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Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is one of Delta Air Lines’ most essential hubs. But as of last week, it’s also officially the busiest airport in the world.
According to Airports Council International (ACI), the trade association that represents the world’s airports, ATL served 104.6 million travelers in 2023. That is an 11.7% increase in traffic compared to 2022 — another year in which they crowned the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) as the busiest in the world.
Several U.S. airports made the top 10 list of ACI’s annual ranking, including Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (#3), Denver International Airport (#6), Los Angeles International Airport (#8), and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (#9).
ACI’s report brings encouraging news for the aviation industry. It reveals positive trends in both domestic and international air travel. Despite the challenges, the demand for domestic flights remains robust, with passenger numbers at 96.8% of the 2019 traffic. Global air traffic has seen a 36.5% increase, reaching 90.4% of the 2019 passenger levels.
According to ACI’s world director general, Luis Felipe de Oliveira, the international segment played a vital role in the growth of global air travel in 2023, driven by several factors.
“Among these were the anticipated benefits from China’s reopening and a growing inclination towards travel despite macroeconomic conditions.”
Other notable air travel stats include the 55.1% increase in passengers at Tokyo-Haneda International Airport compared to last year’s numbers. This is the most significant jump for any global airport — an understandable change after the country reopened to tourists in late 2022.
Felipe de Oliveria emphasized the importance of these transportation hubs in global connectivity, commerce, and economic development.
“Airports are not just gateways to destinations, but they are also engines of growth, demonstrating their resilience and adaptability amidst the challenges posed by the ever-evolving landscape of global travel.”
Perhaps the most impressive statistic revealed in ACI’s report? A whopping 8.5 billion passengers traveled worldwide, representing a more than 25% increase compared to 2022.
Jessica is a freelance journalist on a quest to see and experience everything our gorgeous planet offers and share her experiences with her fellow travelers. Jessica has written for several world-class Travel Magazines.
