Atlanta loves to be No. 1, whether it’s home to the World Series champs, The Braves or being the world’s busiest airport. Some titles are just too good to let go of! The Airports Council International (ACI) World recently announced the top 10 busiest airports worldwide and once again named Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) as No. 1. In 2023, ATL served handled more passengers and conducted more aircraft movements than any other airport in the world.
Needless to say, Atlanta is happy to be at the top again! Atlanta reigned as the World’s Busiest Airport for 22 years until it was surpassed in 2020 by Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in China.
As verified by ACI, preliminary data for total passenger traffic rankings show that in 2023, ATL served 104.7 million passengers passing through the Airport, an increase of almost 12 percent from 2022. Atlanta is back to its pre-pandemic numbers of 100 million or more people each year. Traffic is still down 5% from the 2019 travel high of 110.5 million passengers.
“The title underscores our city’s economic vitality,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. “Its a testament to our global connectivity and an affirmation of our city’s place on the world stage.”
ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira said, “Global air travel in 2023 was chiefly fueled by the international segment, propelled by several factors. Among these were the anticipated benefits from China’s reopening and a growing inclination towards travel despite macroeconomic conditions. While perennial leaders from the US continue to dominate the top 10 busiest airports for passengers, notably Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport retaining its number one position, there are notable shifts. Dubai International Airport jumped to second rank for the first time, while Tokyo Haneda International Airport witnessed a remarkable ascent from no. 16 position in 2022 to no. 5 in 2023. Additionally, the unwavering strength of Istanbul and New Delhi airports keep them in top ranks, marking significant progress over 2019.
Atlanta was surpassed in 2020 by Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in China, ending a 22-year run at the top.
Want more information on the World’s Busiest Airport? Visit www.ATL.com.
There is lots to do near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in the Airport District. Click here to discover more.
This isn’t a flex anymore. It’s also known as the worlds worst airport with longest security lines, rudest employees, and overall bad reputation among travelers. We need a second airport at this point like any other major city. I live in Atlanta and will drive to SC or NC just to avoid Hartsfield Jackson. Only airport in the world where you can arrive 4 hours before takeoff and still miss your flight.