The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is still in the lead for the world’s busiest airport. As of October, it appears it will stay that way during the holiday travel season.
The airport, which is a Delta hub, has kept the title for years. This month alone, the airport has seen 4.7 million seats occupied, a 3% increase compared to last month, according to Airports Council International.
Dubai International Airport and Tokyo’s Haneda Airport trailed behind, which both reported a 5% increase since last month.
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport ranks 4th on the list with just over 3.75 million seats occupied this October, and Denver International Airport came in at No. 5 with just over 3.7 million seats occupied this month.
Atlanta has been the busiest airport in the world since 1998, except in 2020 when Guangzhou Bai Yun International took the title. ATL regained its title the following year.
While the ranking includes domestic and international flights, Dubai is the busiest for international flights, occupying more than 4.1 million international seats.
Next was Heathrow Airport in London, which will soon lift its passenger capacity restrictions after it limited departures to 100,000 passengers this past summer to help keep up with air travel demand and reduce disruptions. Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport, which ranked No. 3 on the list for international flights, also limited departures but extended the restrictions through the end of March 2023.
The data comes as the world prepares for what is predicted to be a busy — and expensive — holiday period. In the United States alone, 47% of people surveyed say they plan on traveling, and almost half of those are planning to fly.
Prices are also rising to match predictions made by travel industry experts who anticipate holiday prices will reach the highest they’ve been in five years, especially over Christmas.
