for its efficient operations and modern facilities, SLC is a key hub for both domestic and international flights, especially for passengers traveling to and from the Mountain West region. The airport is located approximately 4 miles (6 kilometers) west of downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is the sixth-biggest airport by land area in the United States, covering approximately 12.03 square miles (31.16 square kilometers).
| Size: | 12.03 mi² (≈31.16 km²) |
| Location: | Salt Lake City, Utah |
| Code: | SLC |
| Opened: | 1911 |
| Elevation: | 4,226 feet (1,288 m) |
| Passengers in 2023: | ~27 million |
7. O′Hare International Airport (ORD)
O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is indeed one of the busiest and most significant airports in the United States, located in Chicago, Illinois. Situated approximately 17 miles (27 kilometers) northwest of downtown Chicago, O’Hare International Airport (ORD) covers approximately 11.91 square miles (30.86 square kilometers), making it the seventh-biggest airport in the United States by land area.
| Size: | 11.91 mi² (≈30.86 km²) |
| Location: | Chicago, Illinois |
| Code: | ORD |
| Opened: | February 1944 |
| Elevation: | 668 feet (203.6 m) |
| Passengers in 2023: | ~73.9 million |
8. San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a major airport on the West Coast of the United States, serving as a key gateway for both international and domestic flights. Located about 13 miles (21 kilometers) south of downtown San Francisco in San Mateo County, California, SFO is renowned for its modern amenities, extensive international connections, and significant role in passenger and cargo transport.
The airport covers approximately 8.13 square miles (21.07 square kilometers), making it the eighth-biggest airport in the country by land area.
| Size: | 8.13 mi² (≈21.07 km²) |
| Location: | San Francisco, California |
| Code: | SFO |
| Opened: | May 1927 |
| Elevation: | 13 feet (3.96 m) |
| Passengers in 2023: | ~50.1 million |
9. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is one of the busiest and most well-known airports globally, serving as a major gateway for both international and domestic travel to and from New York City. Named after the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy. Located in the borough of Queens, JFK is approximately 16 miles (26 kilometers) southeast of Midtown Manhattan in New York City. The airport covers about 8.125 square miles (21.04 square kilometers) and is surrounded by dense urban development, highlighting its strategic importance in global aviation.
| Size: | 8.125 mi² (≈21.04 km²) |
| Location: | New York, New York |
| Code: | JFK |
| Opened: | July 1, 1948 |
| Elevation: | 13 feet (3.96m) |
| Passengers in 2023: | ~62.4 million |
10. Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), also known as Detroit Metro Airport, is a major international airport in the United States, serving the Detroit metropolitan area and the surrounding region. It is one of the busiest airports in the country and a key hub for Delta Air Lines. DTW is located in Romulus, Michigan, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) southwest of downtown Detroit. The airport covers approximately 7.57 square miles (19.62 square kilometers), making it a significant transportation hub in the Midwest.
| Size: | 7.57 mi² (≈19.62 km²) |
| Location: | Detroit, Michigan |
| Code: | DTW |
| Opened: | September 4, 1930 |
| Elevation: | 646 feet (≈196.9 m) |
| Passengers in 2023: | ~31.4 million |
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