The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions in the field of air travel, with capacity limitations and restrictions affecting the flow of passengers at airports worldwide. Despite these challenges, the Airports Council International (ACI) has released its report detailing the top 10 busiest airports in the world over the past year, showing a resurgence of international air travel.
According to the ACI, the global forecast for total passengers for 2023 is close to 8.5 billion, representing a significant increase compared to the previous year. The recovery of international traffic has played a key role in driving the resurgence and expansion of the industry, leading to changes in the list of the busiest airports in the world.
In the top 10 rankings, five airports in the United States made the list, with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport once again ranked as the busiest airport in the world. The difference in passenger numbers between Atlanta and other airports is significant, with the terminal accommodating a total of 104,653,451 passengers in 2023.
Other airports that made the top 5 list include Dubai International Airport in second place, London Heathrow Airport in third place, Tokyo Haneda Airport in fourth place, and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in fifth place.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, these airports have seen increases in passenger traffic compared to the previous year, highlighting the resilience of the air travel industry. The rankings are based on data collected from over 2,600 airports worldwide, providing a comprehensive overview of global travel demand.
Overall, the report from the ACI reflects the ongoing recovery and growth of the aviation sector, with international air travel playing a significant role in driving the resurgence of the industry. As travel restrictions continue to ease, airports are expected to see further increases in passenger numbers in the coming years.