The top 10 busiest airports, representing 9 pc of global traffic or 855 million passengers, witnessed a gain of 8.8 pc from 2023
Airports Council International (ACI) World released its rankings for the busiest airports of the world, 2024 which reveals Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport at the top position, followed by Dubai International Airport and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
In a statement, ACI says that preliminary figures indicate that total global passengers are close to 5 billion, representing an increase of 9 pc from 2023 or a gain of 3.8 pc from pre-pandemic levels (2019).
The statement also adds that the top 10 busiest airports, representing 9 pc of global traffic or 855 million passengers, witnessed a gain of 8.8 pc from 2023 and a gain of 8.4 pc vis-à-vis their 2019 results, then they carried 789 million passengers.
Also Read: 5.5 pc rise in passengers at European airports in October 2024
“Amid global challenges, the resilience of the world’s busiest airports shines. These hubs are vital arteries of trade, commerce, and connectivity. As air travel grows, ACI World stands ready to support its members, ensuring the smooth flow of people and goods that drive global economic, social, and cultural progress,” Justin Erbacci, World Director General, ACI.
According to the statement, the biggest jump in the top 10 rankings was recorded for Shanghai Pudong International Airport, going from 21st position in 2023 to the 10th spot in 2024, fuelled by expanded visa policies, resumption and expansion of international flights, operational enhancements and recovery of the Asia-Pacific region, particularly China.
In terms of cargo traffic, air cargo volumes are estimated to have increased by 8.4 pc year-over-year to over 124 million metric tonnes in 2024 with volumes in the top 10 airports representing close to 26 pc or 32.3 million metric tonnes of the global volumes in 2024 gained 9.3 pc in 2024 year-over-year or a gain of 9.5 pc vis-à-vis their 2019 results, with 29.5 million tonnes being carried in 2019. The increase in cargo is attributed mainly to strong e-commerce demand, maritime shipping disruptions, and declines in jet fuel prices. Hong Kong International Airport remained the top rank, followed by Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Memphis International Airport, adds the statement.
Also Read: Dubai International Airport ends Q3 with 68.6 million passengers
According to the statement, 2024 global aircraft movements are estimated to be around 100 million, representing a gain of 4.3 pc from 2023 with the top 10 airports representing over 6 pc of global traffic, with 6.4 million movements, witnessed a gain of 6.5 pc from their 2023 results or a slight gain of 0.4 pc vis-à-vis their 2019 results or 6.3 million. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport emerged at the top in terms of aircraft movements, followed by Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, all in the United States.
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