Where are the world’s passengers headed in 2025? We’ve dug into the latest data from aviation analysts at OAG. The busiest international airports in the world are buzzing again, reflecting a strong air travel recovery following the global pandemic.
From glittering skylines in the Middle East to the cultural capitals of Europe and Asia, these 10 busy airports welcome millions and millions every year. But many are more than transit points – your gateway could lead to your next touring vacation. We’ve rounded up the top 10, spotlighting their stats, global appeal, and which ones make an easy landing for your next Trafalgar tour.
1. Dubai International Airport (DXB), United Arab Emirates
Airline capacity: Approximately 60.2 million seats in 2024.
Dubai International Airport, in the Middle East, is a major hub connecting the east and west with extensive international flight options. In 2024, it retained its position as the world’s busiest international airport in the world, with a 7% year-on-year increase in airline capacity. Quite impressive!
Why fly here: Experience Dubai’s iconic skyline, luxury shopping, and desert adventures. Use Dubai to connect between tours in Europe and Asia, or Europe and Australia or New Zealand.
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2. London Heathrow Airport (LHR), United Kingdom
Airline capacity: Approximately 48.4 million seats in 2024.
Europe’s busiest airport is London Heathrow Airport. This major hub for international travel experienced a 4% increase in airline capacity in 2024, compared to the previous year.
Why fly here: Explore London’s historic landmarks, world-class museums, and vibrant neighborhoods. Use it to connect to tours in the UK and Europe.
Tour from here: Join any of Trafalgar’s UK tours, such as the 11-day Best of Britain tour to experience Great Britain’s diverse heritage, or dive deep into the city with the London Explorer.
3. Incheon International Airport (ICN), Seoul, South Korea
Airline capacity: Approximately 41.6 million seats in 2024.
Coming in at number three is Incheon International Airport, located in South Korea’s capital of Seoul. This airport serves as a major hub in East Asia, and in 2024 it saw a 24% year-on-year increase in airline capacity – moving it up four places in this ranking.
Why fly here: Discover Seoul’s ancient palaces, modern downtown, spicy street food, and endless shopping.
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4. Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
Airline capacity: Approximately 41.5 million seats in 2024; and 3.5 million seats in April 2025
Singapore’s Changi Airport is well-known in Asia for its exceptional passenger experience, connectivity, and convenience. It’s a comfortable airport with all the mod-cons that saw an increase in seats of 15% in 2024. In April 2025, it ranked as the third busiest international airport, with a capacity of 3.5 million seats – so perhaps by the end of this year it will overtake Seoul.
Why fly here: Experience Singapore’s multicultural cuisine, lush gardens, and futuristic architecture.
Tour from here: Jump on Trafalgar’s Highlights of Singapore & Malaysia tour and spend 12 days exploring the city island and neighboring country.
5. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), Netherlands
Airline capacity: Approximately 40 million seats in 2024.
Europe’s second busiest international airport is Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. In 2023 it was the third busiest in the world, but it’s slipped to fifth place in 2024 with a capacity of 40 million seats, according to OAG.
Why fly here: Stroll along Amsterdam’s canals, visit renowned art museums, and enjoy the street life and cute cafés.
Tour from here: Trafalgar’s Best of Holland tour starts and ends in the capital, offering an in-depth look at Dutch culture and landscapes. Or the Best of Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg ends in Amsterdam, while a handful of European tours, such as the European Whirl, pass through.
6. Istanbul Airport (IST), Türkiye
Airline capacity: Approximately 38.6 million seats in 2024.
Sitting on the cusp of Europe and Asia, Istanbul Airport is the perfect transit point between the two continents and it is rapidly growing in size, with an 8% increase in seats on 2023.
Why fly here: Explore Istanbul’s rich history, from Byzantine churches to Ottoman palaces.
Tour from here: Trafalgar’s Best of Turkey and Highlights of Turkey tours offer two great ways to explore the country’s diverse heritage.
7. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), France
Airline capacity: Approximately 38.4 million seats in 2024.
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is France’s busiest airport, offering an extensive network of international and domestic flights with many carriers. In 2024, it had a capacity of 38.4 million seats, a 5% increase from the previous year, according to OAG.
Why fly here: Experience Paris’s romantic vibe, see the Eiffel Tower and other famous landmarks, taste the best of French cuisine in the capital.
Tour from here: Join Trafalgar’s Paris Explorer tour for an immersive Parisian experience, or carve a lap of the country (beginning and ending in the capital) on the Best of France tour.
8. Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Germany
Airline capacity: Approximately 35.7 million seats in 2024.
Frankfurt Airport is another classic international entryway to Europe. Germany’s busiest airport experienced a 7% increase in airline capacity in 2024 compared to 2023.
Why fly here: While Frankfurt’s modern skyscrapers aren’t a huge drawcard, the historic old town has charm and it’s a gateway to the rest of Germany.
Tour from here: Trafalgar’s Best of Germany tour ticks off the top cities and sights and begins and ends in Frankfurt. Alternatively, the Best of Germany & Austria tour begins in Frankfurt.
9. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Airline capacity: Approximately 34.6 million seats in 2024.
With a 40% increase in seats in 2024, compared to the previous year, Hong Kong International Airport is on the rise again. This former major transport hub has the ability to move millions, earning it ninth place in this list.
Why fly here: Visit Hong Kong’s bustling markets, gawk at the towering skyline, eat delicious local food, and escape into nature (yes, really!).
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10. Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH), Qatar
Airline capacity: Approximately 32.4 million seats in 2024.
Also set on the Persian Gulf in the Middle East, Doha is Dubai’s neighbor – and the Doha Hamad International Airport has rapidly grown into a major international airport, making the top 10 list of busiest airports in 2024. It grew 13% year-on-year compared to 2023.
Why fly here: Explore Doha’s modern architecture, traditional souqs, and desert landscapes. Use Doha airport to connect to tours in the UK and Europe.
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Other airport FAQs
What is the biggest airport in the world?
The biggest airport in the world by area is King Fahd International Airport (DMM) in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Spanning approximately 776 square kilometers (301 square miles)Spanning over 780 square kilometers, it’s larger than some cities.
What is the smallest airport in the world?
At the other end of the scale, Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport (SAB) on Saba Island in the Caribbean famously has the world’s shortest commercial runway, measuring just 400 meters (1,312 feet). Only small aircraft can land!
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How many airports are there in the world?
There are more than 41,000 airports and airfields globally, with around 9,000 served by commercial airlines. The rest are used for private, military, or cargo operations, according to Sentinel Aviation.
What is the oldest airport that still operates today?
Established back in 1909, College Park Airport (CGS) in Maryland, USA, is recognized as the world’s oldest continuously operating airport. Not bad when you consider the first proper flight with a plane only took place in 1903! This base was initially used by the Wright brothers to train military pilots and remains active for general aviation today.
That’s the list of the busiest international airports in the world in 2024. Have you flown through any of them? Tell us about your experience in the comments…