Global air travel has bounced back. In 2024, international air travel reached record-breaking levels, with over 9.4 billion passengers taking to the skies. Airports Council International (ACI) reports that the top 20 airports alone handled 1.54 billion travellers, reflecting the unstoppable momentum of global aviation.
Top 10 Busiest Airports for International Passengers
Below is a detailed list of the top 10 busiest airports worldwide for international passenger traffic in 2024. Each airport’s ranking, passenger volume, and growth trends are highlighted to help travellers and industry watchers stay informed.
1. Dubai International Airport (DXB), UAE
No surprise here. Dubai holds the crown once again as the world’s busiest airport for international travel. With strong connections across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, DXB remains a key hub for long-haul routes. It also saw a solid recovery above 2019 levels, a sign of Dubai’s strategic importance as a global crossroads.
- Passengers in 2024: 92,331,506
- Change vs 2023: +6.1%
- Change vs 2019: +7.0%
2. London Heathrow Airport (LHR), UK
London Heathrow keeps its second-place spot, serving as the main gateway for transatlantic and European routes. Despite Brexit complications, London continues to thrive as an aviation hub, partly thanks to the UK’s extensive flight network and Heathrow’s massive infrastructure.
- Passengers in 2024: 79,194,330
- Change vs 2023: +5.7%
- Change vs 2019: +4.1%
3. Incheon International Airport (ICN), South Korea
Incheon made a big leap, from 7th place in 2023 to 3rd in 2024. This sharp rebound highlights South Korea’s return to the global travel scene, particularly with increased traffic to North America and Southeast Asia.
- Passengers in 2024: 70,669,246
- Change vs 2023: +26.7%
- Change vs 2019: +0.1%
4. Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), Singapore
Changi Airport remains a passenger favourite again, known for its efficient layout and top-tier amenities. It bounced back close to pre-pandemic levels, fueled by a rise in Southeast Asia and Oceania traffic.
- Passengers in 2024: 67,063,000
- Change vs 2023: +14.8%
- Change vs 2019: -0.8%
5. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), Netherlands
Amsterdam stays in the top five, although it’s still catching up to its 2019 volume. Environmental regulations and flight caps may be slowing full recovery, but its role as a connecting hub for Europe keeps traffic strong.
- Passengers in 2024: 66,825,240
- Change vs 2023: +8.0%
- Change vs 2019: -6.8%
6. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), France
France’s main international gateway stays steady, though like Schiphol, it’s slightly below pre-pandemic numbers. However, CDG continues to benefit from France’s popularity with tourists and its central location in Europe.
- Passengers in 2024: 64,469,356
- Change vs 2023: +5.0%
- Change vs 2019: -7.7%
7. Istanbul Airport (IST), Turkey
Istanbul is the breakout performer. Compared to 2019, it’s seen nearly 60% growth. As Turkish Airlines expands its long-haul routes and Istanbul positions itself as a key connector between East and West, this upward trend is likely to continue.
- Passengers in 2024: 62,975,429
- Change vs 2023: +8.1%
- Change vs 2019: +59.1%
8. Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Germany
Frankfurt’s numbers show a slower recovery, still nearly 11% below 2019 traffic. But it remains one of Europe’s largest and most vital hubs for global connections, particularly to North America and Asia.
- Passengers in 2024: 56,185,219
- Change vs 2023: +3.9%
- Change vs 2019: -10.9%
9. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), Hong Kong
Hong Kong saw a strong rebound in 2024, though it’s still far from pre-COVID levels. Its heavy reliance on mainland China and business travel explains the lag, but the 34% year-over-year growth signals major recovery in motion.
- Passengers in 2024: 52,949,047
- Change vs 2023: +34.4%
- Change vs 2019: -23.9%
10. Hamad International Airport (DOH), Qatar
Doha rounds out the top 10, continuing its rise as a key Middle Eastern hub. With Qatar Airways’ global expansion and a modern terminal to match, DOH has firmly established itself in the global top tier.
- Passengers in 2024: 52,714,976
- Change vs 2023: +14.8%
- Change vs 2019: +35.9%
Why These Airports Matter
These airports are not just transit points, they are gateways to the world, connecting continents and cultures. Their continued growth underscores the resilience and adaptability of the aviation industry amid global challenges.
What This Means for Global Travel
- Dubai and London continue to dominate international traffic.
- Asia is back, with Seoul, Singapore, and Hong Kong bouncing upward.
- Istanbul and Doha are climbing fast, thanks to strategic geography and airline expansion.
- European hubs like Frankfurt and Amsterdam are slower to recover, partly due to environmental and regulatory pressures.
If you’re planning long-haul international travel, chances are you’ll be passing through one of these ten.
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