The United States is home to some of the world’s largest airports by land area, providing significant capacity for air traffic and potential for future expansion. This article highlights the ten largest operational airports in the country, focusing on their size rather than passenger numbers.
10. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Covering an area of 7.3 square miles (19 square kilometers), Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport serves as Michigan’s largest airport. It is a major hub for both Delta Air Lines and Spirit Airlines. The airport features six runways, including Runway 4L/22R, which stretches 12,003 feet (3,659 meters), and can accommodate large aircraft like the Airbus A350.
DTW includes two passenger terminals with a total of 150 gates. The Edward H. McNamara Terminal, the larger of the two, hosts three concourses and is notable for having the second-longest airport concourse in the world.
9. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Situated in New York City, JFK spans 8 square miles (21 square kilometers) and is renowned as the busiest of the city’s three airports. The airport serves as a crucial international gateway to the United States, featuring four runways, with Runway 13R/31L measuring 14,511 feet (4,423 meters), making it the third-longest runway in the country.
JFK operates five terminals with a combined total of 130 gates. Major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and JetBlue maintain hubs at JFK, which also supports a significant cargo operation.
8. San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
San Francisco International Airport, covering 8.1 square miles (21.07 square kilometers), is the largest airport in California. It serves as a major hub for United Airlines and features four intersecting runways. Notably, Runway 10L/28R is 11,870 feet (3,618 meters) long.
The airport has four terminals with a total of 121 gates, facilitating numerous international flights and maintaining a primary maintenance facility for United Airlines.
7. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Chicago O’Hare stands out with its expansive area of 11.9 square miles (30.9 square kilometers) and is recognized as one of the busiest airports globally. It boasts eight runways, the highest number of any airport worldwide.
O’Hare’s four terminals accommodate 216 gates, making it an essential hub for American Airlines and United Airlines, among others. The airport’s infrastructure supports both commercial and general aviation operations.
6. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
Covering 11.96 square miles (31 square kilometers), Salt Lake City International Airport is Utah’s largest and busiest airport. It primarily serves as a hub for Delta Air Lines and features four runways. The airport is notable for its modern terminal building, which houses two concourses with 83 gates combined.
Plans for expansion include additional gates set to open in late 2026, reflecting the airport’s growing importance in the region.
5. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport spans 15.4 square miles (40 square kilometers) and is the second-largest airport in Texas. It serves as a significant hub for United Airlines and features five runways.
IAH includes five terminals with a total of 121 gates, catering to both domestic and international flights, reinforcing Houston’s position as a critical transportation hub.
4. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Washington Dulles covers 20 square miles (52 square kilometers) and serves as a secondary transatlantic hub for United Airlines. The airport features four runways, with a fifth planned for future operations.
Dulles has a main terminal and two midfield buildings housing a total of 139 gates. Despite its size, it faces competition from the closer Ronald Reagan National Airport for passenger preference.
3. Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Orlando International Airport encompasses 20.8 square miles (54 square kilometers) and is Florida’s busiest airport. It supports various budget airlines and features four parallel runways, enabling high traffic capacity.
The airport’s terminal structure includes multiple concourses with a total of 120 gates, predominantly serving leisure travelers heading to the popular tourist destination of Orlando.
2. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is the largest airport in Texas and ranks second in the world by passenger numbers, covering 26.6 square miles (69 square kilometers). It serves as the primary hub for American Airlines and features seven runways.
With 193 gates across six terminals, DFW is a major global hub, accommodating flights from over 40 airlines, including the Airbus A380.
1. Denver International Airport (DEN)
At an impressive 52 square miles (135 square kilometers), Denver International Airport is the largest airport in the United States. It serves as a major hub for United Airlines and features six runways arranged in a distinctive pinwheel pattern.
The airport includes a single terminal, the Jeppesen Terminal, and three midfield concourses, providing a total of 169 gates. Its efficient layout enhances operational capacity and minimizes delays.
These airports not only reflect the scale of air travel in the United States but also illustrate the ongoing growth and development in the aviation sector. As air traffic continues to evolve, these airports will play crucial roles in connecting millions of passengers and facilitating global commerce.
