This is the world’s No. 1 busiest airport. Here’s why

Global Aviation Reaches New Heights in 2025

This is the world s No 1 – Join CNN Travel’s weekly newsletter, Unlocking the World, to receive updates on destinations alongside the newest developments in aviation, culinary experiences, and accommodation options. This week’s travel highlights include Asia’s response to extreme temperatures, a dramatic budget airline incident, and the definitive rankings of the world’s most active airports for 2025.

According to a comprehensive report published Wednesday by Airports Council International (ACI), global air travel achieved an unprecedented milestone last year with 9.8 billion passengers traveling worldwide. The organization had initially shared its preliminary data back in April, and the final figures confirm that passenger numbers have surged to record levels across international hubs.

Atlanta’s Enduring Dominance

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has secured its position as the world’s premier airport by passenger volume in 2025. This remarkable achievement extends Atlanta’s reign as the global No. 1 destination for air traffic, marking 27 years within the last 28 that the airport has maintained this prestigious title. The only interruption occurred in 2020 when the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic brought air travel to a near standstill worldwide.

What makes Atlanta’s success particularly noteworthy is that the city lacks the traditional attributes of a major international travel destination. Unlike Hong Kong, Paris, or Los Angeles, Atlanta is not considered a premier global destination. Furthermore, it does not rank among the world’s largest metropolitan population centers. Yet through a combination of geographical advantages and visionary long-term management, Atlanta’s airport has not only reached the summit but has remained there for nearly three decades.

The secrets behind Atlanta’s sustained success involve multiple factors working in harmony. Strategic positioning, efficient operations, and consistent leadership have created an airport ecosystem that handles massive passenger volumes with remarkable efficiency. These elements combine to make Atlanta a model for airport management worldwide.

Top Airports and American Towns to Visit

Beyond Atlanta’s championship position, the 2025 rankings reveal an interesting global distribution of air traffic. Dubai International Airport (DXB) claims the second position, followed by Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND) at number three. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) holds fourth place, while Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) rounds out the top five.

Dallas/Fort Worth deserves special attention as it has climbed six positions in the ranking since 2019, demonstrating significant growth in passenger traffic. This upward trajectory suggests that DFW is definitely an airport to monitor closely in coming years.

Meanwhile, CNN’s countdown of America’s Best Towns to Visit in 2026 highlights several Midwestern gems. Iowa City, Iowa, sits at number eight on the list. Known as America’s literary engine room, this vibrant college town features residents and even taxi drivers who appear to have ink-stained fingers from their love of books. Legendary author Kurt Vonnegut once walked these same streets, adding to the city’s literary heritage.

However, literature represents only half of Iowa City’s appeal. This relaxed Midwestern destination offers diverse attractions ranging from a presidentially approved vintage diner famous for its pie-shakes to a neighboring community entirely dedicated to “Star Trek.” It is a culture-rich location where stories await discovery around every corner.

Also featured in the rankings are Roanoke, Virginia, at number ten, and Lawrence, Kansas, at number nine, rounding out this selection of American destinations worth exploring.

Weather Challenges and Travel Trends

Wildfires continue to impact travel across multiple continents. In Canada and Europe, flames have been burning intensely, with a train evacuating Canadian residents being overtaken by fire near Ontario on Tuesday. Additionally, wildfire smoke is drifting into the United States, significantly reducing air quality for millions of people.

Chile faces different weather-related challenges. A prolonged drought has forced ski resorts in the Andes mountains to close up to 90% of their slopes. This situation creates difficulties for over a million tourists who regularly visit for skiing, as well as for local businesses that depend on winter sports revenue.

Asia’s travel patterns are also shifting due to climate change. The continent is experiencing warming at twice the rate of the rest of the globe, which means extreme summer temperatures are disrupting traditional vacation schedules and encouraging travelers to explore alternative destinations and timing.

Human Interest Stories

On a warmer note, an Irish couple recently shared their experience while road-tripping through the United States. They stopped at Liberty Restaurant in Scottsboro, Alabama, for a meal and were deeply moved by the southern hospitality they received. The couple was nearly brought to tears by the kindness shown to them during their journey.

These heartwarming encounters exemplify an online phenomenon known as the “Great American Sleepover,” where tourists—including some attending the World Cup—experience American novelties and spontaneous acts of kindness from strangers. CNN recently reunited the Irish couple with the restaurant owner to celebrate their memorable encounter.

For many people, Scottsboro, Alabama, is best known for its legendary Unclaimed Baggage store, which markets itself as the country’s sole retailer of lost luggage. However, the town’s Liberty Restaurant is now gaining attention for something different: hearts being won over by genuine hospitality.

Other notable incidents this week include a bison attack on a man at Yellowstone National Park, which was captured on camera. This event occurs as US national parks struggle with record-breaking visitor numbers. Additionally, a passenger was partially sucked out of a budget airline plane during a harrowing incident that has raised safety questions.

From soccer showdowns to parasite outbreaks and wild animal encounters, this week has delivered numerous stories worth remembering.