15 Biggest Airports in the World, Ranked by Size
![Denver International Airport in Denver, Colorado, United States](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/denver-international-airport-in-denver-colorado-united-states/y3hF2ksxS82Y9sLTV_tUEdsY3NM=/61x0:1184x842/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/78/f4/78f4266661b84857bcc591d8f83602ea.jpeg)
Airports need a lot of space for people and aircraft to move around. As travelers, we usually judge an airport by its cover — that is, the small part of it that we experience as customers. But there is a lot more to airports than meets the eye. So much so that most people wouldn't be able to guess the biggest airports in the world.
To no one's surprise, the majority are in the United States, a country notoriously obsessed with making everything gigantic. (We're sure Freud would have had some interesting things to say about this.) But airports all over the planet also make the list.
The No. 1 airport is so ridiculously large that it occupies a land area almost equivalent to the size of New York City.
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15. Salt Lake City International, United States
![Delta Airlines plane at Salt Lake City Airport](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/delta-airlines-plane-at-salt-lake-city-airport/aIUt-nYbKU-OnNOyISAXMk4ZdMg=/143x0:1257x835/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/11/5d/115daf7bbc06418ba50cdb3ded809990.jpeg)
City: Salt Lake City, Utah
How Big Is Salt Lake City International
![Salt Lake city Airport](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/salt-lake-city-airport/jk1zh2g1AhI6wPLi7gPW-LFakGk=/68x0:1185x837/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/7d/b5/7db52b6f26ad406384537ba5ac60f4c0.jpeg)
Size: 12.05 square miles (31.2 square kilometers)
Bottom Line: Salt Lake City International
![Arrival and departure gates at Salt Lake City International Airport](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/arrival-and-departure-gates-at-salt-lake-city-international-airport/J4I96A2rzveZH7_oeTz6XsU8zrI=/329x0:5589x3945/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/9a/4e/9a4e37c9eb3c41fdadb674dd0e5e0259.jpeg)
The ninth-largest airport in the U.S., Salt Lake City is a gateway to exciting destinations like Utah's famed ski town Park City.
But while it sprawls over an impressive amount of land, travelers would likely rate this as a mid-sized airport based on the number of restaurants, shops and other services provided.
Where to stay: Hyatt Place Salt Lake City Airport
14. Paris Charles de Gaulle, France
![Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport terminal in France](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/paris-charles-de-gaulle-airport-terminal-in-france/S9Dn9B0esC_ZUnO8KY4KFe0mZLg=/0x0:4032x3024/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/5a/60/5a60b86a5e544b4e9e0461b5c79165d0.jpeg)
City: Roissy-en-France
How Big Is Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
![Paris](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/paris/TQxSo557eU1MsDf1UYcAWQRt14E=/71x0:1185x835/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/08/cc/08cc1204dd8f474f8e07e06affb380d3.jpeg)
Size: 12.5 square miles (32.38 square kilometers)
Bottom Line: Paris Charles de Gaulle
![Charles de Gaulle Airport terminal in Paris](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/charles-de-gaulle-airport-terminal-in-paris/F_poZak7CBlmKzvELF2ixcNH2cU=/513x0:5847x4000/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/1f/05/1f051d71d2ed4b37ba83f5a291e724b3.jpeg)
It's difficult not to get lost in the busy chaos of Charles de Gaulle, which happens to be Europe's largest airport.
Connecting directly to Paris via de RER-B, it acts as a central hub for travelers coming to the world's most visited country as well as for people connecting to flights all over the planet.
Where to stay: Hilton Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
12. Suvarnabhumi International, Thailand (Tie)
![Counter check-in at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/counter-check-in-at-suvarnabhumi-airport-in-bangkok/rOesuRyWeW0x8HVLyyQXjC2r-9U=/69x0:1184x836/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/30/73/307342dade8245e48b6b6e149bad6476.jpeg)
City: Bangkok
How Big Is Suvarnabhumi International
![Suvarnabhumi International Airport Bangkok Thailand](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/suvarnabhumi-international-airport-bangkok-thailand/097q1ogPhIG7kUAW1Rbofi1IwFw=/70x0:1184x835/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/a3/a0/a3a0ef4101724d14b90b3172d121dec3.jpeg)
Size: 14.29 square miles (37 square kilometers)
Bottom Line: Suvarnabhumi International
![Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok,Thailand](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/suvarnabhumi-airport-in-bangkokthailand/oa4Y4CzzFK6njLXNYNkCXc5_l4k=/0x0:4211x3158/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/40/be/40bec79900f84846827b10953cb8342c.jpeg)
Servicing a city of over 10 million people, Suvarnabhumi International suffers ailments like long lines and constant traffic.
But the airport makes up for this with uniquely Thai decorations, aesthetically pleasing arched hallways and play areas for families.
Where to stay: Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
12. Cairo International, Egypt (Tie)
![Airplane landing at Cairo mirrored in terminal](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/airplane-landing-at-cairo-mirrored-in-terminal/_hoBpc4bu7MDpdNaL7xpuHjifhM=/177x0:1201x768/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/25/03/25032c283a6740619ac4dc4f513446a0.jpeg)
City: Cairo
How Big Is Cairo International
![Cairo International Airport, Terminal 3 with the shuttle bus stop](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/cairo-international-airport-terminal-3-with-the-shuttle-bus-stop/RW3zicT4T0n-SEd-vuRI7rjXqLs=/360x0:2519x1619/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/e1/6d/e16da060a32e4362b9331f18688547b4.jpeg)
Size: 14.29 square miles (37 square kilometers)
Bottom Line: Cairo International
![Cairo International in Egypt](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/cairo-international-in-egypt/-8w9Pp0KjCmmxyt5BPaXjHphgF0=/0x0:1600x1200/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/5b/25/5b25c3ba6a174aa58628e1258b6c8498.jpeg)
Africa's most sizable airport is located in Cairo and was built in part to support the massive number of people who come to see the wonders of Egypt.
And though it is currently tied at No. 12, there are plans for further expansion and development in the future.
Where to stay: Radisson Blu Hotel, Cairo Heliopolis
11. Shanghai Pudong International, China
![Shanghai Pudong International Airport at night](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/shanghai-pudong-international-airport-at-night/Y64fq6SRIcWQgZmMFHZ4YGlbmf8=/69x0:1184x836/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/51/fb/51fbef41e6674d189e9d0a3555d09a52.jpeg)
City: Shanghai
How Big Is Shanghai Pudong International
![Passengers in Shanghai Pudong International Airport terminal](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/passengers-in-shanghai-pudong-international-airport-terminal/wGwOIOaUJ6ckAtOp5CZ1AfB17Z4=/69x0:1184x836/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/1a/a1/1aa15e96ef3646a1b323bfbca52a505b.jpeg)
Size: 15.44 square miles (40 square kilometers)
Bottom Line: Shanghai Pudong International
![Shanghai Pudong International Airport Terminal 1 in China](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/shanghai-pudong-international-airport-terminal-1-in-china/BduPM5ECy-j5cqk_tQ-yevdXLvU=/320x0:5440x3840/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/9b/81/9b81fe71d11049118273abeaaf54a15a.jpeg)
Shanghai is known for its futuristic technology and modern design. Pudong International exemplifies both.
The fifth-busiest airport in Asia, it receives more international flights than Beijing. And while many people who pass through it are connecting, those who are lucky enough to have time in the city can experience boarding the Shanghai Transrapid, the fastest train in the world.
Where to stay: Primus Hotel Shanghai Sanjiagang
9. Pittsburgh International, United States (Tie)
![Southwest Plane at Pittsburgh Airport in Pennsylvania, United States](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/southwest-plane-at-pittsburgh-airport-in-pennsylvania-united-states/LKQaU5-Auq6MUbsFaEHRNmIDz_U=/69x0:1184x836/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/af/f5/aff54211b1a74e74b27b34c7fddb5041.jpeg)
City: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
How Big Is Pittsburgh International
![Aerial view of terminal Pittsburgh International](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/aerial-view-of-terminal-pittsburgh-international/pE3mkvAuDOxKG0a2DJgDUcYIPGc=/69x0:1184x836/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/eb/25/eb25aa4f000c48348255c893fffeab65.jpeg)
Size: 15.64 square miles (40.5 square kilometers)
Bottom Line: Pittsburgh International
![Welcome to Pittsburgh baggage carts at Pittsburgh International Airport](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/welcome-to-pittsburgh-baggage-carts-at-pittsburgh-international-airport/mx0M1RyAIV8pX-p-u-rl8HyFQdw=/167x0:3690x2642/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/f3/c0/f3c0b757066a44eda25a044a5c7ccd99.jpeg)
Despite taking up more than 15 square miles of land, Pittsburgh International only receives about 6.3 million passengers. This discrepancy is the result of the city's fall as a central American economic hub and has left large parts of the airport in disuse and almost disrepair.
The problem is so dire that the Pennsylvania city plans to build a smaller airport and let this one run its course.
Where to stay: Hyatt Regency Pittsburgh International Airport
9. George Bush Intercontinental, United States (Tie)
![Passengers at George Bush Intercontinental Airport](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/passengers-at-george-bush-intercontinental-airport/gJutSR5bIWH6Yk6mERJgiTHN9q0=/69x0:1184x836/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/2a/7b/2a7b191a316045669dab56e6df5a1710.jpeg)
City: Houston, Texas
How Big Is George Bush Intercontinental
![Woman reading a book in George Bush Intercontinental airport, Houston, Texas, USA.](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/woman-reading-a-book-in-george-bush-intercontinental-airport-houston-texas-usa/yrk_617LknOMmMp6qnNiR5FjIuQ=/69x0:1184x836/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/38/12/38122cfacde149988d3af3e3777f65bc.jpeg)
Size: 15.64 square miles (40.5 square kilometers)
Bottom Line: George Bush Intercontinental
![Departures screens at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/departures-screens-at-george-bush-intercontinental-airport-in-houston-texas/JpIy6JH1inAB3pATfWDEosao_sE=/0x67:4000x3068/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/9b/b9/9bb97ea06bd44d208bb43cb2a8b2e1f6.jpeg)
Tying in ninth place with Pittsburgh International, the airport in Houston, Texas, definitely justifies its size. It serves as a point of transit for this thriving city and a major point for connecting flights.
With five terminals, travelers often find the gigantic structure intimidating, but it offers plenty of dining and shopping options for travelers who need to kill time.
Where to stay: Ramada by Wyndham Houston Intercontinental Airport East
8. Kansas City International, United States
![Kansas City International Airport Airplane](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/kansas-city-international-airport-airplane/P_K9DDpuBbneIUMkc44zWc6J5N0=/69x0:1184x836/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/71/f6/71f6d15beb0646bfaf39c7e2541a7a11.jpeg)
City: Kansas City, Missouri
How Big Is Kansas City International
![Kansas City International Airport Airplane](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/kansas-city-international-airport-airplane/_uPYmZSFrmXIrEbXyGbhgCBw_94=/69x0:1184x836/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/94/52/94520d4def6448a0a38ec27af380aec0.jpeg)
Size: 16.68 square miles (43.2 square kilometers)
Bottom Line: Kansas City International
![Plane at the Kansas City International Airport](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/plane-at-the-kansas-city-international-airport/taxR7Wp0r5jg2rICep0YyYZeGI8=/682x0:6016x4000/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/d5/85/d58546b823394c1288a1fd7308471b92.jpeg)
If you've ever flown into Missouri's Kansas City International, you might be surprised to see it listed here. The part of the airport that customers experience isn't big in comparison to other smaller airports. But having three runways and fewer flights means that it has a lower chance of flight delays.
Where to stay: Orangewood Inn & Suites Kansas City Airport
7. Beijing Daxing International, China
![T3 airport building in Beijing](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/t3-airport-building-in-beijing/lA5w7tPnZKDf-3p7D75w13RKgCY=/69x0:1184x836/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/e0/42/e042d2e051e34ec7a1ad8f1f49fc70c8.jpeg)
City: Beijing
How Big Is Beijing Daxing International
![Beijing Daxing International Airport terminal](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/beijing-daxing-international-airport-terminal/BIckfYtePWlFENzW0iwQu8cAMfU=/69x0:1184x836/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/0c/a8/0ca86fb1557044e896965f2823cdfb99.jpeg)
Size: 18.15 square miles (47 square kilometers)
Bottom Line: Beijing Daxing International
![Beijing Daxing International Airport terminal in China](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/beijing-daxing-international-airport-terminal-in-china/AxzTU-y0mjl3DcIMIYRuVpAxVyM=/320x0:5440x3840/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/f1/6a/f16abc6fd9334879847b8ebb97e45317.jpeg)
Boasting the title of the world's largest single-building airport terminal, Beijing Daxing International is one of the most beautifully designed airports we've seen.
Sharing its burden with Beijing Capital International Airport, it is built in the shape of a starfish and handles commercial and cargo flights.
Where to stay: Hyatt Place Beijing Daxing
6. Orlando International, United States
![Atrium at Orlando International Airport](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/atrium-at-orlando-international-airport/2v7lPdzRnmX6GIJQRxW2Aele9B0=/19x0:1182x872/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/80/36/80368b962d944b1bbe8358835ccb074c.jpeg)
City: Orlando, Florida
How Big Is Orlando International
![Flight Information Orlando International](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/flight-information-orlando-international/uXoX88KAuwtqAqWnkYQ2At1LJMo=/55x0:1184x846/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/c7/68/c7685ce3ec7f4cdab1a0fe8f90426268.jpeg)
Size: 19.69 square miles (51 square kilometers)
Bottom Line: Orlando International
![JetBlue at Orlando International](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/jetblue-at-orlando-international/3oQ-j_uWCbxgS1lkjicKJ4_FM10=/333x0:5667x4000/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/78/2c/782cab69d07045719c685196219a5750.jpeg)
Following the spirit of its home city, Orlando International does its best to keep customers entertained as they get through the most unpleasant part of a trip.
With over 100 restaurants, water fountains, shops and trees — yes, trees — the Florida airport does its best to make long waits and layovers bearable.
Where to stay: Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport
5. Washington Dulles International, United States
![Washington Dulles Airport](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/washington-dulles-airport/xPUFGjseFfHfdYzcXi8psfmVLVE=/69x0:1184x836/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/f8/d2/f8d25e079f6143348d6e27890e503e22.jpeg)
City: Dulles, Virginia
How Big Is Washington Dulles International
![Dulles Airport in Washington DC, USA](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/dulles-airport-in-washington-dc-usa/zgkTcT5Er8HJBd6ikp17GV_ELZw=/23x0:1182x869/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/80/f8/80f887d643cf4a539f8111046204de6b.jpeg)
Size: 20.31 square miles (52.6 square kilometers)
Bottom Line: Washington Dulles International
![Main terminal at Dulles International Airport](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/main-terminal-at-dulles-international-airport/pbltKpzEseX6N-5eFG4qmpXL1aw=/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/48/43/48439044731b45c5834d6caafdfbea39.jpeg)
You'd expect the international airport that services the U.S. capital to be more impressive. And while its size certainly sets it apart, its services aren't anything memorable.
Dulles offers only 13 dining options and 50 shops to passengers transiting through. Compare that to JFK's 139 restaurants, and you'll agree that this airport needs to step up its game.
Where to stay: Hyatt Regency Dulles
4. Southwest Florida International, United States
![United Airlines Boeing 737 departing from Fort Myers International Airport in Florida USA](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/united-airlines-boeing-737-departing-from-fort-myers-international-airport-in-florida-usa/MuNzJhNowTUZ4Q51zGASQg9wrRo=/69x0:1184x836/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/54/3c/543cba63ba044ef298c9ff2c8d7611b9.jpeg)
City: Fort Myers, Florida
How Big Is Southwest Florida International
![Atrium at Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, Florida](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/atrium-at-southwest-florida-international-airport-in-fort-myers-florida/e3oaFy1R_gNMrF28NCB3DNjd4jE=/44x0:755x533/711x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/74/1a/741ad9741d6043648939ea7f76e0a201.jpeg)
Size: 21.2 square miles (54.9 square kilometers)
Bottom Line: Southwest Florida International
![Traveler at Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, Florida](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/traveler-at-southwest-florida-international-airport-in-fort-myers-florida/Cs-K3i6hhi2uP9xDpe3fu7Z_pYk=/389x0:3504x2336/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/50/8f/508f67a602f14586bd4a3f617ddf7653.jpeg)
Southwest Florida International (often referred to as Fort Myers Airport) usually gets left off the largest-airport lists simply because people don't know about it. But while it's not a household name, the airport stands firmly in fourth place.
The cool thing about it is that 9.38 of its square miles are set aside to preserve Florida's precious and highly endangered nature.
Where to stay: Home2 Suites by Hilton Fort Myers Airport
3. Dallas/Fort Worth International, United States
![Dallas Fort Worth International Airport](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/dallas-fort-worth-international-airport/rvSwt3LQdLEuYWrBkAOmEU2GJgE=/69x0:1184x836/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/78/cc/78cca722f1ea461288c11ce0e11c4924.jpeg)
City: Irving, Texas
How Big Is Dallas/Fort Worth International
![Passengers walking at terminal inside Dallas Fort Worth International Airport](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/passengers-walking-at-terminal-inside-dallas-fort-worth-international-airport/zW1mPqlVHb0MRibnMBBuz0rXAqo=/69x0:1184x836/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/2a/30/2a30e6dcbb264180913e2f70ac868641.jpeg)
Size: 26.97 square miles (69.6 square kilometers)
Bottom Line: Dallas/Fort Worth International
![Airport runway and aircraft Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/airport-runway-and-aircraft-dallasfort-worth-international-airport/L7EWEqBDipdvjWt7dx3uqBWcf3g=/0x0:4032x3024/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/af/21/af214e661b7d412f89387d643d4746a8.jpeg)
The second-busiest airport in the entire world (after Atlanta International), Dallas-Fort Worth is a labyrinth that no mortal could navigate without the help of the Skylift.
This handy tram takes you from one end of the Texas airport to another. Expect it to always be hectic and busy.
And if you have time, take the opportunity to get some BBQ before boarding your next flight.
Where to stay: Grand Hyatt DFW
2. Denver International, United States
![Denver International Airport](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/denver-international-airport/T-DqnKg0qnE-R5vTciM02C6H4OM=/69x0:1184x836/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/4f/7c/4f7ccb0df5e1431db1bf9d0b01e5e4c7.jpeg)
City: Denver, Colorado
How Big Is Denver International
![Denver International Airport](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/denver-international-airport/jKxbe61Wswr9KGz9CnGNJOe9BGU=/170x0:1194x768/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/1f/79/1f79aa9f02374bc0b29dd7f6ff92e812.jpeg)
Size: 52.39 square miles (135.7 square kilometers)
Bottom Line: Denver International
![Travelers at Denver International Airport](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/travelers-at-denver-international-airport/QKt7b7zsRtptK6B3DxpThC-OJg8=/187x0:4068x2910/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/b0/cf/b0cf792f1a0b40aba6f6db6952df30c2.jpeg)
More than twice as large as Dallas/Fort Worth International, Denver International is massive. Its eye-catching design relies on soft undulating lines that emulate the movement of water and on the iconic tent-shaped structures that mark its exterior.
You'll find a decent number of dining and shopping options and direct access to public transit that connects you with Denver and other Colorado cities like Boulder.
Where to stay: Hyatt House Denver Airport
1. King Fahd International, Saudi Arabia
![King Fahd International Airport / Dammam International Airport - main hall, Dammam, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/king-fahd-international-airport-dammam-international-airport-main-hall-dammam-eastern-province-saudi-arabia/CaQLKfv01X6qKe68VbRKTEnEi3A=/81x0:1185x828/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/40/d5/40d5f6b7d647476dab35221790666a6b.jpeg)
City: Dammam
How Big Is King Fahd International
![King Fahd International](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/king-fahd-international/-IMniK4OwkuPntjQMYAD7BuVJio=/0x0:800x600/800x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/ba/89/ba89eb91ee6147bba20b77d70e99bb02.jpeg)
Size: 301 square miles (780 square kilometers)
Bottom Line: King Fahd International
![Travelers at King Fahd International Airport](https://thumbor.bigedition.com/travelers-at-king-fahd-international-airport/T9tf2DdUI_ycrAj2Pp6aZSCz4rk=/0x163:720x704/720x0/filters:quality(80)/granite-web-prod/9b/28/9b28fb988332485193c62844b4a6acc9.jpeg)
Denver International Airport's 52.39 square miles might be impressive, but that looks like child's play compared to King Fahd International's 301 square miles. To put this into perspective, the Saudi Arabian airport takes up a land area equivalent to New York City, which measures 303 square miles.
Sure, the record-breaking airport mostly takes up desert land, but we doubt there is need for any air traffic hub to be this absurdly big. We don't even want to think about the maintenance costs.
Where to stay: Braira Dammam Hotel