Largest Airports in the USA by Area in 2024: Full List & Key Facts

As air travel continues to expand into 2024, airport size and capacity play a key role in handling surges in passenger and cargo demand. The list covers the largest airports in the United States, highlighting not only their vast layout but also their importance in the U.S. transportation network. Learn how these thousands of acres of airports support the busiest and most efficient skies.

The 10 largest airports in the United States (2024)

Airport land area is more than just a number on a map. Larger airports generally have the flexibility to manage high passenger traffic, greater cargo volumes and robust airline operations. Here is a list of the largest airports in the United States:

rank

AIRPORT

Place

Area (square kilometers)

annual passenger numbers

1

Denver International Airport (DEN)

Denver, Colorado

137.26

58.8 million

2

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

Dallas, Texas

69.63

70 million

3

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Orlando, Florida

53.83

40 million

4

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Dulles, Virginia

52.6

24 million

5

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

Houston, Texas

40.5

45 million

6

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

salt lake city utah

31.1

24 million

7

O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

Chicago, Illinois

30.9

80 million

8

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

San Francisco, California

21.07

not specified

9

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

new york, new york

twenty one

60 million

10

Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)

Detroit, Michigan

19.6

34 million

Airports with sufficient space can develop additional terminals, lounges, parking, and even entertainment facilities to enhance the overall travel experience. They also make operations more streamlined for airlines and ground staff, reducing delays and supporting smoother connections.

America’s largest airport

1. Denver International Airport (DEN)

Area: 33,917 acres

Location: Denver, Colorado

Denver International Airport is the largest airport in the United States by land area and one of the most extensive in the world. With its iconic white tented building, it connects passengers to domestic and international destinations and is a major hub for travel to the Rockies.

2. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

Area: 17,050 acres

Location: Dallas, Texas

Covering more than 17,000 acres, DFW is one of the busiest airports in the United States and a major hub for American Airlines. Its massive size accommodates five terminals and wide runways to support commercial and cargo flights.

3. Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Area: 13301.683 acres

Location: Orlando, Florida

As the gateway to Florida’s world-famous attractions, MCO is one of the largest in the United States. With its massive layout, it effectively hosts millions of visitors every year, providing streamlined connections to theme parks, beaches and resorts.

4. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Area: 12997.74 acres

Location: Dulles, Virginia

Located near the nation’s capital, IAD supports extensive international travel with its impressive land coverage and facilities. The airport’s spacious design includes a uniquely structured terminal building that enhances capacity and passenger experience.

5. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

Area: 10,000 acres

Location: Houston, Texas

IAH is critical to connecting Houston to global destinations, especially Latin America. Its vast layout accommodates extensive cargo facilities, serves as a hub for United Airlines and supports the region’s growing economic importance.

6. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

Area: 7,700 acres

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

SLC’s vast area supports its position as a major hub for Delta Air Lines, providing efficient connections across the western United States and international destinations. The airport’s recent renovations have further enhanced its capacity.

7. O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

Area: 7,627 acres

Location: Chicago, Illinois

O’Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world, with a large land area, vast terminals and runways to manage large numbers of passengers. ORD connects the Midwest to destinations around the world and is a key hub for American Airlines and United Airlines.

8. San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Area: 5,207 acres

Location: San Francisco, California

SFO’s location along the Pacific Coast makes it a strategic location for transpacific flights, and its large area can accommodate significant passenger and cargo traffic. The airport also supports sustainable practices and aims to be a leading eco-friendly airport.

9. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Area: 5200 acres

Location: New York City, NY

JFK Airport’s extensive footprint and capacity connect New York City to international destinations around the world. As the main point of entry into the United States, it remains one of the busiest airports, offering a wide range of international flights.

10. Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)

Area: 4,850 acres

Location: Detroit, Michigan

DTW plays an important role in connecting the Midwest to destinations around the world, covering a vast area that includes multiple terminals and runways. The airport carries high passenger traffic and is a hub for Delta Air Lines.

The largest airport in the United States contributes significantly to the nation’s air traffic management, connecting millions of passengers and cargo on every continent. Whether you are traveling domestically or internationally, these massive airports ensure a smooth, efficient and comfortable travel experience, reinforcing their importance as critical infrastructure in the U.S. air transportation network.