15 Biggest Airports in the World, Ranked by Size
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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
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City: Salt Lake City, Utah
How Big Is Salt Lake City International
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Size: 12.05 square miles (31.2 square kilometers)
Bottom Line: Salt Lake City International
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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
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City: Roissy-en-France
How Big Is Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
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Size: 12.5 square miles (32.38 square kilometers)
Bottom Line: Paris Charles de Gaulle
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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)
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City: Bangkok
How Big Is Suvarnabhumi International
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Size: 14.29 square miles (37 square kilometers)
Bottom Line: Suvarnabhumi International
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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)
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City: Cairo
How Big Is Cairo International
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Size: 14.29 square miles (37 square kilometers)
Bottom Line: Cairo International
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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
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City: Shanghai
How Big Is Shanghai Pudong International
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Size: 15.44 square miles (40 square kilometers)
Bottom Line: Shanghai Pudong International
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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)
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City: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
How Big Is Pittsburgh International
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Size: 15.64 square miles (40.5 square kilometers)
Bottom Line: Pittsburgh International
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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)
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City: Houston, Texas
How Big Is George Bush Intercontinental
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Size: 15.64 square miles (40.5 square kilometers)
Bottom Line: George Bush Intercontinental
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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
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City: Kansas City, Missouri
How Big Is Kansas City International
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Size: 16.68 square miles (43.2 square kilometers)
Bottom Line: Kansas City International
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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
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City: Beijing
How Big Is Beijing Daxing International
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Size: 18.15 square miles (47 square kilometers)
Bottom Line: Beijing Daxing International
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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
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City: Orlando, Florida
How Big Is Orlando International
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Size: 19.69 square miles (51 square kilometers)
Bottom Line: Orlando International
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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
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City: Dulles, Virginia
How Big Is Washington Dulles International
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Size: 20.31 square miles (52.6 square kilometers)
Bottom Line: Washington Dulles International
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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
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City: Fort Myers, Florida
How Big Is Southwest Florida International
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Size: 21.2 square miles (54.9 square kilometers)
Bottom Line: Southwest Florida International
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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
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City: Irving, Texas
How Big Is Dallas/Fort Worth International
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Size: 26.97 square miles (69.6 square kilometers)
Bottom Line: Dallas/Fort Worth International
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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
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City: Denver, Colorado
How Big Is Denver International
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Size: 52.39 square miles (135.7 square kilometers)
Bottom Line: Denver International
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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
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City: Dammam
How Big Is King Fahd International
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Size: 301 square miles (780 square kilometers)
Bottom Line: King Fahd International
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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