In a world that never slows down, airports have become vibrant hubs, accommodating millions of travelers each month. In 2024, Dubai International Airport (DXB) leads the way with 5.1 million passengers, closely trailed by London Heathrow Airport (LHR) at 4.2 million. These remarkable numbers underscore the crucial roles these airports play in international travel. Let’s take a look at the top 10 busiest airports of 2024 and see how airssist can help alleviate the stress of navigating these crowded terminals with its premium VIP services worldwide. Let’s get started!
Dubai International (DXB)
Dubai International Airport (DXB), recognized as the busiest airport in the world for international traffic, welcomed an impressive 44.9 million passengers in the first half of 2024, marking an 8% increase compared to the previous year. This growth was fueled by robust demand from key markets such as India and a remarkable recovery in traffic from China, which experienced an 80% year-on-year increase, exceeding one million passengers. With projections of 91.8 million passengers for the entire year, DXB is set to break its 2018 record of 89.1 million. As a vital hub for tourism and trade, Dubai continues to attract visitors, supported by favorable tax policies and open immigration.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is a vital hub for major airlines like Emirates, flydubai, and Qatar Airways, linking travelers to important global destinations such as London, New York, Sydney, Mumbai, and Beijing. Emirates, the airport’s main carrier, offers a wide range of long-haul flights to Europe, the Americas, and Asia, establishing DXB as a key gateway for international travel. The busiest times at DXB typically occur during holiday seasons, especially in December and January, as well as in the summer months, when both tourist arrivals and departures peak, adding to the airport’s lively atmosphere.
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) has firmly established itself as the busiest airport in Europe for the first half of 2024, setting new records along the way. In July, nearly 8 million passengers traveled through its terminals, achieving a significant milestone by exceeding the previous weekly record of 1.8 million passengers for three consecutive weeks. The airport continues to manage high passenger volumes, especially during peak travel times like the beginning of the summer holidays. On July 22, more than 140,000 passengers and almost 140,000 bags were processed daily at Heathrow. Despite facing challenges such as global IT outages and protests, the airport has successfully maintained smooth operations through effective collaboration with its partners.
Several leading airlines, including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and American Airlines, operate from Heathrow, providing connections to major global destinations like New York, Dubai, Singapore, and Johannesburg. The busiest travel times at Heathrow are during the summer and Christmas holidays, making it one of the most active transit hubs in the world.
Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) continues to be one of the busiest airports in the world, with passenger traffic hitting a record 47.56 million in the first half of 2024. This marks a 29% increase compared to the previous year, largely fueled by the growth of low-cost carriers like Jeju Air and T’way Air, which have broadened their services to popular short-haul destinations such as Tokyo, Osaka, and various cities in Southeast Asia. The demand for affordable air travel has surged, particularly in the context of high inflation and a weak South Korean won, positioning ICN as a key hub for budget-minded travelers.
During the first half of 2024, 18.15 million passengers used domestic routes, while 29.41 million traveled internationally, reflecting a 43% rise in global travel through the airport. Popular international destinations from ICN include Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines, with airlines like Korean Air and Asiana Airlines providing a range of affordable and premium travel options. This ongoing expansion of routes and airlines underscores ICN’s essential role in linking travelers to major destinations in Asia and beyond.
Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) remains a key global hub, recording 5.73 million passenger movements in August 2024. Between April and June 2024, the airport welcomed an impressive 16.5 million passengers, marking a 13.4% increase compared to the previous year. The leading markets during this time were Indonesia, China, Malaysia, Australia, and India, with China experiencing the most significant growth, as traffic doubled year-on-year and exceeded pre-COVID levels.
Changi also reported notable cargo activity, handling 486,000 tonnes of air freight, which is a 16% rise from the same period in 2023. With new flights added to destinations such as Broome, Brussels, Quanzhou, and Vancouver, Changi Airport is actively broadening its global network, with the goal of achieving full travel recovery by the end of 2024.
Amsterdam Airport (AMS)
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) continues to be one of the busiest airports globally, with passenger numbers soaring in 2024. In the first half of the year, the airport welcomed 31.8 million passengers, reflecting an 11% increase from 2023. August alone saw 6.4 million travelers, and projections suggest a total of 65-69 million passengers by year-end, solidifying AMS’s role as a crucial hub for international travel. It connects travelers to various destinations across Europe, North America, Asia, and beyond, with major airlines such as KLM, Delta, and Emirates providing extensive flight options.
This remarkable growth is supported by the Dutch government’s choice to postpone plans to cut flight operations. AMS is also making significant investments in upgrading its facilities, with €1.4 billion dedicated to a new Pier A, expected to open in 2027, and an additional €3 billion set aside for enhancements from 2024 to 2027. These upgrades are designed to improve operational efficiency and sustainability, ensuring that AMS maintains its status as a leading global airport and remains one of the busiest and most advanced air travel hubs for years to come.
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) has seen a significant rise in passenger traffic throughout 2024, reflecting its status as one of the world’s busiest airports. In August 2024, CDG handled 6.8 million passengers, marking a 5.3% increase from 2023 and reaching 91.9% of pre-pandemic levels. With a total of 46.7 million passengers in the first eight months of 2024, CDG remains a vital hub for international travel. Airlines such as Air France, Emirates, and Lufthansa connect travelers to destinations across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa, with the summer and holiday seasons being the airport’s busiest times.
This growth is driven by CDG’s strategic role as a major transit point, offering diverse connections to global cities. The airport’s busiest periods typically occur during summer and year-end holidays, as travelers flock to popular destinations. With its expanding passenger numbers and robust flight network, Paris-CDG continues to solidify its position as a key European and international gateway.
Istanbul Airport (IST)
Istanbul Airport is witnessing remarkable growth in passenger traffic, with 38,092,629 passengers arriving in June 2024, marking a 7% increase compared to the same month last year. While the number of domestic flight passengers experienced a slight decline of 2%, totaling 8,154,410, international arrivals saw a significant rise of 10%, reaching 29,938,219 passengers. This positive trend underscores Istanbul Airport’s role as a key international hub. Furthermore, cargo transportation also experienced notable growth, increasing by 16%, with international cargo up by 17%. The airport managed a total of 1,536,840 tons of cargo in June 2024.
Flight activity at the airport also grew, with the total number of flights increasing by 4% compared to June 2023, amounting to 253,115 flights. Although domestic flights fell by 9%, international flights rose by 9%, highlighting the airport’s expanding global connectivity. Istanbul Airport aims to serve 85 million passengers in 2024, with plans to increase total flights to 532,000 for the year. The airport is also focused on sustainability, targeting a 45% reduction in emissions over the next six years and striving for net zero by 2050, positioning itself as not just a hub for passenger traffic but also for sustainable aviation.
Frankfurt International Airport (FRA)
Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) experienced steady growth in September 2024, accommodating 5.8 million passengers, which marks a 1.2% increase compared to the same month in 2023. European routes saw a growth of 2.6%, while domestic traffic increased by 1.3%, underscoring the airport’s vital role in regional connectivity. However, intercontinental traffic faced a 1.1% decline, largely due to a significant 27.8% drop in Middle Eastern routes, impacted by ongoing regional conflicts. Nevertheless, Frankfurt Airport’s total passenger volume for the first nine months of 2024 reached 46.7 million, reflecting a 4.9% increase from 2023, although it remains below pre-pandemic levels.
August 2024 proved to be particularly strong for FRA, with 6.1 million passengers, driven by summer vacations in Germany. Popular European holiday destinations included Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Greece, while intercontinental traffic to China, India, and Singapore saw notable increases. Cargo volumes also rose by 3.5%, totaling 169,478 tonnes, emphasizing Frankfurt Airport’s ongoing significance as a major global hub for both passenger and cargo traffic.
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) has seen impressive growth throughout 2024, with passenger numbers reaching 34.9 million in the first eight months, marking a 43.5% increase compared to the same timeframe in 2023. Flight movements also surged by 41.4%, totaling 237,435, which indicates a strong demand for air travel. In August alone, the airport welcomed 4.92 million passengers, a 23% increase from the previous year, while cargo throughput rose by 10.6%, reinforcing HKG’s status as a major global transport hub. The addition of new airlines like Indonesia AirAsia and Thai Lion Air, along with new destinations such as Koror in Palau and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, is enhancing HKG’s already extensive air network.
The airport continues to set post-pandemic records, with peak daily passenger traffic surpassing 170,000 in July 2024. Notable growth in passenger numbers was observed on routes to Southeast Asia, Mainland China, and Japan. Cargo operations are thriving as well, with 406,000 tonnes processed in August 2024. The year-on-year increases in both passenger and cargo volumes, combined with ongoing expansions, position HKG as a vital player in international aviation.
Doha Airport (DOH)
Hamad International Airport (DOH) has seen remarkable growth in 2024, with a 25% increase in passenger traffic during the first half of the year. The airport welcomed 25.9 million passengers, fueled by a 22.1% rise in point-to-point travelers, which reflects the expansion of airline partners and the thriving tourism sector in Qatar. New airlines such as Japan Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, and China Southern Airlines have enhanced connectivity, while Qatar Airways has broadened its destinations and seasonal operations, especially during the busy summer months.
In July 2024, DOH celebrated its busiest month ever, accommodating 4.73 million passengers, a 10.2% increase from July 2023. Aircraft movements increased by 3.9%, and the load factor reached 82.8%, indicating a high occupancy rate for flights. The airport’s most popular destinations include London, Bangkok, Dubai, Riyadh, and Jeddah, with India, the USA, and Saudi Arabia ranking among the top countries for passenger traffic. Furthermore, cargo operations grew by 12%, further solidifying DOH’s status as a major global aviation hub.
Tips on Surpassing the Busiest Airports
We know that getting through these top airports can be tough and stressful, but with the right strategies, you can make your experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some tips to help you manage the hustle and bustle:
- Access VIP Lounges: Take a break from the crowds by enjoying VIP lounges, where you can refresh, take a shower, or even treat yourself to a massage or spa service.
- Fast Track Services: Breeze through airport lines with Fast Track services by airssist, which saves you time during check-in, security, and boarding.
- airssist Concierge Service: Maximize your travel experience with airssist’s personalized assistance, from meet-and-greet services to handling your baggage and guiding you through the airport effortlessly.
- Private Tours During Layovers: If you have a long layover, airssist offers private tours of nearby attractions, allowing you to make the most of your time.
- Pre-book Transportation: Organize private transport in advance to skip long taxi lines.
- Stay Informed: Utilize airport apps to keep track of flight status and gate changes.
- Pack Light: Bring only the essentials to avoid lengthy baggage check-ins or waiting for your luggage.
Ace Up with airssist
Busiest airports can be quite stressful, but you can enhance your travel experience with airssist. With exclusive access to VIP terminal services, you can bypass the crowds and relax in comfort before your flight. airssist’s meet-and-greet service provides personalized assistance from the moment you arrive, ensuring a smooth passage through security and immigration. Additionally, with limo transfers, you’ll enjoy effortless travel between the airport and your destination, making your journey enjoyable and stress-free from beginning to end.