The 10 Biggest Airports in the U.S. by Size and Passenger Traffic (2025 Guide)

When traveling across the United States, chances are you’ll pass through one of its giant airports. Whether you're chasing business, sunshine, or adventure, these sprawling transit hubs are essential connectors in a country built for air travel. In this guide, we’ll cover the 10 biggest U.S. airports based on land size and traffic—plus what makes each worth knowing about.

5/4/20253 min read

1. Denver International Airport (DEN), Colorado)

Size: 33,531 acres
Passenger Traffic (2023): Over 77 million
Main Airlines: United, Southwest, Frontier

Why It Stands Out:
DEN is the largest airport in the U.S. by land—so vast it could fit Manhattan inside its borders. Known for its iconic peaked roof and strange conspiracy theories, Denver also offers modern amenities and is a major connection point for domestic flights.

2. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Texas

Size: 17,207 acres
Passenger Traffic (2023): 81.7 million
Main Airlines: American Airlines (hub)

Why It Stands Out:
DFW is a city in itself. With its own ZIP code, extensive Skylink train system, and nonstop flights to six continents, it’s an international powerhouse. American Airlines uses this hub to connect travelers across the globe.

3. Orlando International Airport (MCO), Florida

Size: 13,302 acres
Passenger Traffic (2023): 57.6 million
Main Airlines: Southwest, Spirit, JetBlue

Why It Stands Out:
As the gateway to Disney World and Florida’s theme park capital, MCO is packed with families and leisure travelers. It's also the largest airport in Florida by land area, offering sleek terminals and efficient security.

4. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Virginia

Size: 13,000 acres
Passenger Traffic (2023): Around 25 million
Main Airlines: United (hub)

Why It Stands Out:
IAD is the primary international airport for the nation's capital. Designed by architect Eero Saarinen, it’s best known for its unique "mobile lounges" and sprawling international flight network.

5. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Texas

Size: 10,000 acres
Passenger Traffic (2023): ~45 million
Main Airlines: United (hub)

Why It Stands Out:
IAH is Houston’s main international gateway and plays a key role in Latin American travel. It offers five terminals, each designed to handle a specific passenger flow.

6. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), Utah)

Size: 7,700 acres
Passenger Traffic (2023): 25+ million
Main Airlines: Delta (hub)

Why It Stands Out:
Famous for its punctuality and clean design, SLC is undergoing a multi-billion-dollar upgrade. It's a favorite for travelers heading to national parks or ski resorts in the Rockies.

7. O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Illinois

Size: 7,627 acres
Passenger Traffic (2023): 75.1 million
Main Airlines: United, American Airlines

Why It Stands Out:
ORD consistently ranks as one of the busiest airports in the world by aircraft movement. Its efficient terminal layout and new modernization projects make it a crucial midwestern hub.

8. San Francisco International Airport (SFO), California

Size: 5,207 acres
Passenger Traffic (2023): 50.8 million
Main Airlines: United (hub), Alaska Airlines

Why It Stands Out:
SFO boasts world-class lounges, green buildings, and even a yoga room. It’s a leading U.S. airport for transpacific flights and serves as a major hub to Asia and Oceania.

9. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York

Size: 5,200 acres
Passenger Traffic (2023): 61.8 million
Main Airlines: Delta, JetBlue

Why It Stands Out:
JFK is the busiest international air passenger gateway in North America. Currently undergoing a major $19 billion transformation, it’s central to New York’s global identity.

10. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), California

Size: 3,500 acres
Passenger Traffic (2023): 75 million
Main Airlines: Delta, American, Alaska, United

Why It Stands Out:
LAX is a top global hub, especially for flights to Asia and the Pacific. Despite traffic and construction, its modernization is elevating the experience through updated terminals and improved passenger flow.

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Final Thoughts

America’s biggest airports are more than transit points—they are cities within cities, powering tourism, business, and global connections. Whether you're flying through the open plains of Denver or the bustling terminals of JFK, understanding these giants can help you plan smoother, more informed travel.