How Many International Airports Are There In The US? Let’s talk about airports. But not just any airports—I’m talking about the shiny, international ones that connect the USA to the rest of the world.
If you’ve ever been stuck in a security line wondering just how many of these international gateways exist in the U.S., you’re in luck. There are 483 international airports spread across the United States.
Total Number of Airports in the U.S.
Before going into the international specifics, let’s take a step back and look at the big picture. The U.S. is home to over 19,700 airports. This includes everything from tiny airstrips in the middle of nowhere to sprawling hubs of chaos.
Among these, about 5,193 are public airports. Public airports include both commercial service airports and general aviation airports. So, if you’re catching a flight to Bora Bora or just hopping over to the next state, there’s an airport for that.
List of Notable Airports in the US
Alabama
- Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM)
- Huntsville International Airport (HSV)
- Mobile Regional Airport (MOB)
- Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM)
Alaska
- Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)
- Fairbanks International Airport (FAI)
- Juneau International Airport (JNU)
- Ketchikan International Airport (KTN)
- Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport (SIT)
Arizona
Arkansas
California
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- San Diego International Airport (SAN)
- Oakland International Airport (OAK)
- San Jose International Airport (SJC)
- Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
- Long Beach Airport (LGB)
- John Wayne Airport (SNA)
- Ontario International Airport (ONT)
- Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
- Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT)
- Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR)
- Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA)
Colorado
- Denver International Airport (DEN)
- Colorado Springs Airport (COS)
Connecticut
Delaware
- Wilmington Airport (ILG)
Florida
- Miami International Airport (MIA)
- Orlando International Airport (MCO)
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
- Tampa International Airport (TPA)
- Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
- Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)
- Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
- Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)
- Pensacola International Airport (PNS)
- Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS)
- Key West International Airport (EYW)
- Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV)
- Tallahassee International Airport (TLH)
Georgia
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)
Hawaii
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
- Kahului Airport (OGG)
- Kona International Airport (KOA)
- Lihue Airport (LIH)
- Hilo International Airport (ITO)
Idaho
- Boise Airport (BOI)
Illinois
- O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
- General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport (PIA)
- Quad City International Airport (MLI)
Indiana
- Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
- Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA)
- South Bend International Airport (SBN)
Iowa
- Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
- Eastern Iowa Airport (CID)
Kansas
Kentucky
- Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF)
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
- Blue Grass Airport (LEX)
Louisiana
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
- Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR)
- Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV)
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
- Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR)
- Flint Bishop International Airport (FNT)
- Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (AZO)
- Cherry Capital Airport (TVC)
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
- St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)
- Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
- Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF)
Montana
- Billings Logan International Airport (BIL)
- Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)
- Missoula International Airport (MSO)
Nebraska
- Eppley Airfield (OMA)
- Lincoln Airport (LNK)
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
- Atlantic City International Airport (ACY)
- Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN)
New Mexico
New York
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
- Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)
- Albany International Airport (ALB)
- Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR)
- Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC)
North Carolina
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
- Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
- Wilmington International Airport (ILM)
- Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
- Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO)
North Dakota
Ohio
- Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
- John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
- Dayton International Airport (DAY)
- Akron-Canton Airport (CAK)
- Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK)
Oklahoma
- Will Rogers World Airport (OKC)
- Tulsa International Airport (TUL)
Oregon
- Portland International Airport (PDX)
- Eugene Airport (EUG)
- Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (MFR)
Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
- Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
- Harrisburg International Airport (MDT)
- Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE)
- Erie International Airport (ERI)
Rhode Island
- T.F. Green Airport (PVD)
South Carolina
- Charleston International Airport (CHS)
- Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)
- Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)
- Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)
- Hilton Head Airport (HHH)
South Dakota
Tennessee
- Nashville International Airport (BNA)
- Memphis International Airport (MEM)
- McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)
- Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA)
- Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI)
Texas
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
- San Antonio International Airport (SAT)
- Dallas Love Field (DAL)
- William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
- El Paso International Airport (ELP)
- Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (LBB)
- Midland International Air and Space Port (MAF)
- Valley International Airport (HRL)
- McAllen Miller International Airport (MFE)
- Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP)
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
- Norfolk International Airport (ORF)
- Richmond International Airport (RIC)
- Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA)
Washington
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
- Spokane International Airport (GEG)
- Tri-Cities Airport (PSC)
- Bellingham International Airport (BLI)
West Virginia
- Yeager Airport (CRW)
Wisconsin
- General Mitchell International Airport (MKE)
- Dane County Regional Airport (MSN)
- Appleton International Airport (ATW)
Wyoming
- Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)
Major International Airports
When it comes to international travel, some airports really steal the show. Here are the big players:
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York
JFK, the airport that’s always buzzing with activity. It’s one of the busiest international gateways in the U.S. Located in Queens, New York City, JFK was initially called Idlewild Airport. After President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, it got a more somber name.
Now, over 90 airlines operate out of its nine terminals. If you’re traveling abroad, there’s a good chance JFK is involved. Rail, buses, cars—you name it, you can get to JFK somehow.
According to the American Airport Guide, in 2024, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York is expected to handle over 61 million passengers annually, maintaining its position as one of the busiest airports in the U.S.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), California
LAX, the glamour hub, especially if you’re headed to or from the Asia-Pacific region. Situated in Los Angeles, this airport ranks as the second busiest in the U.S. and sixth globally.
With more passenger airlines than any other U.S. airport, LAX is like a non-stop party—except it’s a party where you’re constantly taking your shoes off for security checks or someone is asking if you brought a shampoo. Don’t miss the iconic Theme Building that looks like a flying saucer, a landmark in global aviation.
In 2024, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) saw 23.37 million passengers from January to April alone, including both domestic and international travelers. This figure points to a strong recovery in air travel post-pandemic, with monthly passenger volumes often exceeding 6 million.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Illinois
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Chicago O’Hare, a.k.a. the Midwest’s main squeeze. Named after aviator Edward O’Hare, this airport is a major hub for flights across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
O’Hare boasts four terminals, including an underground tunnel in Terminal 1 connecting Concourses B and C. Oh, and there’s a reconstructed Brachiosaurus skeleton in Concourse B—a pretty cool thing to see when visiting.
As of 2024, Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) continues to rank among the busiest airports in the world. It handled approximately 73.9 million passengers in 2023, an increase of 8.1% from the previous year. This growth trend is expected to continue into 2024 with projections of strong passenger numbers, especially during the summer travel season.
Miami International Airport (MIA), Florida
MIA is your gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean. Located just 13 kilometers from downtown Miami, MIA handles a huge volume of international flights.
With multiple terminals and so many amenities, it’s a hub not just for tourists but also for air cargo. MIA is well-connected by highways and public transportation, making it a go-to for international travelers.
As of 2024, Miami International Airport (MIA) has experienced significant growth. In 2023, MIA handled a record 52.3 million passengers, marking a 3.2% increase from the previous year. This includes 23.2 million international passengers, an 8.5% rise, while domestic travelers reached 29.1 million.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Texas
DFW is massive—one of the largest airports in the world by area. Located in Texas, it’s the third busiest airport globally in terms of aircraft movement.
With multiple terminals, modern facilities, and endless dining options, DFW is a significant hub for international travel, especially to Europe and Asia.
In 2024, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is projected to handle approximately 80 million passengers, continuing its position as one of the world’s busiest airports. This follows a trend of surpassing pre-pandemic levels and experiencing record-breaking growth.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO), California
SFO is a major hub for trans-Pacific flights. If you’re headed to Asia, there’s a good chance you’ll pass through here. SFO’s international terminal is the largest in North America.
Plus, you can hop on the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system right from the airport. SFO also boasts an Aviation Museum and a Video Arts Gallery—perfect for killing time before your flight.
As of 2024, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) handles a significant volume of air traffic and passengers. In September 2024, there were 32,599 flights recorded at SFO. This includes both domestic and international flights, with operations involving 114 airlines connecting to 31 different countries.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Georgia
ATL is primarily known for its domestic traffic, but it also handles a substantial number of international flights.
It serves as a primary hub for Delta Airlines and is crucial for travelers heading to Europe and Latin America. Modern amenities and multiple terminals make it a vital nexus for global travelers.
As of 2024, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) remains one of the busiest airports in the world. By mid-2024, the airport had handled over 68,000 flights in June alone. For the year 2023, it set a record by serving more than 104.6 million passengers, positioning it as the world’s busiest airport in terms of passenger numbers and aircraft movements.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Virginia
Located near the nation’s capital, Dulles is a major international gateway, particularly for flights to Europe and the Middle East. The proximity to Washington, D.C. makes it a significant player in international travel.
In 2023, Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) recorded a total of 25.1 million passengers, including a record-breaking 9.3 million international travelers.
Denver International Airport (DEN), Colorado
DEN is the largest airport in the U.S. by total land area and the second largest worldwide. The Jeppesen Terminal is the main terminal here, and you’ll find three concourses connected by an underground train service.
Noteworthy for its unique architecture and art installations, DEN is increasing its international routes, especially to Europe and Latin America.
The airport also reported a significant increase in international traffic, up by 17.2% during the first half of the year. June 2024 marked the busiest month in the airport’s history, with 7.6 million passengers passing through.
As for flights, DEN recorded 57,493 flight movements in September 2024, reflecting its status as one of the busiest airports in the U.S. and globally.
Additional Noteworthy International Airports
Not every international airport in the U.S. is a massive hub, but many still play crucial roles in international connectivity:
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), New Jersey
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), Nevada
- Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), Minnesota
- San Diego International Airport (SAN), California
Regional International Airports
Some airports provide international services despite being regional players. They might not be as flashy as JFK or LAX, but they’re essential for connectivity to smaller cities and towns:
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), Utah
Gateway to the western U.S., with flights primarily to Canada and Mexico. Nestled in Utah, SLC is a surprise package of breathtaking views, mixed with the local charm.
You can find some great dining options featuring local flavors, perfect for grabbing a bite before your flight. Plus, the views of the nearby mountains from the terminal windows are simply stunning.
As of 2024, Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) continues to grow in terms of passenger traffic and flight operations. In 2023, the airport handled a record 26.95 million passengers, and it is expected to increase that figure in 2024 as the airport expands its capacity further.
Portland International Airport (PDX), Oregon
Portland International Airport (PDX) serves as the largest airport in Oregon, handling the majority of the state’s passenger air travel and air cargo. Known for its convenient light rail connection to downtown Portland, PDX offers a range of amenities, including local food and drink options, free Wi-Fi, and tax-free shopping.
The airport is a joint civil-military facility, which means it provides services to both civilian passengers and military operations. PDX is also recognized for its unique cultural touches, such as live music performances and art installations, which is why so many passengers consider it a welcoming gateway to the Pacific Northwest.
As of 2024, Portland International Airport (PDX) continues to see significant traffic. In September 2024, the airport handled approximately 14,450 flights. In terms of passenger volume, for the year up to August 2024, the airport had served around 11.46 million passengers, marking a growth of about 5% compared to the previous year.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), Minnesota
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Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is a major hub in Minnesota, serving the Twin Cities area. It’s known for being a joint civil-military airport, reflecting its dual role in both civilian and military aviation.
Located in Hennepin County, MSP is sometimes referred to as Wold–Chamberlain Field. The airport is conveniently situated near the city’s downtown areas, which is why it’s so accessible for travelers.
With a variety of amenities and services, MSP offers a comfortable and efficient travel experience, as it caters to both domestic and international flights.
This brings MSP closer to its pre-pandemic record of 39.5 million passengers set in 2019. This growth is largely driven by the rebound in international travel, with nearly 3 million international passengers in 2023—up 47% from the prior year.
In terms of flight operations, MSP supported 323,929 total flights in 2023, representing a 4.4% increase compared to 2022. Of these, commercial flights made up the vast majority, averaging about 798 departures per day.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), North Carolina
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), located in North Carolina, is a major hub for travelers in the southeastern United States. It’s one of the busiest airports in the country, and offers a range of amenities that are there to make your travel experience as smooth as possible.
The airport is well-connected and provides numerous domestic and international flights daily. Friendly staff and efficient services make it a preferred choice for many. If you’re passing through, you’ll find that CLT provides a welcoming and comfortable environment for all travelers.
In 2024, the airport is handling a significant volume of flights. As of mid-year, from January to June, CLT saw 264,516 aircraft movements (arrivals and departures), a 14.6% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
Passenger traffic also continues to rise. From January through June 2024, 29.5 million passengers passed through the airport, a 15.6% increase compared to the same period in 2023. CLT is expected to surpass its 2023 record of 53.4 million.
Secondary International Airports
Even beyond the major and regional hubs, secondary international airports hold their own:
- Orlando International Airport (MCO), Florida: Tourist central, with flights to Europe, South America, and the Caribbean.
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), Pennsylvania: A hub for transatlantic travel with connections to Europe, Canada, and Latin America.
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Washington: Major gateway to Asia, with flights to Canada and Europe.
- Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Texas: Handles flights to Latin America, Europe, and Asia.
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Massachusetts: Known for its connections to European cities.
Emerging International Airports
Some airports are stepping up their game, expanding international routes and establishing themselves as new international gateways:
- Denver International Airport (DEN), Colorado: Increasing international routes, especially to Europe and Latin America.
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), Arizona: Developing an international network with flights to Canada, Mexico, and Europe.
- San Diego International Airport (SAN), California: Convenient location near downtown San Diego, offering flights to Mexico, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Cargo Operations at International Airports
International airports aren’t just for passengers. They’re also crucial for cargo operations:
- Memphis International Airport (MEM), Tennessee: Home to FedEx’s global hub, the busiest cargo airport in the U.S.
- Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF), Kentucky: The global hub for UPS.
- Miami International Airport (MIA), Florida: Major cargo hub for goods moving between the U.S. and Latin America.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Operations
Customs and immigration facilities at international airports handle the influx of international passengers. Programs like Global Entry expedite clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers.
Some airports even have preclearance facilities abroad, letting travelers complete U.S. immigration and customs procedures before boarding their flight.
Technological Advancements
To improve passenger experience and efficiency, international airports are adopting advanced technologies:
- Biometric Screening: JFK and ATL are using facial recognition for quicker check-ins and boarding.
- Automated Baggage Handling: Systems with RFID tracking and automated sorting are reducing lost luggage incidents.
- Smart Infrastructure: Airports like DEN and SFO use IoT devices, data analytics, and real-time monitoring systems to optimize operations.
Future Developments
Many international airports are undergoing significant expansions and upgrades:
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA), New York: Comprehensive redevelopment project for modernization.
- O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Chicago: $8.5 billion expansion plan.
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), Utah: Recently completed phase one of a massive redevelopment project.
Concluding Thoughts
The U.S. boasts a comprehensive network of international airports, from major hubs to regional gateways. They facilitate millions of international passengers annually, contributing to the nation’s economic growth and global presence.
As the aviation industry evolves, U.S. international airports will play an even more significant role in the future of global travel.
