Misbar’s Analysis
The world's largest airport is located in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is a surprising contrast to the United States, home to many of the top-ranking airports by size. Despite their extensive facilities, many of these American airports fall short in attracting the highest number of passengers worldwide.
What Is the Largest Airport in the World?
According to Statista data up to the end of 2022, the largest airport in the world is King Fahd International Airport in Saudi Arabia. The airport spans over 700 square kilometers, making it several times larger than the second-largest airport worldwide.
What Are the Key Facilities at the World’s Largest Airport?
King Fahd International Airport, the world's largest, boasts a range of facilities to meet the needs of travelers, including:
- Banks and ATMs: King Fahd International Airport hosts several branches of prominent Saudi banks, such as Al-Rajhi Bank and Alinma Bank, along with numerous ATMs to ensure convenient financial services for travelers.
- Cafes and Restaurants: Travelers at King Fahd International Airport can enjoy a variety of dining options while waiting for their flights. The airport features several restaurants offering diverse cuisines, as well as popular cafes like Baskin Robbins and Tim Hortons.
- Car Rental Offices: Passengers at King Fahd International Airport can conveniently access car rental services without leaving the airport. Notable companies with offices on-site include Key Car Rental and Theeb Car Rental.
- Telecommunications Companies: At King Fahd International Airport, travelers can easily purchase SIM cards from branches of major providers such as Mobily, Saudi Telecom Company (STC), and Zain.
- Retail Stores: King Fahd International Airport features a diverse selection of shops where travelers can buy essentials or pick up souvenirs. Notable stores include Virgin Megastore and Al-Dawaa Pharmacy.
Are There Many Airports in Saudi Arabia?
In addition to housing the world's largest airport, King Fahd International Airport, Saudi Arabia is home to several other airports offering both domestic and international flights. These include:
- King Khalid International Airport: Located in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, King Khalid International Airport has a capacity of 812,070 passengers annually, making it one of the largest airports in the kingdom.
- Gurayat Domestic Airport: Located in the city of Gurayat, this regional airport serves domestic flights and has a capacity of 11,014 passengers, catering specifically to local travel within Saudi Arabia.
- Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport: This international airport in Madinah handles 9,008 passengers and offers both domestic and international flights.
- Al Wajh Domestic Airport: Located in the city of Al Wajh, this small airport accommodates 2,134 passengers, making it one of the smaller airports in Saudi Arabia.
- King Abdulaziz International Airport: Serving Jeddah in the Makkah Region, King Abdulaziz International Airport handles 750,861 passengers, establishing it as a major airport in the kingdom.
Where Is the Second-Largest Largest Airport in the Arab World Located?
The second largest airport in the Arab world, after King Fahd International Airport, which holds the title of the largest airport in the world, is Cairo International Airport in Egypt. Covering an area of approximately 36 square kilometers, Cairo International began its operations in the 1940s as a smaller facility but has since grown to become one of the largest airports globally, not just in the Arab world.
What Is the Largest Airport in East Asia?
Beijing Daxing International Airport is the largest airport in East Asia. However, its area is relatively small compared to King Fahd International Airport. Located in the People's Republic of China, Beijing Daxing International Airport covers 47 square kilometers. Another significant airport in East Asia is Shanghai Pudong International Airport, which ranks second in the region.
What Are the Top 10 Largest Airports in the World by Area?
In addition to King Fahd International Airport, several other large airports are notable globally. Here is a list of the top 10 largest airports in the world, by area:
- King Fahd International Airport: With an area of 776 square kilometers, King Fahd International Airport is the largest airport in Saudi Arabia and the world by a significant margin.
- Denver International Airport: Located in the United States, Denver International Airport is the largest airport in the U.S. and the second-largest in the world, covering 135.71 square kilometers.
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport: The third largest airport globally and the second largest in the U.S., Dallas Fort Worth International Airport spans 69.63 square kilometers, less than 10% of King Fahd International Airport's area.
- Orlando International Airport: Ranking fourth in the world, Orlando International Airport covers 53.83 square kilometers, making it the third-largest airport in the U.S.
- Washington Dulles International Airport: Situated in the United States, Washington Dulles International Airport has an area of 48.56 square kilometers, making it the fifth largest globally and the fourth in the U.S.
- Beijing Daxing International Airport: With an area of 47.0 square kilometers, Beijing Daxing International Airport is the largest airport in China and ranks sixth worldwide.
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport: Covering 44.51 square kilometers, George Bush Intercontinental Airport is the seventh-largest airport in the world and the fifth-largest in the U.S.
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport: Located in China, Shanghai Pudong International Airport spans 39.88 square kilometers, making it the second-largest airport in China and the eighth-largest globally.
- Cairo International Airport: In Egypt, Cairo International Airport covers 36.25 square kilometers, making it the second-largest airport in the Arab world and the ninth-largest globally.
- Suvarnabhumi Airport: Spanning 32.4 square kilometers, Suvarnabhumi Airport is the tenth-largest airport in the world and the largest in Thailand.
What Is the Busiest Airport in the World by Passenger Numbers?
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport holds the title of the busiest airport in the world by passenger numbers, according to 2022 statistics. It served an impressive 93,699,630 passengers. Interestingly, despite its vast size, the largest airport by area does not rank among the top airports globally in terms of passenger traffic.
Where Is the Busiest Airport in Europe Located?
The busiest airport in Europe by passenger numbers is London Heathrow Airport. In 2022, it served 61,614,508 passengers, making it the eighth-busiest airport in the world. Despite its significant traffic, it is surpassed by several American and other international airports.
What Are the Oldest Airports in the World?
The largest airport in the world is not among the oldest; it was established in 1999, making it relatively modern. Here are some of the oldest airports globally:
- College Park Airport: Located in Maryland, U.S.A., College Park Airport is the oldest airport in the world, having been established in 1909. This historic airport predates King Fahd International Airport by nearly a century.
- Ljungbyhed Airport: Ranking second among the oldest airports, Ljungbyhed Airport in Sweden was founded in 1910, almost a year after College Park Airport.
- Hamburg Airport: Established in 1911, Hamburg Airport is the third oldest airport globally and the third oldest in Europe, situated in Germany.
- Brighton City Airport: Established in 1911, Brighton City Airport in the United Kingdom shares the title of the third oldest airport in the world with Hamburg Airport.
- Aurel Vlaicu International Airport: Located in Romania, Aurel Vlaicu International Airport was established in 1912, making it the fourth oldest airport in Europe and the fifth oldest worldwide.
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