ACI World’s top airports see substantial traffic shifts in 2023
Today, Airports Council International (ACI) World released the preliminary list of the top 10 busiest airports globally for 2023, noting substantial changes driven by a revival in international air travel.
The projected global passenger volume for 2023 is nearly 8.5 billion, marking a recovery of 93.8% to pre-pandemic levels. A significant recovery in international traffic, nearing domestic levels, has been crucial in driving the overall industry's rebound and growth.
International passenger traffic has been pivotal in supporting the recovery of major hub airports, influencing the top 10 rankings for total passenger traffic.
Luis Felipe de Oliveira, ACI World Director General, stated, “Global air travel in 2023 was chiefly fuelled by the international segment, propelled by several factors. Among these were the anticipated benefits from China's reopening and a growing inclination towards travel despite macroeconomic conditions. While perennial leaders from the US continue to dominate the top 10 busiest airports for passengers, notably Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport retaining its number one position, there are notable shifts. Dubai International Airport jumped to second rank for the first time, while Tokyo Haneda International Airport witnessed a remarkable ascent from 16th position in 2022 to 5th in 2023. Additionally, the unwavering strength of Istanbul and New Delhi airports keep them in top ranks, marking significant progress over 2019.
“Notably, cargo continues to play a key role in world commerce despite the year-over-year decrease. Hong Kong International Airport has maintained the top position, followed by Memphis International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Doha International Airport rejoins the top 10, jumping to number 8 with a growth of 6.3% over 2019.
“The rankings highlight the crucial role these transportation hubs play in global connectivity, commerce, and economic development. Airports continue to demonstrate their resilience and adaptability amidst the challenges posed by the ever-evolving landscape of global travel. ACI World remains dedicated to advocating for airports worldwide throughout pivotal stages of policy formulation and to advancing the pursuit of airport excellence.”
Data for these rankings comes from over 2,600 airports in more than 180 countries and territories, affirming ACI World's leading role in analyzing airport travel demand.
Passenger traffic highlights include:
- The global total passenger count for 2023 is approximately 8.5 billion, a 27.2% increase from 2022 or a recovery of 93.8% compared to 2019.
- Domestic traffic grew by 20.2% (96.8% recovery of 2019 levels), while international traffic saw a 36.5% increase (90.4% of 2019 levels).
- The top 10 airports, accounting for nearly 10% of global traffic, saw an increase of 19.8% from 2022, reaching around 806 million passengers compared to 801 million in 2019.
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport continues to lead, now followed by Dubai International Airport, with Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in third. Five of the top 10 airports are in the US, with Tokyo Haneda making the largest leap from 16th in 2022 to 5th in 2023.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport will host the 2024 ACI World Customer Experience Summit and Exhibition from September 23 to 26.
Cargo traffic highlights:
- Estimated air cargo volumes in 2023 fell by 3.1% year-over-year to roughly 113 million metric tonnes.
- The top 10 cargo airports, comprising about 26% of global volumes, experienced a 3.5% decrease in 2023, with Hong Kong International Airport leading, followed by Memphis International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
2023 saw nearly 95 million global aircraft movements, up 11.8% from 2022, showing a recovery of 92.7% from pre-pandemic levels. The top 10 airports, representing over 6% of global traffic, saw a 7.4% increase from 2022, recovering 96.4% of their 2019 levels. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport remains the busiest, followed by Chicago O'Hare Airport and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
