Airports Council International (ACI) World’s latest ACI World Airport Traffic Dataset has ranked the airports of Dubai in the UAE, Guangzhou in China, and Incheon in South Korea among the world’s top 20 busiest airports.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in the US takes top spot, and is followed by Dubai International Airport in second place, and Dallas Forth Worth in the US in third.
After reaching the top of the rankings in 2020, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport went down to 58th position in 2022. It takes 12th spot in 2023.
The biggest jump in the top 20 rankings is recorded by Incheon International Airport. The airport takes the 20th spot in 2023, up from its 99th position in 2022.
ACI World director general and CEO Luis Felipe de Oliveira said: “International passenger traffic has now almost fully recovered from the pandemic, and the regional disparities are gone. China’s reopening fuelled much of 2023’s strong growth and has propelled Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport back into the Top 20. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport continues to lead the way, but the revival of Middle East and Asia-Pacific hubs is the standout takeaway from 2023 figures.”
Total global passenger traffic for 2023 was close to 8.7 billion, representing an increase of 30.5 per cent from 2022 or a recovery of 94.2 per cent from 2019. Performance was propelled by several factors, including the anticipated benefits from the reopening of Asian markets and a growing inclination towards travel despite macroeconomic conditions.
The top 20 airports processed 16 per cent of global traffic (1.41 billion passengers) in 2023.
De Oliveira added: “However, whatever position in the rankings an airport occupies, each is integral to the communities it serves. Airports are resilient, adaptable and support social and economic development. ACI World continues to advocate for airports worldwide to ensure their societal benefits are enjoyed by as many people as possible.”
