How Many Airports Are There in the U.S Today?
How Many Airports Does The US Have?
Table of Contents

Travel across the world has never been easier. Hopping from the United States to Japan can be done in a matter of hours and every day it just gets easier. With the ability to fly from one country to another with such ease, it may come as a surprise at how few international airports there are in the United States.

For some travelers, it could take longer to get to the closest international airport than it would to just drive to your destination.

How Many Airports Does the United States Have?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) estimates that there are approximately 19,000 airports in the country. All sizes of airports are included in this, from big international hubs to modest local airfields.

Interesting Airport Facts in the USA

The Juan F. Luis Airport in the United States Virgin Islands has the shortest runway in the country, measuring 1,500 feet.

Denver International Airport is the country's largest airport, covering nearly 52 square miles.

The John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City is one of the most prone to delays in the country, with an average delay of more than 20 minutes per aircraft.

Number of Airports in the US by State

State/Territory

Number of Airports

Alabama

180

Alaska

573

American Samoa

3

Arizona

184

Arkansas

230

California

485

Colorado

267

Connecticut

48

Delaware

28

District of Columbia

3

Florida

489

Georgia

332

Guam

2

Hawaii

31

Idaho

247

Illinois

431

Indiana

357

Iowa

198

Kansas

342

Kentucky

146

Louisiana

245

Maine

120

Maryland

137

Massachusetts

70

Michigan

329

Minnesota

298

Mississippi

192

Missouri

359

Montana

258

Nebraska

205

Nevada

99

New Hampshire

57

New Jersey

92

New Mexico

129

New York

344

North Carolina

342

North Dakota

254

Ohio

397

Oklahoma

364

Oregon

326

Pennsylvania

364

Puerto Rico

14

Rhode Island

9

South Carolina

160

South Dakota

142

Tennessee

221

Texas

1494

Utah

97

Vermont

60

Virgin Islands

2

Virginia

271

Washington

356

West Virginia

71

Wisconsin

410

Wyoming

96

Do you know...?

The majority of airports in the United States are privately owned and operated, and are not open to the general public.

The number of international ports of entry in the United States is constantly changing, with more ports being added to accommodate an increasing number of international travelers.

While the United States has a low number of international airports, it is still one of the most densely populated nations in terms of international airports, with at least one in nearly every state.

The Department of Transportation data includes seaports, airports, and land crossings, so the 330 total points of entry include more than just international airports.

What is the busiest airport in the US?

According to World Atlas, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the busiest airport in the United States in terms of passenger traffic.In the pre-COVID year of 2019, ATL handled over 100 million passengers, 20 million more than the second-busiest airport in the United States.

It is named after two former Atlanta mayors, Maynard Jackson and William Hartsfield, and is located nearly seven miles outside of the city on seven square miles of land. According to World Atlas, it serves as an international gateway to the United States and is a Delta Airlines hub.

Top 10 busiest airports in the US?

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) (Atlanta, GA)

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) (Los Angeles, CA)

O’Hare International Airport (ORD) (Chicago, IL)

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) (Dallas, TX)

Denver International Airport (DEN) (Denver, CO)

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) (New York, NY)

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) (San Francisco, CA)

McCarran International Airport (LAS) (Las Vegas, NV)

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) (Seattle, WA)

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) (Charlotte, NC)

Which airports in the US listed in the top busiest airports in the world?

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Atlanta, GA)

Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing, China)

Los Angeles International Airport (Los Angeles, CA)

Dubai International Airport (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

Tokyo Haneda Airport (Tokyo, Japan)

O'Hare International Airport (Chicago, IL)

Heathrow Airport (London, United Kingdom)

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (Shanghai, China)

Charles de Gaulle Airport (Paris, France)

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (Dallas, TX)

What’s the Oldest Airport Still Active in the USA?

While Texas has the most airports in the country, the oldest airport still in operation in the United States is College Park Airport in Maryland. Furthermore, it was founded in 1909 when Wilbur Wright visited to train two military officers.

This airport serves as a link between Prince George's County and Washington, DC. It has a single runway that is 2,600 feet long and 60 feet wide. It can accommodate over 100 aircraft, including transient and tenant aircraft. Furthermore, the airport has major facilities such as weather briefing, fueling, and a pilot lounge.

READ MORE: Top 10+ Oldest AirPorts in the World

How Many International Airports Are There In The US?

Because of its size and global connectivity, the United States has many international airports. Currently, the country has over 30 international airports that serve as key entry points for international travelers. These airports are located in various states and metropolitan areas, ensuring domestic and international passengers' accessibility and convenience.

READ MORE: Top 10 Best Airports in The World Today

The Importance of International Airports in the United States

International airports serve as entry points for visitors from all over the world to enter the United States. These airports handle a large number of international flights for tourists and business travelers. They are critical for promoting tourism, attracting foreign investment, and strengthening international cooperation. International airports also help with cargo transportation and play an important role in the global supply chain.

Why are there so few international airports in the United States?

Because each state typically only has one or two international airports, the number of international airports in the United States is relatively low.

Is it expected that the number of international airports in the United States will grow in the future?

To accommodate the growing number of international travelers, the number of international airports in the United States may increase in the future.

Top 9 Biggest International Airports In The US

1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Website: https://www.atl.com/

Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is one of the world's busiest airports. It is a major hub for domestic and international flights, connecting various locations around the world. Atlanta Airport, with its extensive network and cutting-edge facilities, plays an important role in facilitating air travel.

2. Los Angeles International Airport

Website: https://www.flylax.com/

Address: 1 World Way, Los Angeles, CA 90045

Los Angeles International Airport, also known as LAX, is a major international airport in the United States. LAX, located in Los Angeles, California, is a vital gateway for visitors to the United States' West Coast. It serves as a vital transportation hub by providing a diverse range of domestic and international flights.

3. O'Hare International Airport

Website: https://www.flychicago.com/

Address: 10000 W O'Hare Ave, Chicago, IL 60666

O'Hare International Airport, located in Chicago, Illinois, is renowned for its extensive connectivity and efficient operations. It is a crucial hub for domestic and international flights, facilitating travel to and from the Midwest region. O'Hare Airport is a significant driver of economic activity in the area, contributing to tourism and trade.

4. John F. Kennedy International Airport

Website: https://www.jfkairport.com/

Address: JFK Airport, Queens, NY 11430

John F. Kennedy International Airport, located in Queens, New York, is one of the busiest and most recognizable airports in the United States. It is an important entry point for international visitors to the country's Northeast region, which includes the bustling city of New York. JFK airport serves as a hub for international flights, connecting the United States to the rest of the world.

5. San Francisco International Airport

Website: https://www.flysfo.com

Address: San Francisco, CA 94128

San Francisco International Airport, located in California's San Francisco Bay Area, is a major hub for visitors to the West Coast. It has a large number of international flights and connects many destinations around the world. This airport serves as a vital gateway for both business and leisure travelers due to its proximity to Silicon Valley and the vibrant city of San Francisco.

6. Miami International Airport

Website: https://www.miami-airport.com/

Address: 2100 NW 42nd Ave, Miami, FL 33126

Miami International Airport, situated in Miami, Florida, serves as a significant international gateway for travellers visiting the southeastern region of the United States. It plays a crucial role in connecting North and South America, making it an important hub for domestic and international flights. Miami Airport's strategic location and strong connectivity contribute to its prominence.

7. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

Website: https://www.dfwairport.com/

Address: 2400 Aviation Dr, DFW Airport, TX 75261

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, also known as DFW Airport, is one of the world's largest and busiest airports. It is located in the Texas metropolitan area of Dallas-Fort Worth and serves as a major hub for domestic and international flights. DFW Airport provides extensive connectivity, facilitating travel and trade between the United States and a variety of international destinations.

8. Denver International Airport

Website: https://www.flydenver.com/

Address: 8500 Peña Blvd, Denver, CO 80249

Denver International Airport, located in Denver, Colorado, is a major international airport in the United States' central region. It serves as a vital hub for visitors to the Rocky Mountain states, offering a diverse range of domestic and international flights. The strategic location and modern facilities of Denver Airport are critical components of the air transportation network.

9. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Website: https://www.portseattle.org/

Address: 17801 International Blvd, Seattle, WA 98158

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, also known as Sea-Tac Airport, is a major international airport serving the Seattle metropolitan area in Washington state. It is an important gateway for visitors to the Pacific Northwest region, with numerous domestic and international flights. Because of its connectivity and proximity to Seattle, Sea-Tac Airport is an important transportation hub.

Conclusion

The United States has one of the world's largest airport networks. Air travel is an essential component of modern life. There are numerous options for flying across the country, whether for business or pleasure. This article examines the number of airports in the United States, as well as some fascinating information about these important transportation hubs.

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