Discover the 10 Largest Airports in the United States by Area

The United States is home to some of the largest and busiest airports in the world. Among these, the ten largest airports by land area stand out not only for their size but also for their capacity to handle numerous flights. These airports play a crucial role in both domestic and international air travel. Below is a detailed overview of the ten largest airports currently in operation across the country.

10. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

Covering an area of 7.3 square miles (19 square kilometers), Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is the largest airport in Michigan and ranks as the tenth largest in the United States. It serves as a hub for Delta Air Lines and Spirit Airlines, previously also functioning as a hub for Northwest Airlines. The airport boasts six runways, with the longest being 12,003 feet (3,659 meters).

DTW features two passenger terminals, which together house 150 gates. The Edward H. McNamara Terminal is the larger of the two, with three concourses, while the Warren Cleage Evans Terminal contains Concourse D with 29 gates.

9. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Located in New York, JFK Airport spans 8 square miles (21 square kilometers) and is the busiest of the city’s three airports. Its size allows it to accommodate a significant amount of flight traffic, making it a key international gateway to the United States. JFK features four runways, including the third-longest in the country, Runway 13R/31L, which measures 14,511 feet (4,423 meters).

The airport is equipped with five terminals, offering a total of 130 gates. It serves as a major hub for American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and JetBlue, in addition to hosting cargo operations.

8. San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

San Francisco International Airport is the largest airport in the Bay Area, covering an area of 8.1 square miles (21.07 square kilometers). Although Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is busier, SFO is crucial for trans-Pacific flights, particularly for United Airlines. The airport features four intersecting runways and is known for its operational efficiency, despite facing limitations during adverse weather.

SFO has four terminals with a total of 121 gates. It also hosts a significant maintenance facility for United Airlines, which services both United and over 40 other airlines.

7. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

Chicago O’Hare International Airport is one of the world’s busiest airports, covering 11.9 square miles (30.9 square kilometers). It serves as a primary hub for American Airlines and United Airlines, and it boasts eight runways—more than any other airport globally. The airport has four terminals with a total of 216 gates, making it a critical node in air travel.

O’Hare’s configuration allows for efficient operations, helping it handle a vast number of flights daily.

6. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

The largest airport in Utah, Salt Lake City International Airport spans 11.96 square miles (31 square kilometers) and serves as a major hub for Delta Air Lines. The airport features three primary runways for commercial use, with one shorter runway reserved for smaller aircraft.

SLC has a single terminal with two concourses that collectively house 83 gates, with additional gates expected to open by 2026.

5. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

Covering 15.4 square miles (40 square kilometers), George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston is the second-busiest airport in Texas. It serves as a hub for United Airlines and features five runways. The airport provides a total of 121 gates across its five terminals.

IAH is particularly significant for flights to Latin America, solidifying its role in international travel.

4. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Washington Dulles International Airport spans 20 square miles (52 square kilometers) and serves as a secondary transatlantic hub for United Airlines. The airport features four runways, with a fifth planned, and accommodates a total of 139 gates across its main terminal and midfield buildings.

Despite its size, Dulles often competes with the smaller Ronald Reagan National Airport for passenger preference due to its proximity to downtown Washington, D.C.

3. Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Orlando International Airport is the busiest airport in Florida, covering an area of 20.8 square miles (54 square kilometers). It serves as a major hub for several budget airlines but does not host a significant hub for any of the major legacy carriers.

MCO has four parallel runways and multiple terminals, with a total of 116 gates. The airport sees a high volume of leisure travelers, particularly due to Orlando’s status as a tourist destination.

2. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Texas, covering 26.6 square miles (69 square kilometers). DFW serves as the primary hub for American Airlines and ranks as the second-busiest airport in the world by passenger numbers.

The airport has seven runways and six terminals, providing a total of 193 gates. DFW is a global hub for oneworld and accommodates flights from over 40 airlines.

1. Denver International Airport (DEN)

At a staggering 52 square miles (135 square kilometers), Denver International Airport is the largest airport in the United States. It serves as a major hub for United Airlines and features six runways arranged efficiently to maximize operational capacity.

The airport’s Jeppesen Terminal supports a total of 169 gates across three concourses, allowing it to handle a considerable number of flights daily.

These airports not only represent a key part of the United States’ transportation infrastructure but also play a pivotal role in connecting millions of passengers to destinations around the globe.