Numerous flyers have faced the suboptimal situation of having to speedily proceed to a subsequent flight’s gate, only to find out that it seems an incredible distance away. This might merely seem far-flung, yet navigating through an extensive airport can definitely contribute to a person’s daily exercise quota. And on occasion, those daily strides manifest as a panicked dash across some of the earth’s most congested airports, such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International.
When you next embark on a journey via plane, it might be wise to brace yourself for the airports you’ll traverse. A handful might be conveniently compact, while others can be sprawling. Scanning through the list of the globe’s vastest airports by landspan, you’ll encounter some names that resonate. And possibly, a couple of unexpected ones. This is because the overall terrain of an aerodrome isn’t always indicative of its passenger volume. The topmost airdrome upon the planet isn’t synonymous with one of the globe’s most frequented flight hubs. The most packed airport worldwide still remains Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International.
The global leaders in airport dimensions are gigantic. You think Chicago O’Hare International and Los Angeles International are extensive? Numerous preeminent global aerodromes vastly outsize the urban sprawl of substantial metropolitan areas, although airport terminals’ footprint doesn’t necessarily reflect the entire landholdings of the aerodrome.
Below are the seven most immense airports across the globe, enumerated by their aggregate area.
1. King Fahd International Airport (DMM) — Dammam, Saudi Arabia
Spanning 299.61 square miles (776 square kilometers), King Fahd International Airport stands as the most colossal airport on the globe in terms of total area. To put it into perspective, the airport’s size is roughly equivalent to that of New York City, which, within its bounds, boasts two primary airports.
Despite being the most expansive, it doesn’t top the list as Saudi Arabia’s most visited airport – that distinction goes to King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, which serves as the gateway for devout pilgrims undertaking the Hajj to Mecca and Medina. King Fahd International Airport’s expanse is largely attributed to its former role as an American airbase.
2. Denver International Airport (DEN) — Denver, Colorado
Denver spans close to 155 square miles (401 square kilometers), and the airport itself occupies a third of that total. Commonly referred to by locals as DIA, the airport rests to the east of downtown Denver, previously amidst stretches of agricultural land.
Urban expansion has encroached on the intervening area between Denver and the Denver International Airport, yet the airport’s land coverage is firmly fixed at 53.09 square miles (137.5 square kilometers). An intricate network of subterranean trains seamlessly connects the central terminal to various concourses at Denver International.
3. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) — Dallas, Texas
Nestled on the Texas grassland between the prominent cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, DFW airport, recognized as the third vastest airport globally, might be well known to travelers flying with American Airlines.
It functions as the principal headquarters for the airline and an essential nexus for connecting flights and plane activities. These connections offer passengers a genuine glimpse of the expansive scope of the airport’s Texan proportions.
In comparison, DFW airport positions itself as one of the largest airports globally, encompassing a total of 26.88 square miles (69.6 square kilometers) and harbors enough activity to match this magnitude. It claims the title of being the United States’ second most bustling airport concerning aggregate passenger traffic.
4. Orlando International Airport (MCO) — Orlando, Florida
The designated identifier for Orlando International Airport is MCO, derived from its former identity as McCoy Air Force Base, active on the premises until 1975. The extensive territory of Orlando International Airport is apt for an Air Force base; it clocks in at 20.78 square miles (53.8 square kilometers).
In contrast to the globe’s largest airport, King Fahd International, Orlando International Airport puts its considerable span to significant use. It’s the most frequented airport in Florida and ranks as the seventh most active in the United States.
5. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) — Washington, D.C.
The vicinity of Washington, D.C. includes three significant airports, all of which see a similar volume of passengers.
But, regarding sheer area, Washington Dulles International Airport overshadows its two satellite international airports: Ronald Reagan National Airport and Baltimore Washington International Airport.
Dulles spans an impressive 18.75 square miles (48.6 square kilometers) of territory. Upon its inauguration in 1962, it was positioned in a largely undeveloped area west of Washington, D.C., which it caters to. Presently, burgeoning Virginia suburbs encircle it, making the airport’s extensive size appear slightly less daunting.
6. Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) — Beijing, China
When considering total landmass, Beijing Daxing International Airport occupies the sixth-highest rank globally, stretching over 18 square miles (46.6 square kilometers). Yet, PKX surpasses others with regards to terminal dimensions.
It boasts 7.5 million square feet (approximately 696,773 square meters) of space within its terminals, designed in a radial star shape to facilitate certain intercontinental traveler connections.
Though PKX isn’t yet among the world’s top airports for passenger volume, this is largely because the airport is relatively new, opening its doors in 2019. Predictions suggest it will be billed as the world’s busiest airport by the year 2040.
7. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) — Houston, Texas
Significantly outclassing Houston’s secondary airport, George Bush Intercontinental, initially known as Houston Intercontinental Airport, spans 17.19 square miles (44.5 square kilometers). Though it doesn’t surpass DFW in total passenger traffic, it outpaces its counterpart in international travels.
The name is fitting as the airport provides routes to every continent on Earth outside of Antarctica. Following a 2010 fusion with Continental Airlines, it has become a critical node for United Airlines. Enclosed within IAH’s grounds are a collection of five airstrips, multiple terminals, and a hotel for transit passengers.
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