CNN reported that the air travel sector set a record in 2025 with 9.8 billion passengers, according to the Airports Council International (ACI) report. The organization clarified that these are preliminary figures released in April.

This ranking comes amid growing global air travel demand following the pandemic recovery.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport topped the list of busiest airports, holding the first position for 27 out of the past 28 years.

The only time the airport lost the top spot was in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic that crippled global air traffic.

Although Atlanta is not a major tourist destination like Paris or Hong Kong, nor among the most populous cities, its strategic location and long-term efficient management have made its airport the busiest in the world.

The remaining airports among the top five busiest in 2025 were: Dubai International Airport in second place, Tokyo Haneda International Airport in third, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in fourth, and Shanghai Pudong International Airport in fifth.

Atlanta Airport is the main hub for Delta Air Lines, boosting passenger traffic. Its geographic location in the southeastern United States makes it a vital transit point between many destinations. With continued growth in air travel demand, the airport is expected to maintain its leading position, especially amid ongoing expansion plans. However, competition may intensify from other airports such as Dubai, which is rapidly closing in.