Atlanta handled 106.3 million passengers, ahead of Dubai International Airport with 95.2 million and Tokyo Haneda Airport with 91.7 million, ACI said in its latest global rankings.
Total passenger traffic reached an estimated 9.8 billion in 2025, up 3.6% from the previous year and 7.3% above 2019 levels, reflecting a continued rebound in international travel, particularly across Asia-Pacific markets.
The top 10 busiest airports accounted for about 9% of global passenger traffic, with US hubs maintaining a strong presence due to high domestic demand.
Shanghai Pudong was the fastest riser in the top 10, climbing to fifth place from 10th, supported by recovering international traffic and improved connectivity, while Guangzhou Baiyun rebounded to ninth position from 57th in 2022.
In international traffic, Dubai remained the busiest airport, followed by London Heathrow and Seoul Incheon, as global international passenger numbers rose 5.9% year-on-year to 4 billion.
Air cargo volumes increased 2.9% to 128.9 million tonnes, with Hong Kong retaining the top position, followed by Shanghai Pudong and Anchorage.
Aircraft movements reached 101.5 million globally, up 2.3%, with Chicago O’Hare ranking first, followed by Atlanta and Dallas/Fort Worth.
ACI said growth was supported by easing inflation and lower jet fuel prices, but warned that capacity constraints, supply chain pressures and geopolitical tensions could limit further expansion.