Airport infrastructure is becoming more and more important as air travel continues to change. Airports need to have enough room for operations, logistics, and future growth in addition to handling the increasing number of passengers. We look at the top 10 airports in the US by surface area in 2025, emphasizing their distinctive features and aviation-related contributions.
1. Denver International Airport (DEN)
33,531 acres
Denver International Airport, which is situated in Denver, Colorado, is the biggest airport in the United States in terms of land size. DEN, a significant center for both domestic and international traffic, is known for its distinctive white-tented architecture that resembles the Rocky Mountains. It has six runways. Its large space enables future expansion and operational efficiency.
2. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
17,207 acres
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world and the second largest in the United States. Over 75 million travelers use DFW each year, making it a vital international gateway located between Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas. It is an essential part of the local economy and keeps growing to satisfy the increasing demand.
3. Orlando International Airport (MCO)
13,302 acres
In addition to being a popular tourist destination, Orlando International Airport is the third-largest airport in the United States by area. Millions of tourists visit it on their way to Central Florida’s attractions, such as Universal Studios and Walt Disney World. The vast layout of MCO bolsters its function as a major link in the domestic and international transport scene.
4. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
11,830 acres
Washington Dulles International Airport is the main international entry point for the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. It is situated in Chantilly, Virginia. Its expansive grounds serve a variety of travel demands by housing both passenger services and substantial freight activities.
5. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Ten thousand acres
Houston, Texas’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport is a major travel hub that focuses heavily on international flights. Houston’s status as a significant worldwide economic hub is strengthened by IAH’s sizable area, which supports its function as a major connecting point for tourists from all over the world.
6. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
7,700 acres
The Salt Lake City International Airport is renowned for both its breathtaking mountain views and its state-of-the-art amenities. SLC is essential for both domestic and international travel as it is the primary airport for the Intermountain West. Its large space enables effective operations and potential upgrades to satisfy passenger needs.
7. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
7,627 acres
Chicago O’Hare International Airport leads the globe in takeoffs and landings and is frequently praised for its large number of aircraft movements. But it can also control this traffic because of its amazing size. O’Hare’s vast configuration, which consists of numerous runways and terminals, guarantees that it will always be a crucial air transport center.
8. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
3,500 acres
Los Angeles International Airport, a vital international gateway that is presently undertaking significant modernization initiatives, is nevertheless one of the busiest airports in the United States despite being smaller than other airports on this list. It is a vital component of the Southern California travel scene because to its close proximity to major population areas.
9. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
4,700 acres
Despite having the highest passenger volume in the world, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has a smaller geographical area than other airports on this list. Nevertheless, it is a major player in the aviation sector due to its effective use of space and large number of runways, which enable its high volume of operations.
10. Miami International Airport (MIA)
3,230 acres
As the entry point between North America and Latin America and the Caribbean, Miami International Airport is a significant hub for flights to these regions. MIA’s position as an essential component of the global air transport network is cemented by the substantial volume of international freight and passenger traffic supported by its vast area.
Final thoughts
The varied requirements of air travel and the significance of infrastructure in fulfilling those needs are illustrated by the top 10 airports in the United States by surface area. As the number of passengers keeps increasing, these airports are crucial for promoting global connectivity, trade, and tourism. They are well-positioned to meet upcoming difficulties and continue to play a significant role in the aviation industry with continued innovations and growth.