But all airports are not equal. Some are so incredibly huge and well-designed, they are virtual cities in and of themselves. Think endless terminals, sleek architecture, and everything from luxury lounges to high-end shopping. In this roundup, we’re exploring the top 10 biggest airports in the world; where these places are destinations in themselves.
1. King Fahd International Airport (DMM), Saudi Arabia
Hold on to your boarding pass—this is a complete giant. Situated in Dammam, King Fahd International is actually the largest airport in the world by surface area. 780 square kilometers! Almost as big as New York City! It even has its own royal terminal reserved for use by the Saudi royal family.
2. Denver International Airport (DEN), USA
Not only famous for that horse sculpture with red glowy eyes (the locals call it “Blucifer”), but it’s also America’s largest airport in terms of square mileage. It spans about 135 square kilometers. This airport is actually fairly high-tech with art pieces and a cool underground train.
3. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), USA
All things come bigger in Texas, and so does DFW. It’s basically a mini-metropolis—its own ZIP code and over 60 restaurants. Covering around 70 square kilometers, it features direct flights to more than 260 cities.
4. Orlando International Airport (MCO), USA
If you’ve ever flown in to see Mickey and the gang, you’ve landed at Orlando International. Not only is it Florida’s busiest airport, but it also covers around 54 square kilometers. Bonus points for having a hotel right inside the main terminal and a mini-monorail system that feels like a Disney ride.
5. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), USA
Outside of the nation’s capital city proper is Dulles, an area of 52.6 square kilometers. The buildings are sleek and space-age-looking courtesy of designer Eero Saarinen (the same guy responsible for the TWA terminal at JFK). It’s a gigantic hub of international traffic, so be prepared to hear half a dozen languages before you’ve even reached baggage claim.
6. Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), China
Dubbed “The Starfish,” this future airport is one of the world’s most beautiful. It was inaugurated in 2019 and spans approximately 47 square kilometers and has a capacity to handle over 100 million passengers annually. Its shape is so brilliant that it only takes less than 8 minutes to move from security to any gate.
7. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), USA
Houston, we have no issue; except maybe that issue being how to determine what to have to eat with this massive enormous airport. At 44.5 square kilometers, IAH is one of the largest U.S. airports. With five terminals and an underground train network, if feels less like a layover and more like a city where your biggest dilemma is picking between tacos or tamales.
8. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), China
Talk chic and shiny! Pudong Airport is China’s second-largest airport and one of Asia’s busiest. It covers about 40 square kilometers and has two terminals connected by a high-speed maglev train. Duty-free shopping extravagance and hi-tech lounges are foreign travelers’ dream fantasy.
9. Cairo International Airport (CAI), Egypt
Africa’s biggest airport? Yes, Cairo International, taking up approximately 37 square kilometers. With three terminals and much history behind it, this airport is a gateway to the past and the future. The ambiance here is a mix of ancient civilization meets modern travel.
10. Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Thailand
Welcome to Bangkok! Suvarnabhumi Airport is large and gorgeous. At 32.4 square kilometers, it has lovely gardens, exquisite pieces of art, and top-of-the-line lounges that would make some hotels envious. It’s no wonder so many claim that it’s among the best airports in the world.
What Makes The Top 10 Biggest Airport in The World?
It’s not just about runway real estate. These airports are huge because they’ve got it all—international terminals, cargo, hotels, shopping malls, monorails, and even golf courses. Seriously, some airports are essentially resort towns with airplanes.
So, if you’re a frequent flyer or just someone who likes a bit of airport rumor mill, now you know where the world’s biggest aviation giants call home. When you next soar through the skies, you might well land in one of these giants—and have a story to tell.
