As of 2025, Denver International Airport (DEN) holds the title of the biggest airport in the US because of its impressive passenger traffic and vast land area. Situated in the eastern part of Denver, Colorado, the airport was intentionally built on a large plot of land to accommodate future growth and ensure operational efficiency. The vast area allows for multiple runways, taxiways, and terminals, as well as room for future expansions.
Top Ten Biggest US Airports
The following are the 10 largest airports in the US by land area, offering efficient operations and room for future growth.
1. Denver International Airport (DEN)
| Location | Denver, Colorado |
| Area Covered (Square KM) | 137.26 |
| Annual Passenger Traffic | 58.8 million |
Fact: Covering over 33,531 acres, Denver International Airport is the biggest airport in the United States. It was opened in 1995 and is known for its white-tented terminal roof, which was inspired by the Rocky Mountains. DEN has six runways and several terminals, which accommodate numerous domestic and international flights and leave room for future expansion.
2. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
| Location | Dallas, Texas |
| Area Covered (Square KM) | 69.63 |
| Annual Passenger Traffic | 70 million |
Fact: As the second-largest airport in the US, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport operates almost like its own city, complete with a unique postal code and independent emergency services. It is the main hub for American Airlines and is known for its five large, semi-circular terminals and the efficient Skylink automated people mover system, which makes it easy for passengers to connect quickly across its vast layout.
3. Orlando International Airport (MCO)
| Location | Orlando, Florida |
| Area Covered (Square KM) | 53.83 |
| Annual Passenger Traffic | 40 million |
Fact: Originally, the airport was started as a military airbase, but now MCO airport is a major hub for tourism in Central Florida. Its unique design separates the main terminal from the airside concourses, and its extensive facilities serve the millions of visitors heading to the region’s famous theme parks. MCO is also known as biggest airport in US because of its large land area, a portion of which is dedicated to a protected conservation zone.
4. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
| Location | Dulles, Virginia |
| Area Covered (Square KM) | 52.6 |
| Annual Passenger Traffic | 24 million |
Fact: The airport serves the nation’s capital and is known for its iconic Eero Saarinen-designed main terminal. Its vast 18.75 square miles were chosen to buffer the airport from its neighbours, and its original design used unique mobile lounges to transport passengers directly to their aircraft. Now, IAD remains a major global hub, serving a wide range of international airlines.
5. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
| Location | Houston, Texas |
| Area Covered (Square KM) | 40.5 |
| Annual Passenger Traffic | 45 million |
Fact: Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport is a key global gateway, especially for flights to Latin America. Spanning over 17 square miles with five runways, it serves as one of the largest hubs for United Airlines. IAH plays a critical role in connecting the southern US to the world and continues to expand its facilities to serve growing passenger and cargo traffic.
6. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
| Location | Salt Lake City, Utah |
| Area Covered (Square KM) | 31.1 |
| Annual Passenger Traffic | 24 million |
Fact: Salt Lake City has recently undergone a multi-billion-dollar renovation, transforming it into the first new hub airport in the U.S. in the 21st century. The new facility is modern and efficient, with a design inspired by Utah’s mountains and canyons. It makes strong use of natural light and is built with features that ensure safety and resilience against earthquakes.
7. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
| Location | Chicago, Illinois |
| Area Covered (Square KM) | 30.9 |
| Annual Passenger Traffic | 80 million |
Fact: Chicago O’Hare was the busiest airport in the world for many years based on the number of aircraft movements. With its large size and numerous runways, it serves as an important hub for both United and American Airlines. O’Hare plays a key role in Midwest air travel and is a major connection point for domestic and international passengers, managing a huge number of flights every day.
8. San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
| Location | San Francisco, California |
| Area Covered (Square KM) | 21.07 |
| Annual Passenger Traffic | 50 million |
Fact: San Francisco International Airport (SFO), largest airport in US, sits on a landmass extending into the San Francisco Bay and is a key hub for transpacific travel. The airport is known for its strong commitment to sustainability, aiming for “triple zero” status—zero net energy, zero net carbon, and zero waste to landfills.
9. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
| Location | New York, New York |
| Area Covered (Square KM) | 21 |
| Annual Passenger Traffic | 60 million |
Fact: Although it doesn’t cover the largest land area, JFK is one of the most well-known international gateways in the U.S. The airport is currently undergoing a major redevelopment to modernize its scattered terminals and enhance the passenger experience. The plan focuses on combining terminals and building a more unified, modern facility to better serve the millions of travellers who pass through each year.
10. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
| Location | Detroit, Michigan |
| Area Covered (Square KM) | 19.6 |
| Annual Passenger Traffic | 34 million |
Fact: Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), one of the largest US airports, a major hub for Delta Air Lines, is recognized for its efficiency and modern, passenger-friendly design. One of its highlights is the McNamara Terminal’s light tunnel, which connects the concourses in a visually appealing and convenient way. DTW also serves as an important connection point for flights between Asia and the Eastern United States.
Wrapping Up!
The above mentioed biggest airports in the US play a major role in managing air traffic, moving millions of passengers and large volumes of cargo around the world. Whether for domestic or international travel, these vast airports are designed to provide smooth, efficient, and comfortable journeys, making them an essential part of America’s air travel network.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Denver International Airport (DEN) is the biggest airport in the US with 33,531 acres land area.
In 2025, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) stands as the second busiest airport in the United States by passenger traffic.
Denver International Airport, the largest in the United States, is situated in Colorado.
Not always. While large airports often handle a lot of traffic, the busiest airport by passenger numbers is often different. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is typically the busiest in the US by passenger volume.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the main gateway for visitors heading to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and other attractions.
It has one of the highest numbers of runways in the world and is a major hub for both United and American Airlines.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is known for its commitment to reaching “triple zero” status—zero net energy, zero net carbon, and zero waste to landfills.
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