When it comes to aviation, the United States is home to some of the world’s busiest and most expansive airports. Whether you’re searching for the largest airport in the USA, largest airport in the US, or curious about the largest airports in the United States by land area and passenger traffic, this comprehensive guide ranks the top 10 largest airports in the US by total area.
What Determines the “Largest” Airport?
The largest airports in the US are ranked by land area (in square kilometers), not just by passenger volume. While some airports like Chicago O’Hare and Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson handle more passengers, others like Denver International Airport lead by sheer landmass.
10 Largest Airports in the US by Land Area
| Rank | Airport | Location | Area (sq km) | Annual Passengers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Denver International Airport (DEN) | Denver, Colorado | 137.26 | 58.8 million |
| 2 | Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) | Dallas, Texas | 69.63 | 70 million |
| 3 | Orlando International Airport (MCO) | Orlando, Florida | 53.83 | 40 million |
| 4 | Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) | Dulles, Virginia | 52.6 | 24 million |
| 5 | George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) | Houston, Texas | 40.5 | 45 million |
| 6 | Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) | Salt Lake City, Utah | 31.1 | 24 million |
| 7 | O’Hare International Airport (ORD) | Chicago, Illinois | 30.9 | 80 million |
| 8 | San Francisco International Airport (SFO) | San Francisco, California | 21.07 | Not specified |
| 9 | John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) | New York, New York | 21 | 60 million |
| 10 | Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) | Detroit, Michigan | 19.6 | 34 million |
Breakdown of the Largest Airports in the United States
1. Denver International Airport (DEN) – 137.26 sq km
The largest airport in the United States by area, Denver International spans over 137 square kilometers — nearly twice the size of the second largest. Despite its massive size, it ranks 7th in terms of passenger traffic.
2. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) – 69.63 sq km
Serving as a major hub in Texas, DFW is not only the second-largest airport in the US by area, but also ranks high in passenger numbers with 70 million travelers annually.
3. Orlando International Airport (MCO) – 53.83 sq km
A gateway to Florida’s world-renowned theme parks, MCO covers over 50 sq km and sees 40 million passengers a year, making it a key player in the southeast.
4. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) – 52.6 sq km
Located in Virginia, IAD serves the Washington, D.C. metro area and occupies a vast area of over 52 square kilometers.
5. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) – 40.5 sq km
As Houston’s primary international airport, IAH handles 45 million passengers yearly and spans over 40 sq km.
6. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) – 31.1 sq km
Strategically placed in the western U.S., SLC offers excellent access to the Rockies and occupies over 31 sq km.
7. O’Hare International Airport (ORD) – 30.9 sq km
Though seventh by land area, O’Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world, processing over 80 million passengers annually.
8. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – 21.07 sq km
A major international gateway to Asia and Europe, SFO covers just over 21 sq km and is known for its scenic coastal location.
9. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) – 21 sq km
New York’s most iconic international airport, JFK sees 60 million passengers annually and ranks among the top 10 by area.
10. Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) – 19.6 sq km
Serving the Great Lakes region, DTW wraps up the list with nearly 20 sq km and 34 million passengers yearly.
Interesting Facts About the Largest Airports in the US
- Denver International (DEN) is so large that Manhattan could fit inside it twice.
- O’Hare (ORD) was once the world’s busiest airport by aircraft movements.
- DFW has its own ZIP code and post office due to its size.
- SLC is often ranked among the most on-time airports in America.
- JFK has more than 59 international airlines serving the airport.
📌 Conclusion
The largest airports in the US are not always the busiest — size and passenger traffic often tell different stories. From Denver’s enormous land coverage to O’Hare’s passenger dominance, each airport plays a vital role in the nation’s aviation network. Whether you’re planning your next trip or exploring aviation stats, these 10 largest airports in the USA reflect both the scale and complexity of American air travel.
While exploring the vast airports across the country, you might also be curious about extreme weather regions. Check out our list of the Top 10 Coldest States in the United States in 2024 to discover where temperatures drop the most.
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