The United States is home to some of the largest airports in the world, not only by passenger traffic but also by land area. These extensive airports provide significant capacity for handling flights and have room for future expansion. Here’s a look at the ten largest airports in the United States based on land area, showcasing their unique features and operational capacities.
10. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
Covering approximately 7.3 square miles (19 square kilometers), the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) stands as Michigan’s largest airport. It serves as a hub for both Delta Air Lines and Spirit Airlines. The airport features six runways, including the 12,003-foot (3,659-meter) Runway 4L/22R, which accommodates aircraft as large as the Airbus A350.
DTW has two passenger terminals, with the Edward H. McNamara Terminal being the more modern of the two, featuring three concourses and 121 gates. This terminal is notable for housing the second-longest airport concourse in the world, Concourse A.
9. John F. Kennedy International Airport
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) covers 8 square miles (21 square kilometers) and is the busiest airport in New York. Its size allows it to manage a higher volume of flights compared to LaGuardia and Newark airports. JFK operates four runways, including the 14,511-foot (4,423-meter) Runway 13R/31L, the third-longest in the United States.
The airport has five terminals with a total of 130 gates, serving as a major hub for American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and JetBlue. JFK also hosts significant cargo operations, reinforcing its status as the primary international gateway to the United States.
8. San Francisco International Airport
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) spans 8.1 square miles (21.07 square kilometers) and is the largest airport in California. It primarily serves as a hub for United Airlines and has become a critical gateway for transpacific flights. SFO features four intersecting runways, with the longest measuring 11,870 feet (3,618 meters).
The airport comprises four terminals that collectively offer 121 gates. Notably, SFO features a main maintenance facility for United Airlines, attending to the needs of over 40 other carriers.
7. Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Covering 11.9 square miles (30.9 square kilometers), Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is one of the busiest airports globally and the most connected in the United States. It is a hub for American Airlines and United Airlines, with eight runways, the most of any airport in the world.
With four terminals and a total of 216 gates, O’Hare accommodates a high volume of passenger traffic and provides extensive domestic and international flight options.
6. Salt Lake City International Airport
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is the largest airport in Utah, covering 11.96 square miles (31 square kilometers). It serves as a major hub for Delta Air Lines, featuring four runways. The airport has a single terminal with two concourses, housing a total of 83 gates and plans for further expansion by late 2026.
SLC also handles a considerable number of general aviation flights, highlighting its versatility in air traffic management.
5. George Bush Intercontinental Airport
Located in Houston, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) spans 15.4 square miles (40 square kilometers) and ranks as Texas’ second-busiest airport. It serves as a hub for United Airlines and features five runways.
The airport has five terminals with a collective 121 gates, facilitating a significant volume of domestic and international flights.
4. Washington Dulles International Airport
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) covers 20 square miles (52 square kilometers) and serves as a secondary transatlantic hub for United Airlines. The airport has four operational runways, with plans for a fifth.
Dulles features a main terminal with four gates and two parallel midfield buildings containing 135 gates, making it a substantial air travel hub in the Washington D.C. area.
3. Orlando International Airport
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is Florida’s busiest airport, encompassing 20.8 square miles (54 square kilometers). It hosts operating bases for several budget airlines but does not feature a major hub for the largest U.S. carriers due to competitive pressures.
MCO has four parallel runways and multiple terminals, including Terminal A and Terminal B, which together provide 119 gates. The airport plays a crucial role in accommodating the high volume of tourist traffic to Orlando.
2. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) covers 26.6 square miles (69 square kilometers) and is the second-busiest airport in the world by passenger numbers. It serves as the primary hub for American Airlines, featuring seven runways and six terminals.
With a total of 193 gates, DFW is a critical global hub, receiving flights from over 40 airlines and accommodating aircraft as large as the Airbus A380.
1. Denver International Airport
Denver International Airport (DEN) is the largest airport in the United States, spanning an impressive 52 square miles (135 square kilometers). It serves as a significant hub for United Airlines.
The airport features six runways arranged in a pinwheel pattern, which enhances its efficiency in managing flight operations. Denver’s single terminal, the Jeppesen Terminal, includes three concourses with a total of 169 gates, making it a vital component of the U.S. aviation network.
These airports not only represent significant infrastructure investments but also play critical roles in the economic and logistical dynamics of air travel in the United States.
