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Travelers are on the move again, resulting in a shift in the ranking of international aviation hubs on the list of the world’s busiest airports. The top spot remains unchanged, with Hartsfield-Jackson International in Atlanta holding the No. 1 position in 2023, except for 2020 which was impacted by the pandemic.
Dubai has now claimed the second spot for the first time, with an increase in passenger volume to around 87 million in 2023. This marks a 31% year-on-year growth and a 1% increase from 2019. Dubai connected 262 destinations in 104 countries with 102 international airlines, showcasing its rapid growth in the aviation industry.
The industry expansion in the Middle East and Asia Pacific is driving this growth, as indicated by Dubai’s rise from 5th place in 2022. Despite this, Atlanta remains in a secure position with 104.7 million passengers in 2023, staying ahead of Dubai.
Globally, passenger traffic in 2023 increased by 27% compared to 2022, almost reaching 94% of 2019 figures. Domestic travel recovered faster, growing by 20% and reaching 97% of 2019 levels. The international market drove recovery in 2023, growing by 37% and reaching 90% of 2019 figures.
London Heathrow and Tokyo Haneda made significant jumps in the rankings, signaling the return of passenger numbers to normal levels in Asian markets. Istanbul Airport maintained its position at 7th place, while New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport fell to 10th place in 2023.
The global outlook for continued growth is positive, although challenges like supply chain issues and a shortage of air traffic controllers in the US persist. Airlines are expected to delay the retirement of less efficient aircraft to meet demand, highlighting the need for resilience in the aviation sector.
With these developments, it is crucial to be prepared for future challenges to ensure a smooth travel experience for passengers.
In 2023, the top 10 airports with the highest passenger traffic were Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, Dubai, Dallas/Fort Worth, London Heathrow, Tokyo Haneda, Denver, Istanbul, Los Angeles, Chicago O’Hare, and Delhi.
