The United States is home to thousands of airports, connecting millions of people to destinations all around the world. From small regional airports to bustling international hubs, these airports play a key role in travel and trade. Here’s a guide to some of the most important and busiest airports across the country.
Table of Contents
List of Airports in United States
1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) – Atlanta, Georgia
- Type: International
- Known For: Being the busiest airport in the world
Hartsfield-Jackson is consistently ranked as the busiest airport in the world in terms of passenger traffic. It serves as a major hub for domestic and international flights, connecting travelers to cities across the globe. The airport is also a key hub for Delta Airlines.
2. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – Los Angeles, California
- Type: International
- Known For: Serving Hollywood and being a major international gateway
LAX is one of the largest and most well-known airports in the United States. It’s the primary airport for Los Angeles and a major entry point for travelers from Asia, Europe, and beyond. With its iconic LAX sign, the airport is also a hub for film stars and tourists heading to Hollywood.
3. O’Hare International Airport (ORD) – Chicago, Illinois
- Type: International
- Known For: Extensive domestic and international connections
O’Hare is one of the busiest airports in the United States and serves as a key hub for flights across the Midwest. It has numerous international routes and is known for its high traffic volume, especially for flights to and from Europe and Asia. The airport is a major hub for United Airlines and American Airlines.
4. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) – Dallas, Texas
- Type: International
- Known For: Huge size and major connections through American Airlines
DFW Airport is one of the largest in terms of land area and serves as a key hub for flights throughout the United States and internationally. It’s the main hub for American Airlines and offers a wide range of domestic and international flights, making it a major gateway to the southern U.S.
5. Denver International Airport (DEN) – Denver, Colorado
- Type: International
- Known For: Unique architecture and vast size
Denver International is known for its distinct tent-like roof and massive size. It serves as a hub for travelers flying to both coasts and internationally. The airport is also well-known for its large area, making it one of the biggest airports by land size in the world.
6. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) – New York, New York
- Type: International
- Known For: Major international travel hub, especially to Europe and Asia
JFK is the largest airport in New York City and one of the busiest on the East Coast. It offers numerous international flights, with major routes to Europe, Asia, and beyond. JFK is also a significant hub for international airlines like British Airways, Emirates, and Delta Airlines.
7. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – San Francisco, California
- Type: International
- Known For: Gateway to Asia and tech industry travel
SFO serves as a major airport for the West Coast, particularly for flights to and from Asia. It’s also a key travel hub for the technology industry, as many business travelers use SFO to fly in and out of Silicon Valley. The airport is known for its modern design and excellent services for international passengers.
8. Miami International Airport (MIA) – Miami, Florida
- Type: International
- Known For: Gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean
Miami International is the top airport for flights to Latin America and the Caribbean, making it a major travel hub for vacationers and business travelers alike. It’s also a popular airport for flights to Europe and the United States. Miami’s tropical location makes it a key link between North and South America.
9. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) – Seattle, Washington
- Type: International
- Known For: Strong connections to Asia and the Pacific Northwest
Often referred to as Sea-Tac, this airport serves as the main hub for the Pacific Northwest. It has extensive connections to cities in Asia, as well as domestic flights across the U.S. Sea-Tac is a major hub for Alaska Airlines and Delta Airlines.
10. Orlando International Airport (MCO) – Orlando, Florida
- Type: International
- Known For: Gateway to Florida’s theme parks and vacation spots
Orlando International is the go-to airport for people heading to Florida’s famous theme parks, such as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. The airport handles millions of tourists every year and has a wide variety of domestic and international flights, especially to Europe and South America.
Other Notable Airports:
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) – Boston, Massachusetts: A key hub for flights to Europe and domestic routes on the East Coast.
- Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) – Las Vegas, Nevada: A busy airport that serves tourists headed to Las Vegas and the surrounding areas.
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) – Phoenix, Arizona: A major airport for flights to the southwestern U.S. and popular vacation spots.
Conclusion
The United States has a wide range of airports, from massive international hubs to smaller regional airports that connect people across the country. Whether you’re flying for business or pleasure, these airports are key to making travel easier and more efficient. From the sunny beaches of Miami to the snowy peaks of Denver, there’s an airport ready to take you where you need to go.
List of Airports in the United States – FAQs
1. How many airports are there in the U.S.?
There are more than 5,000 public airports across the United States, including major international hubs and smaller regional airports.
2. What is the busiest airport in the U.S.?
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the busiest airport in the U.S. and the world, serving over 100 million passengers each year.
3. Which airport is the largest by area?
Denver International Airport (DEN) is the largest in the U.S. by total land area, covering 33,531 acres.
4. What are the top 5 major airports in the U.S.?
Some of the biggest and busiest airports include:
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL)
- Los Angeles International (LAX)
- Chicago O’Hare International (ORD)
- Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW)
- Denver International (DEN)
5. Do all states in the U.S. have airports?
Yes, every state in the U.S. has at least one airport, though some may only have smaller regional airports.
6. What’s the difference between international and domestic airports?
International airports handle flights to and from other countries, while domestic airports only manage flights within the U.S.
7. Can I fly to small towns in the U.S.?
Yes, many regional airports connect smaller towns and cities to larger hubs, making travel across the country easy.
8. How do I know if an airport is international?
An airport is considered international if it has customs facilities to handle flights arriving from or departing to other countries. You’ll usually see “International” in the airport’s name.
