The busiest U.S. airports use a variety of aircraft. Learn more about why they’re popular and what their capacities are.
The United States is the center of the world when it comes to aviation, both commercial and private. Being such a huge nation with rapid development, most people fly to cut down on travel times and visit friends and family.
In terms of business, aviation allows people to meet with clients in Texas and be home for dinner in California on the same day. It opens up a world of opportunities and keeps you one step ahead of your competition.
With so many of us flying regularly, you might be curious about which airports are busiest and which aircraft are most frequently used to make these cross-continental trips. Let’s explore both below.
1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
ATL has been the busiest airport in the U.S. for several years, and it’s not hard to see why. Serving as a major hub for Delta Air Lines, ATL handled almost 60 million passengers in 2023. It operates almost 200 gates and offers extensive services, including 24/7 operations and ten different lounges for a range of passenger needs.
Atlanta is also within a two-hour flight from most major cities in the U.S., making ATL a popular layover destination for travelers on connecting flights. The city also attracts a large number of leisure travelers, both international and domestic, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Events like the Superbowl, soccer tournament finals, and cultural festivals all give ATL reason to handle large movements of people. As a key gateway for tourists visiting the southeastern U.S., ATL sees a steady flow of both domestic and international visitors.
2. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is not only the busiest airport in California but also one of the busiest airports in the world. LAX sees nearly 41 million passengers annually, making it a vital gateway for both domestic and international flights.
As the primary hub for American Airlines and a major base for Southwest Airlines, LAX also serves as a key connecting airport for travelers heading to Asia, Latin America, and the Pacific.
Los Angeles is a major tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year to its attractions, such as Hollywood, Universal Studios, Disneyland, and its iconic beaches. International travelers often list L.A. in their top three destinations in the U.S.A. Tourists worldwide fly into LAX to experience these attractions, contributing to the airport’s high passenger volume.
LAX is also home to two private Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) terminals, making it well-suited for a private plane charter.
3. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is the third busiest airport in the U.S.A., with 39 million passengers in 2023. DFW’s central location in the country makes it an ideal hub for both domestic and international travel.
Located between major metropolitan areas like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, DFW is perfectly positioned to serve as a major connecting airport.
DFW serves as the primary hub for American Airlines, one of the largest airlines in the world. American operates over 850 flights from the airport every single day. Dallas and Fort Worth are also major economic and business hubs.
The Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area is home to several Fortune 500 companies, like AT&T, McKesson, and Caterpillar. This contributes to the airport’s vast private aviation economy, as well as its high passenger volume commercially.
Attractions like Six Flags Over Texas, AT&T Stadium, and Dallas’s cultural district attract millions of visitors each year. Additionally, the region hosts major events like the Texas State Fair, professional sports events, and large-scale conventions, all of which bring in high numbers of tourists and visitors.
4. Denver International Airport (DEN)
Denver International Airport (DEN) is the largest airport in the U.S. by land area and the fourth-busiest by passenger traffic. Located in Colorado, it serves around 37 million passengers annually. DEN is a major hub for Southwest Airlines and United Airlines. Denver International is an iconic landmark in its own right, known for its distinctive peaked roof.
The airport is a critical hub for travel to the mountain and western U.S. regions, particularly during peak ski seasons. Its proximity to major ski resorts in Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah makes it the airport of choice for winter travelers.
DEN also benefits from a large number of business travelers who attend the city’s vast number of annual conferences, such as the WoAA 2025 Conference and the 2025 Pathways to Growth Business Summit.
The airport recently underwent a $200 million expansion, which helped it accommodate its huge volume of travelers.
5. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is consistently ranked as one of the busiest airports in the U.S. Located in Illinois, it serves as a primary hub for United Airlines and American Airlines. O’Hare offers more than 200 gates and caters to over 35 million passengers every year.
As a major center for domestic connections and international flights, O’Hare plays a vital role in connecting the Midwest to the rest of the nation.
O’Hare also benefits from airline alliances. Through these alliances and codeshare agreements, passengers are able to book flights with multiple airlines, using O’Hare as a convenient connection point.
Most Popular Aircraft Used in the United States
The most popular aircraft in the U.S. are commonly used for both short domestic and long-haul international flights. The Boeing 737 is a favorite for airlines like Southwest, American, and Delta, due to its versatility and efficiency for medium-range flights, which are common in the U.S.
For long-haul routes, the Boeing 777 is a national favorite. Its spacious cabin accommodates up to 368 passengers, making it ideal for transatlantic and transpacific flights.
Finally, the Airbus A380, famous for its double-deck design and huge capacity of up to 500 passengers, is often used for long-haul flights to Asia and the Middle East, particularly at airports like LAX.
These Airports Are Built for Busy
The busiest airports in the U.S. connect millions of passengers every year. No matter where you are in the U.S., you’re never far from an airport that’s well-equipped to cater to all your aviation needs, whether private or commercial.
