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A Journey Through America’s 15 Largest Airports

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Towering terminals, endless runways, and constant movement—America’s largest airports keep the country connected. These sprawling complexes, designed to handle millions of passengers, play an essential role in the nation’s aviation system. These 15 airports, located in key areas across the country, showcase the impressive infrastructure needed to handle the vast volume of air traffic.

Denver International Airport (DEN)

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Recognized for its massive size, Denver International covers 52.4 square miles. Its iconic tent-like roof and underground trains connect passengers across far-reaching terminals. Handling millions of flyers yearly, this airport serves as a gateway to destinations throughout North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia, making it one of the world’s busiest.

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

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Spanning 27 square miles, DFW is so large it even has its own ZIP code. With five terminals and a host of restaurants and shops, it accommodates millions of customers on domestic and international flights. This Texas giant serves as a vital hub for American Airlines and provides extensive connections to nearly every corner of the globe.

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)

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Essential to Florida’s Gulf Coast, Southwest Florida International occupies 21.2 square miles and serves millions of commuters seeking sun and relaxation. The single-terminal airport efficiently handles millions of tourists each year, especially those heading to popular vacation spots like Sanibel Island and Naples. It’s famed as a key airport for leisure travelers.

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

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Washington Dulles is one of the East Coast’s largest airports, covering over 20 square miles. Its main terminal, designed by Eero Saarinen, is known for its striking architecture. With flights to more than 125 destinations worldwide, Dulles is pivotal in connecting the U.S. capital to the rest of the world.

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

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Millions of travelers pass through this Florida hub each year, heading to Central Florida’s famous attractions, such as Disney World. Its modern, expansive terminals are filled with palm trees and tourist-friendly amenities. Orlando International is known for handling over 50 million clients annually and spans 18.13 square miles.

Kansas City International Airport (MCI)

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Designed with passenger convenience in mind, Kansas City International features a spacious, easy-to-maneuver layout. Covering 16.7 square miles, it has undergone recent renovations to enhance traveler comfort. This airport connects millions of passengers to domestic and international destinations, with a considerably relaxed experience than some of the nation’s busier hubs.

Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)

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Spread over 15.6 square miles, Pittsburgh International is well-known for its innovative midfield terminal design. It’s quieter than many larger airports but still provides efficient connections for both regional and international tourists. Cargo operations have been expanding rapidly, supporting the airport’s role as a growing aviation hub in the Pittsburgh area.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

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Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental spans 15.6 square miles and is a central international hub. With five terminals, the airport offers flights to destinations all over the globe. More than 45 million flyers pass through annually, and the airport is notable for its efficiency and wide range of services.

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)

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Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International supports the region by efficiently managing cargo and passenger traffic. Stretching across 12.05 square miles, it ranks among the busiest cargo airports in the U.S., with significant operations for Amazon Air and DHL. The airport also has one of the longest runways in North America, measuring 12,000 feet.

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

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Salt Lake City International is 12 square miles and is framed by the breathtaking Rocky Mountains. As a major hub for Delta Air Lines, it provides smooth connections for visitors venturing to Utah’s world-class ski resorts or exploring its numerous national parks. It also accommodates more than 26 million customers per year.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

One of the busiest airports in the world, O’Hare covers 11.9 square miles and handles more than 80 million air commuters each year. With its four terminals, O’Hare is a vital connection point for domestic and international flights. Its large layout enables it to accommodate patrons of all kinds.

Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)

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As a major air travel hub for the Midwest, Detroit Metro Airport is critical in connecting domestic and international flights. Its six runways and advanced terminals ensure smooth operations for millions of passengers. This hub accommodates over 36 million tourists annually and supports a vast network of routes.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)

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An essential hub for East Coast travelers, Charlotte Douglas International handles numerous flyers. It spans over 8.5 square miles and supports more than 1400 daily arrivals and departures. With wide open concourses and top-notch food options, it’s a favorite for those traveling north or south along the coast.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

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As one of the busiest airports, San Francisco International encompasses 8.15 square miles and welcomes over 57 million passengers throughout the year. Distinguished for its art exhibits and upscale lounges, the airport promises a relaxed atmosphere for travelers. It is also critical as a gateway to Asia and Europe, particularly for West Coast travelers.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

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This major New York airport features many international flights daily and is a key stop for commuters crossing the Atlantic or heading to Asia. Its five active terminals are designed to accommodate millions of passengers efficiently. Spanning 8.11 square miles, John F. Kennedy International sees over 60 million travelers per annum.

Written by Castillo Rancon

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