10. Suvarnabhumi Airport — Bangkok, Thailand
- Size: 32.4 sq km
Suvarnabhumi Airport is Thailand’s premier international hub and one of Southeast Asia’s most important aviation centers. Designed to accommodate large passenger volumes, it features dual runways, wide taxiways, and a massive terminal that supports millions of travelers each year. Its modern facilities make it a top gateway for tourism and business in the region.
The airport can handle some of the world’s largest aircraft and is equipped with over 120 aircraft bays. Continuous upgrades, including improved immigration facilities and expanded terminals, ensure Suvarnabhumi remains competitive in regional connectivity. Its strategic location makes it a central stopover for flights connecting Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
9. Cairo International Airport — Cairo, Egypt
- Size: 37 sq km
Cairo International Airport stands as Africa’s largest and busiest airport, serving as a gateway between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. It operates several terminals catering to both domestic and international flights, efficiently handling millions of passengers every year. Its vast space allows for multiple runways and cargo facilities supporting Egypt’s trade and tourism sectors.
Beyond passenger services, Cairo’s airport has developed into a logistics and cargo hub for North Africa. Continued modernization has improved runways, terminals, and passenger experience. Its size supports long-term expansion, allowing it to accommodate the region’s growing air traffic demands.
8. Shanghai Pudong International Airport — Shanghai, China
- Size: 40 sq km
Shanghai Pudong International Airport serves as a critical link between Asia and the world, handling both heavy passenger and cargo volumes. Its two major terminals and multiple runways allow smooth operations even at peak hours, while advanced logistics facilities make it one of the busiest cargo airports globally.
Pudong’s vast land area accommodates expansion for both freight and passenger operations. Integrated transport links, including a maglev train and expressways, connect it efficiently to downtown Shanghai. Its mix of scale, technology, and connectivity positions Pudong among Asia’s most modern and high-capacity airports.
7. George Bush Intercontinental Airport — Houston, USA
- Size: 44.5 sq km
George Bush Intercontinental Airport serves as a major hub for United Airlines and plays a key role in linking the U.S. with Latin America and beyond. Covering a massive area north of Houston, it features multiple runways, five passenger terminals, and dedicated cargo operations that support both domestic and international flights.
The airport’s infrastructure continues to expand, with modernization projects aimed at improving passenger flow, baggage systems, and sustainability. Its strategic location makes it a vital component of America’s southern air corridor, blending efficiency with large-scale operations across its terminals.
6. Beijing Daxing International Airport — Beijing, China
- Size: 47 sq km
Beijing Daxing International Airport is an architectural and engineering marvel, designed in a starfish-shaped layout to minimize walking distance between gates. Despite being relatively new, it has quickly become one of the world’s most advanced airports, integrating cutting-edge technology, automation, and sustainability features to enhance the passenger experience.
The airport’s single-terminal design covers over 7.5 million square feet, making it one of the largest in the world. It efficiently manages both domestic and international traffic, with state-of-the-art systems for security, baggage handling, and check-in. Its smart transport links connect directly to Beijing’s high-speed rail network, reducing travel time to the city center.
5. Washington Dulles International Airport — Washington D.C., USA
- Size: 52.6 sq km
Washington Dulles International Airport serves as the main international gateway to the U.S. capital and covers a large stretch of Virginia countryside. Known for its elegant architecture and long runways, Dulles accommodates large international jets and maintains extensive connections to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Over the years, the airport has undergone several modernization projects, expanding its terminals, adding people mover systems, and enhancing runways for increased capacity. Its strategic position near Washington D.C. makes it crucial for diplomatic, business, and government travel, solidifying its status as one of America’s most vital airports.
4. Orlando International Airport — Orlando, USA
- Size: 53.8 sq km
Orlando International Airport is Florida’s busiest airport and one of the largest in the United States. Originally a military airfield, it now serves millions of tourists visiting central Florida’s theme parks and attractions each year. The airport’s expansive area supports four runways, modern concourses, and a recently completed Terminal C to accommodate future growth.
In addition to tourism, Orlando has emerged as an important logistics and trade hub. The airport’s strategic development plan emphasizes sustainability, capacity expansion, and enhanced passenger services, positioning it for continued growth as global travel demand rises.
3. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport — Dallas, USA
- Size: 69.6 sq km
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport functions as a major global hub connecting Texas to the world. Spanning nearly 70 square kilometers, the airport operates as a city within a city, complete with its own postal code, public services, and infrastructure. It’s a major base for American Airlines and one of the busiest airports globally by passenger traffic.
DFW’s five terminals and seven runways enable high-capacity operations for both domestic and international flights. Sustainability initiatives, like renewable energy programs and carbon neutrality efforts, make it a model for large-scale green airport design. The airport’s balanced growth and innovation reinforce its importance to global air transport.
2. Denver International Airport — Denver, USA
- Size: 135.7 sq km
Denver International Airport is North America’s largest airport by area, covering over 130 square kilometers across the Colorado plains. Known for its iconic peaked terminal roof, it serves as a major hub for transcontinental and international travel. Its spacious design allows room for future expansion and large-scale operations.
Denver International continues to grow rapidly, recently breaking passenger records and introducing modern terminal expansions. It is a vital economic driver for Colorado, generating billions annually while maintaining a focus on sustainability and passenger comfort. Its layout, infrastructure, and planning make it one of the most efficiently designed airports in the world.
1. King Fahd International Airport — Dammam, Saudi Arabia
- Size: 776 sq km
King Fahd International Airport tops the list as the world’s largest airport by land area. Spanning an incredible 776 square kilometers, it’s larger than many cities and includes massive undeveloped areas reserved for future expansion. Despite its immense size, only a small portion of its land is currently used for active terminals, runways, and facilities.
The airport’s main terminal spans six floors, with separate levels for arrivals, departures, and administrative services. It also houses a royal terminal, residential complexes, a mosque for 2,000 worshippers, and extensive green zones. Strategically positioned to serve Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, King Fahd Airport symbolizes the nation’s ambition to build one of the most advanced aviation infrastructures in the world.
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About the Author:
Harshit Raj
