Airports Council International (ACI) World has released its 2025 World Airport Traffic Dataset, ranking 2024’s busiest airports across passenger traffic, air cargo volumes and aircraft movements. The dataset, drawn from over 2,800 airports across more than 185 countries and territories, showed global passenger traffic up 8.4% from 2023 and 2.7% above pre-pandemic levels, with 9.4 billion travellers passing through airports worldwide. The world’s 20 busiest airports, which captured 16% of total global traffic, include six U.S. airports: Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW); Denver International Airport (DEN); Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD); Los Angeles International Airport (LAX); and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
Air cargo data showed a 9.9% year-over-year increase and 4.1% increase from 2019, with the top 20 cargo hubs moving 52.2 million tons over 2024. The dataset suggested that growth stemmed primarily from maritime route volatility, leading shippers to seek air cargo routes; an acceleration in global e-commerce and falling jet fuel costs. Aircraft movement also increased 3.9% year-over-year and reached 96.8% of 2019 levels, with the top 20 airports up 5.4% year-over-year.
“These rankings reflect the scale of global aviation and the resilience of the industry that continues to grow, despite the complex global environment,” said ACI World director general Justin Erbacci. “In these times of constant change and uncertainty, reliable data like this is necessary to help airports navigate through the increasing headwinds. Our mission is to empower airports with data and intelligence like this report – as well with the tools, support and advocacy they need to thrive in this dynamic environment.”
