Airports Council International (ACI) World found with the resumption of international travel, 2022 global passenger traffic reached close to 7 billion, representing an increase of 53.5% from 2021, or a 73.8% recovery from 2019 results.

The top 10 airports for total passenger traffic, representing 10% of global traffic, saw a gain of 51.7% from 2021 amounting to 85.9% recovery on their 2019 results.

The biggest jump in the top 10 was recorded for Heathrow, which improved its ranking from 54th after borders reopened in March 2022 after two years of closures.

Holding their positions from 2021, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International airport is at the top of the 2022 rankings, followed by Dallas Fort Worth airport, Denver airport and Chicago O’Hare airport.

Airports reinstated in the upper ranks also include Dubai, Istanbul, Delhi and Paris.
 
ACI World director general Luis Felipe de Oliveira said: "The new top 10 busiest airports for passenger traffic reflects the resilience of the airport and aviation industry, and the eagerness of passengers to travel by air.

"While US airport hubs were able to recover quicker due to their strong domestic market, we are now witnessing global hubs joining upper ranks—including Dubai, Istanbul, and Heathrow airport."