July 28, 2025, 12:09 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Which is the largest airport in the world? Which is the highest above sea level, and where do both passengers and pilots need more than just strong nerves during landing? TRAVELBOOK presents six airports worldwide that hold records.
Overview
The Largest Airport in the World
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in the U.S. state of Georgia has topped the list of the largest airports in the world by passenger volume for years. According to data from the Airport Council International (ACI), 108 million passengers were handled here in 2024. Thanks to its central location in the U.S., Atlanta’s airport serves as a major hub and significant transfer point in the American and global airline network.
The Smallest Airport in the World
The runway at Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport on the Caribbean island of Saba is just 400 meters long, making it the shortest commercial runway in the world. For comparison, runways in Frankfurt am Main range from 2,800 to 4,000 meters long. Landing on Saba is therefore a challenge for pilots.
The Most Dangerous Airport in the World
The Paro International Airport in the small Asian country of Bhutan is considered the most dangerous to approach worldwide. Only a handful of pilots around the globe are officially licensed to take off or land here. As the only international airport in the small country of Bhutan, it is nestled in a valley surrounded by the towering peaks of the Himalayas, which reach up to 5,400 meters high. The “target” itself, however, is only at about 2,000 meters altitude. Therefore, during landing or takeoff, a distance of about 3,000 meters must be ascended or descended in a very short time.
A list of other approaches considered particularly dangerous can be found here:
The Northernmost Airport in the World
The airport in Longyearbyen on Svalbard in Norway is the northernmost in the world with scheduled flights. It is located about 1,300 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle and is an important transportation hub for the entire region. Travelers wishing to visit the North Pole must pass through the airport, and it also serves as a significant starting point for scientific expeditions.
The 3 Most Remote Airports in the World
Why Europe’s Most Feared Airport Is Located Here
The Southernmost Airport in the World
The international Ushuaia Airport in Argentina is the southernmost commercial airport on Earth and has only one terminal. Nevertheless, it can be quite busy, especially in the summer months, as the airport is a key starting point for Antarctic expeditions. Several flights from Buenos Aires and other cities land here daily.
The Highest Airport in the World
When it comes to record-holding airports, Daocheng Yading Airport in China’s Sichuan province cannot be overlooked. Since its opening in 2013, it has been considered the highest airport in the world, situated at 4,411 meters above sea level. Due to the extremely thin air at this altitude, travelers are advised that they may experience dizziness and other symptoms of altitude sickness.