Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is at the top of the 2023 rankings in both passenger traffic and aircraft movements in Airports Council International (ACI) World’s latest ACI World Airport Traffic Dataset, which was released on July 16.
ATL was followed by followed by Dubai International Airport and Dallas Forth Worth in terms of passenger traffic.
In aircraft movements, Chicago O’Hare is in 2nd place after leading ATL in 2018 and 2019, followed by DFW.
Total global passenger traffic for 2023 was close to 8.7 billion, reports the ACI data-set, which ACI says was driven by a continued resurgence in international traffic. This segment was propelled by several factors, including the anticipated benefits from the reopening of the Asian markets and a growing inclination towards travel despite macroeconomic conditions.
Passengers traffic highlights
The 8.7 billion in 2023 global passengers represent an increase of 30.5% from 2022 or a recovery of 94.2% from pre-pandemic results (2019).
The top 20 airports represent 16% of global traffic (1.41 billion passengers), and witnessed a gain of 26.4% from 2022 or a recovery of 96.8% from 2019 (1.46 billion passengers in 2019).
Eight airports from the top 20 rankings are in the United States. Almost all have significant domestic passenger shares (between 70% and 95% domestic traffic).
After reaching the top of the rankings in 2020, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport went down to 58th position in 2022 but regained 12th spot in 2023.
The biggest jump in the top 20 rankings was recorded by Incheon International Airport. The airport improved its ranking from 99th position in 2022 to take 20th spot in 2023.
ACI World Director General and CEO Luis Felipe de Oliveira said: “The dataset findings indicate that the demand for air travel is as strong as ever. International passenger traffic has now almost fully recovered from the pandemic, and the regional disparities are gone. China’s reopening fueled much of 2023’s strong growth and has propelled Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport back into the Top 20. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport continues to lead the way, but the revival of Middle East and Asia-Pacific hubs is the standout takeaway from 2023 figures.
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Aircraft Movements highlights
2023 global aircraft movements were close to 96 million, representing a gain of 12.6% from 2022 results or a recovery of 92.8% vs pre-pandemic results (2019).
The top 20 airports, representing close to 11% of global traffic (10.5 million movements), witnessed a gain of 12.2% from their 2022 results or a recovery of 95.3% on their 2019 results (11 million movements in 2019).
Eleven airports from the top 20 rankings are in the United States.
The biggest jump in the top 20 rankings was recorded for Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). The airport improved its ranking from the 83rd position in 2022 to 18th in 2023.
ACI World collects airport traffic every year through its global network of airport operator members, investors, and aviation stakeholders. The dataset reveals airport passenger, cargo, and aircraft movement rankings for over 2,700 airports across more than 185 countries and territories. It allows users to filter through accurate and reliable numbers that can be segmented on a regional, national, and airport level and by traffic type.
