With 136 square kilometres of space, Denver International Airport is the largest in the United States. (Representative Image)
Operating international airports requires a workforce of thousands and cutting-edge technology to make global travel seamless.
Airports serve as a gateway, connecting us to countries, cities, economies and cultures around the world. Over the past years, the number of flyers has increased dramatically leading to a tremendous development of the aviation industry and the building of larger, more advanced airports. Many of these are built to cater to millions of passengers on grounds of safety, entertainment and comfort. Operating international airports requires a workforce of thousands and cutting-edge technology to make global travel seamless.
Let us explore some of the largest international airports in the world:
King Fahd International Airport in Saudi Arabia
The King Fahd International Airport spans around 315 square kilometres in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. In terms of land area, it is currently the biggest airport in the world. Named after King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saudi, this airport is regarded as one of the most luxurious in the world. To guarantee a pleasurable travel experience, the place boasts a variety of top-notch amenities. King Fahd International Airport, bigger than Mumbai is one of its fun facts.
King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia
It is a beautifully designed airport with excellent airline and passenger amenities. Approximately 20 million passengers travel through the international airport each year. King Khalid International Airport features three terminals, a sizable control tower, two 4,200-meter runways and an impressive Royal Mosque. This airport has excellent connections not only to international locations but also to important cities throughout Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.
Denver International Airport, United States
With 136 square kilometres of space, Denver International Airport is the largest in the United States. It boosts the local economy greatly and acts as a key airline hub. There are a lot of ‘strange’ artworks at the airport including a sculpture known as Blucifer, a larger-than-life blue horse.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, United States
This airport in Atlanta, Georgia, is about 78 square kilometres in size. It is the world’s busiest airport, both in terms of passengers and flights. According to reports, Hartsfield-Jackson handled over 107 million people, making it the busiest airport in the world in 2018. On an average, around 300,000 travellers pass through the airport every day.
Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur International Airport, spanning 100 square kilometres, is the principal international airport serving Malaysia. Situated in Sepang, it functions as a primary hub for both Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia, enabling travellers to explore Southeast Asia and beyond.
Istanbul International Airport, Turkey
Istanbul International Airport is one of the world’s largest, covering approximately 76.5 square kilometres. As Istanbul is positioned on both the European and Asian continents, the airport provides an important link between the two. This airport is Turkey’s largest international airport and Europe’s second busiest, after London’s Heathrow.
Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai (UAE)
Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai is in the process of replacing Dubai International Airport. On April 28, Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, announced a significant expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport. According to reports, the new airport, scheduled to open in 2030, will be five times the size of Dubai International Airport today. The new airport will cover 70 square kilometres and potentially accommodate up to 260 million passengers annually.
