The Biggest Airport In The World Is Bigger Than Mumbai

Airports are more than just places to catch a flight; some feel like self-contained cities. They stretch across vast landscapes with endless runways, massive terminals, shopping zones, lounges and even airport hotels. The world's largest airports handle millions of travellers each year and connect countries, cultures and time zones with remarkable efficiency. From smooth transit systems to breathtaking architectural scale, these aviation giants are engineered to manage extraordinary global traffic. If you love travel, aviation, or simply enjoy the thrill of airport hopping, these colossal hubs are worth knowing about. Their sheer size alone is mindblowing, and exploring them can feel like a journey in itself.

List Of The Largest Airports In The World

1. King Fahd International Airport (DMM)

Size: 776 km²
Location: Dammam, Saudi Arabia

Sprawling across the shining deserts near Dammam, King Fahd International Airport takes the top position on the list of the world's largest airports. Designed by Minoru Yamasaki Associates, the airport stretches across an extraordinary 776 km² area. It redefines the scale of global aviation infrastructure and offers a remarkable travel experience. The airport also reflects Saudi Arabia's cultural expression and timeless Islamic architecture.

Also Read: Dubai Vs Abu Dhabi: Which City You Should Visit First In UAE

Photo Credit: Pexels

2. Denver International Airport (DEN)

Size: 137.8 km²
Location: Denver, USA

The biggest airport in North America, Denver International Airport, is known for its bold architectural expression inspired by the Rocky Mountain landscape. The moment you land here, you are transported into a vast, open spatial experience. Designed by Curtis Fentress, its lightweight, translucent tensile roof allows natural daylight to flood the terminal. The thoughtfully planned terminals and concourses support smooth circulation and enhance the overall travel experience.

3. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)

Size: 100 km²
Location: Sepang, Malaysia

Conceived as an “airport in the forest,” Kuala Lumpur International Airport anchors Malaysia's global aviation network. It includes multiple runways and expansive support zones inspired by the country's tropical landscape. Spanning nearly 100 km², the airport's design is a striking collaboration between Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa and Malaysia's AJM. From aviation functions and support facilities to expansive green buffer zones and interiors featuring wooden ceilings and tree-like structural columns resembling a forest canopy, every aspect of the airport is visually stunning.

4. Istanbul Airport (IST)

Size: 76.5 km²
Location: Istanbul, Türkiye

Known as a bridge between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Istanbul Airport is counted among the world's newest mega-airports. Situated near the Black Sea and about 35 kilometres from the heart of Istanbul, it features architecture inspired by the city's history and the grandeur of Ottoman mosques. Altogether, the airport is admired for its monumental scale and status.

5. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

Size: 69.7 km²
Location: Texas, USA

Linking the major Texan cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, this airport strikes a balance between complexity and clarity. Designed with ample space to accommodate future terminal expansions, it is renowned for both scale and efficiency. Its distinctive semicircular terminals, organised along a central roadway spine, streamline aircraft movement and public access.

Also Read: Travel Without Delay: The World's Most Punctual Airlines And Airports For 2025

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6. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Size: 47.8 km²
Location: Washington, D.C., USA

Serving the US capital region, Dulles International Airport is located 26 miles west of Washington, D.C. Catering to over 23 million passengers annually, it is renowned for its vast layout and bold architectural identity. The airport stands as a lasting symbol of mid-century American modernism in global aviation.

7. Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)

Size: 47 km²
Location: Beijing, China

Known for its starfish-shaped terminal, Beijing Daxing International Airport is one of the most ambitious contemporary infrastructure projects. Built to support China's rapidly growing air traffic, the airport handles a massive annual footfall. Its design minimises walking distances and provides a comfortable passenger experience, while futuristic elements are rooted in tradition, centred around a courtyard inspired by Chinese architectural principles.

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8. Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Size: 46.9 km²
Location: Florida, USA

Renowned as a future-ready global gateway for Florida tourism, Orlando International Airport serves travellers from across the world. Formerly known as McCoy Air Force Base, it is among the busiest and largest aviation hubs in the United States. The airport emphasises sustainability, contemporary design, and an enhanced passenger experience.

Also Read: 5 Best Airports In The World In 2025: What Made Them Win

9. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

Size: 44.5 km²
Location: Houston, Texas, USA

Opened in 1969, George Bush Intercontinental Airport is noted for its place in Houston's modernist architectural heritage. Despite its vintage appeal, the airport offers advanced passenger travel experiences. Spread across a wide area north of the city, it reflects Houston's cultural diversity while maintaining a strong connection to the region's natural landscape.

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10. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)

Size: 40 km²
Location: Pudong, Shanghai, China

Last on the list is Shanghai Pudong International Airport, a crucial cargo hub for the Asia-Pacific region. The airport has undergone substantial expansion to enhance capacity and facilities, and handles millions of passengers every year. It is counted among China's busiest international hubs and serves as a primary gateway to the country's financial capital. Located approximately 30 kilometres east of central Shanghai in the Pudong New Area, it features an “H”-shaped layout with two main terminals connected to the world's largest satellite halls.

From record-breaking land areas to iconic architecture, these airports prove that travel begins long before take-off.