Which Is The Largest Airport In The US By Area And Traffic?

Denver International Airport (DEN) is the largest airport in the US in terms of area, spanning over 33,531 acres, whereas Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the busiest airport in the US in terms of passenger traffic, handling more than 93 million passengers per year. The airports may both be considered to be in the domain of dominance; however, they both represent the size and intricacy of air transportation in the U.S.

Here, we decode the meaning behind being the biggest airport not only in land area but also in the traffic volume, and the best U.S. airports are compared.

What Does “Largest Airport” Really Mean?

When people ask, “What is the biggest airport in USA?”, it depends on how you define “biggest”:

• By Area (Land Size): Measures the physical size in acres or square miles.
  

• By Passenger Traffic: Number of passengers handled annually.
  

• By Aircraft Movements: Number of takeoffs and landings.

This article focuses on area and passenger traffic, the two most searched and recognized metrics.

 

Largest U.S. Airport by Area: Denver International Airport (DEN)

Location: Denver, Colorado

Land Area: 33,531 acres (52.4 square miles)

Denver International Airport is massive; in fact, it’s larger than Manhattan. It was designed with long-term expansion in mind and remains relatively uncongested compared to other major U.S. airports.

Key Facts:

• Opened in 1995.
  
• 6 runways (up to 16,000 ft long).
  
• Hub for United, Southwest, and Frontier Airlines.
  
• Built with future capacity and minimal urban encroachment.
  
• A public art collection and underground conspiracy theories make it even more fascinating.

Its central U.S. location also makes it a strategic transit point for coast-to-coast and transcontinental flights.

Busiest U.S. Airport by Passenger Traffic: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (ATL)

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Annual Passengers: ~93 million (2023)

While Denver is the biggest by area, Atlanta leads the nation in passenger volume. Thanks to its position as Delta Air Lines’ main hub and its proximity to the Southeastern U.S., ATL has remained the busiest airport in the US for many years.

Key Stats:

• Opened in 1926.
  
• Handles over 2,500 flights daily.
  
• Two parallel runways can operate simultaneously.
  
• Excellent domestic and international connectivity.
  
• Economic engine for the Southeastern U.S.

ATL serves as a major transit point for domestic travelers and those connecting to Europe, Latin America, and Africa.

Top 5 U.S. Airports by Area & Passenger Traffic: Comparison

 

• Denver International Airport (DEN) – Colorado
  ➤ Land Area: 33,531 acres
  ➤ Annual Passengers (2023): ~77 million

• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) – Texas
  ➤ Land Area: 17,207 acres
  ➤ Annual Passengers (2023): ~78 million

• Orlando International Airport (MCO) – Florida
  ➤ Land Area: 13,302 acres
  ➤ Annual Passengers (2023): ~50 million

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) – Georgia
  ➤ Land Area: 4,700 acres
  ➤ Annual Passengers (2023): ~93 million

• Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) – Illinois
  ➤ Land Area: 7,627 acres
  ➤ Annual Passengers (2023): ~73 million

Why Is Airport Size Important?

• Expansion Potential: Larger airports can scale runways, terminals, and facilities without disrupting existing infrastructure.
  

• Efficient Traffic Management: More runways and taxiways reduce congestion.
  

• Better Safety Buffer Zones: Large plots allow for safer emergency planning.
  

• Long-Term Cost Savings: Avoid costly relocation or land disputes.

Why Passenger Traffic Matters Too?

• Airline Hubs & Revenue: More passengers mean more flights, routes, and airline investments.
  

• Connectivity: Busiest airports serve as global transit nodes.
  

• Tourism & Economic Impact: High traffic boosts local economies through tourism, business, and jobs.
  

• Infrastructure Planning: Helps government agencies allocate funds for roads, public transport, and technology upgrades.

 

To Summarize

While Denver International Airport leads in land size and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson dominates in passenger traffic, both are crucial pillars of America’s air travel infrastructure. Ultimately, a “major” airport balances expansive physical space with efficient passenger and flight volume, making both metrics essential to defining its true scale and impact.

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FAQs 

Q1. Which airport in the U.S. is the largest by land area?

Denver International Airport (DEN) in Colorado — 33,531 acres.

Q2. Which U.S. airport handles the most passengers?

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) — ~93 million in 2023.

Q3. Is the largest airport also the busiest?

No. Denver is the largest by area, while Atlanta is the busiest by passenger volume.

Q4. What is the biggest airport in Texas?

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) — 17,207 acres and ~78M passengers.

Q5. Why is Denver Airport so big?

Built with long-term growth in mind, its remote location allowed planners to secure vast land early on.