An aircraft flies past the control tower at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
The latest news on airports globally, with updates on financing, infrastructure expansion and sustainability initiatives.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) retained its status as the world’s busiest passenger airport, handling 106.3 million passengers in 2025, according to statistics released by Airports Council International (ACI) World. Dubai International Airport (DXB) repeated as second busiest, handling 95.2 million passengers in 2025, up 3.1% year over year and up 10.2% compared to 2019. ATL remains the top passenger airport even as it has not recovered to pre-pandemic traffic levels. The airport’s 2025 passenger numbers decreased 1.6% compared to 2024 and were down 3.8% compared to 2019. Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) was third busiest in 2025, handling 91.7 million passengers, up 6.7% over 2024 and up 7.2% versus 2019. HND jumped one spot on the list, while Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) dropped from third to fourth, handling 85.6 million passengers in 2025, down 2.5% year over year. DFW’s passenger traffic in 2025 was up 14.1% over 2019. Shanghai Pudong Airport jumped from 10th on the list in 2024 to 5th in 2025, handling 85 million passengers, up 10.7% year over year and up 11.6% over 2024. Rounding out the top 10 list for 2025 passengers handled were Chicago O’Hare (84.8 million, up 6% year over year); London Heathrow (84.5 million, up 0.7%); Istanbul (84.4 million, up 5.5%); Guangzhou (83.6 million, up 9.5%); and Denver (82.4 million, up 0.1%). The top 10 busiest passenger airports represent 9% of global passenger traffic, according to ACI World. Airports globally handled 9.8 billion passengers in 2025, up 3.6% over 2024 and up 7.3% over 2019. ACI World said the 3.6% year-over-year increase was “driven by international demand and Asia-Pacific recovery, while North American and European hubs neared saturation.” The group added: “Capacity [is] becoming a key constraint. Growth was increasingly limited by infrastructure and slot constraints in some regions, aircraft delivery backlogs and air navigation limitations.”
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and American Airlines opened a $125 million retail area in New York John F. Kennedy International Airport’s (JFK) Terminal 8. The area features more than 60 new outlets, including dining, retail and duty-free. American operates a hub out of Terminal 8.
Long Beach Airport (LGB) in southern California broke ground on a $37 million project to modernize its passenger concourse and upgrade infrastructure. The project is aimed at improving “passenger circulation … [via] updated queuing and seating configurations,” the airport said. LGB will also make electrical and plumbing improvements, including replacing air-conditioning components and upgrading restrooms. Seating will be added with electrical charging options. The airport additionally plans “sustainability upgrades, including a new back-up generator and energy-efficient LED lighting.” The project is expected to be completed in the 2027 summer. “No impacts to commercial flights are expected, and gate access will be accommodated during construction,” LGB said. The majority of the project’s financing ($24 million) will come through FAA grants.
American Airlines has started work on a new premium lounge at Nashville International Airport (BNA) in Tennessee. Spanning 17,400 ft.2, it will be the largest airline lounge at BNA and nearly three times bigger than the carrier’s current lounge at the airport. The lounge will open in 2027, American said. “The new location will feature sweeping views of the airfield and a design inspired by Nashville's vibrant culture and the natural landscapes of Tennessee,” American said. “A standout feature of the new lounge will be its outdoor terrace.”
Related Content
