No, Denver International Airport (DEN) is not the busiest airport in the U.S. Based on total passenger traffic for 2023, Denver ranked as the 3rd-busiest airport in the United States.
Understanding U.S. Airport Rankings
Airport rankings, particularly for "busiest" status, are most commonly determined by the total number of passengers served annually. This metric includes both originating and connecting passengers, providing a comprehensive measure of an airport's operational volume. Organizations like Airports Council International (ACI) compile these statistics to provide a global overview of air traffic.
For 2023, the top airports in the U.S. by passenger traffic were:
| Rank | Airport Name | City/State |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) | Atlanta, Georgia |
| 2 | Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) | Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas |
| 3 | Denver International Airport (DEN) | Denver, Colorado |
While not the busiest domestically, Denver International Airport holds a significant position on the global stage. In 2023, it was recognized as the 6th-busiest airport worldwide based on total passenger traffic.
Factors Influencing Airport Busyness
Several key factors contribute to an airport's passenger traffic volume:
- Strategic Location: Airports like Atlanta (ATL) and Denver (DEN) serve as major connecting hubs due to their central geographic locations, allowing airlines to efficiently connect passengers across the country and internationally.
- Airline Hubs: The presence of a major airline's hub operations significantly boosts passenger traffic, as airlines route a large portion of their flights and connections through these airports.
- Local Market Demand: A large, growing metropolitan area with strong business and tourism sectors naturally generates high demand for air travel.
- Infrastructure and Capacity: Airports with multiple runways, terminals, and efficient ground transportation can handle a larger volume of flights and passengers, supporting higher traffic levels.
Denver's consistent high ranking, both nationally and globally, underscores its vital role in the national and international air transportation network, driven by its strategic location and growing passenger demand.
