Discover the 10 Largest Airports in the United States by Area

The United States boasts a diverse array of airports, not only bustling with passenger traffic but also ranking among the largest in the world by land area. This article examines the ten largest airports currently in operation across the nation. While these airports are often among the busiest, their size does not always correlate with passenger volume, making this list particularly interesting.

10. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport

Covering approximately 7.3 square miles (19 square kilometers), Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is Michigan’s largest airport and ranks tenth nationwide. The airport serves the city of Detroit and acts as a hub for both Delta Air Lines and Spirit Airlines. Historically, it was a major base for Northwest Airlines.

DTW features six runways, with the longest being 12,003 feet (3,659 meters). The airport has two passenger terminals housing four concourses and a total of 150 gates. The Edward H. McNamara Terminal is notable for its three concourses and is home to the second-longest airport concourse in the world.

9. John F. Kennedy International Airport

Occupying 8 square miles (21 square kilometers), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is the largest of New York City’s three airports. Its size allows it to manage significant flight traffic, solidifying its role as a primary international gateway into the United States. JFK features four runways, including the impressive 14,511-foot (4,423 meters) Runway 13R/31L, which previously served as a backup for the Space Shuttle program.

The airport operates five terminals, offering a total of 130 gates. JFK is a hub for American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and JetBlue, supporting substantial cargo operations as well.

8. San Francisco International Airport

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) spans approximately 8.1 square miles (21.07 square kilometers) and is California’s largest airport. It serves as a major hub for United Airlines, particularly for flights to Asia, and also hosts a smaller hub for Alaska Airlines.

SFO operates four intersecting runways, with the longest measuring 11,870 feet (3,618 meters). The airport contains four terminals with a total of 121 gates and is recognized for its capability to manage simultaneous parallel approaches and departures, despite facing operational restrictions during adverse weather conditions.

7. Chicago O’Hare International Airport

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is one of the busiest airports worldwide, covering 11.9 square miles (30.9 square kilometers). It serves as a hub for both American Airlines and United Airlines, featuring eight runways, more than any airport globally.

O’Hare’s layout consists of four terminals that collectively provide 216 gates. With this extensive capacity, the airport can manage a high volume of flights, contributing to its reputation as a vital travel hub.

6. Salt Lake City International Airport

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) spans 11.96 square miles (31 square kilometers) and serves as Utah’s largest and busiest airport. It is a significant hub for Delta Air Lines and features four runways.

The airport’s main terminal consists of two concourses, with a total of 83 gates currently in operation. An expansion is planned to add 11 additional gates by late 2026, further enhancing its capacity.

5. George Bush Intercontinental Airport

Located in Houston, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) covers an area of 15.4 square miles (40 square kilometers) and is a primary hub for United Airlines. The airport has five runways and ranks as Texas’s second-busiest airport.

IAH features five terminals with a combined total of 121 gates, catering to both domestic and international flights, primarily focused on Latin America.

4. Washington Dulles International Airport

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) occupies 20 square miles (52 square kilometers) and serves as a secondary transatlantic hub for United Airlines. The airport features four operational runways, with plans for a fifth runway to accommodate increasing air traffic.

Dulles has a total of 139 gates spread across the main terminal and two midfield buildings, although it often lags behind the smaller Ronald Reagan National Airport, which is closer to downtown Washington, D.C.

3. Orlando International Airport

Covering 20.8 square miles (54 square kilometers), Orlando International Airport (MCO) is Florida’s busiest and largest airport. It serves various budget airlines and is a significant entry point for tourists visiting the region.

MCO has four parallel runways and multiple terminals, providing 116 gates in total. Despite its size, the airport does not host large hubs from major legacy airlines, primarily due to competitive pressures.

2. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) spans 26.6 square miles (69 square kilometers) and ranks as the second-busiest airport globally by passenger numbers. It serves as a primary hub for American Airlines, with seven runways designed to manage a high volume of air traffic.

DFW features six terminals, housing 193 gates. An additional terminal is under construction, which will increase the airport’s total gate capacity to 224 upon completion.

1. Denver International Airport

At 52 square miles (135 square kilometers), Denver International Airport (DEN) is the largest airport in the United States. It serves as a major hub for United Airlines and has expanded significantly in recent years.

Denver’s layout includes six runways arranged in a unique pinwheel pattern, which optimizes operational efficiency. The airport features a single terminal, the Jeppesen Terminal, and three midfield concourses with a total of 169 gates.

These ten airports not only exemplify the scale of air travel in the United States but also represent critical infrastructure that supports both domestic and international connectivity.