This is the world’s No. 1 busiest airport. Here’s why
Global Aviation Reaches New Heights: Atlanta Retains Crown as World’s Premier Airport
This is the world s No 1 – CNN Travel invites readers to subscribe to “Unlocking the World,” their weekly newsletter delivering comprehensive updates on global destinations, aviation developments, culinary trends, and accommodation recommendations. This week’s travel compilation highlights several compelling stories, including Asia’s response to unprecedented heat waves, a dramatic budget airline incident, and the latest rankings of the world’s busiest airports for 2025.
According to a comprehensive report published Wednesday by Airports Council International (ACI), global air travel achieved an unprecedented milestone last year, carrying a record-breaking 9.8 billion passengers worldwide. The organization had initially released its preliminary figures back in April, and the final data confirms Atlanta’s continued dominance in international passenger traffic.
Atlanta’s Enduring Legacy
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has maintained its position as the world’s number one airport for passenger traffic for 27 out of the last 28 years. The only year it relinquished the top spot was 2020, when the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic caused air travel to virtually cease across the globe. What makes Atlanta’s achievement particularly remarkable is that it is neither a major international tourist destination like Hong Kong, Paris, or Los Angeles, nor is it among the world’s largest population centers.
Two primary factors have contributed to Atlanta’s sustained success: its advantageous geographical location and effective long-term strategic leadership. These elements, combined with other operational secrets, have enabled the airport to climb to the summit and remain there despite intense global competition.
Top Global Airports of 2025
Beyond Atlanta’s leadership position, the complete top five busiest airports for 2025 include Dubai (DXB) at number two, Tokyo (HND) at number three, Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) at number four, and Shanghai (PVG) at number five. Notably, Dallas/Fort Worth has made significant progress in the rankings, climbing six positions since 2019, making it an airport worth monitoring closely in coming years.
America’s Best Towns to Visit in 2026
Continuing CNN’s annual countdown of America’s Best Towns to Visit in 2026, Iowa City, Iowa, secured the eighth position. Known as America’s literary engine room, this vibrant college town features residents—including 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 cultural heritage.
However, literature represents only half of Iowa City’s appeal. This relaxed Midwestern destination offers numerous attractions, from a presidentially approved vintage diner famous for its pie-shakes to a neighboring town entirely dedicated to “Star Trek.” It is a culture-rich destination where stories await discovery around every corner.
Other notable entries in the 2026 list include Roanoke, Virginia, at number ten, and Lawrence, Kansas, at number nine.
Global Weather and Travel Disruptions
Wildfires have been burning intensely across Canada and Europe. On Tuesday, a train evacuating Canadians was overtaken by flames as wildfires raged near Ontario. Additionally, wildfire smoke has been pouring into the United States, significantly damaging air quality for millions of residents.
Meanwhile, a prolonged drought in Chile has forced ski resorts in the Andes mountains to close up to 90% of their slopes. This presents challenges for over a million tourists who regularly visit to ski, as well as for local businesses that depend on winter tourism revenue.
Hyper-hot weather is also reshaping Asia’s travel landscape. The continent is experiencing warming at twice the rate of the rest of the globe, causing extreme summer temperatures to disrupt traditional vacation patterns and push travelers toward alternative destinations and plans.
Heartwarming Travel Stories
A couple from Ireland was road-tripping through the United States when they stopped at Liberty Restaurant in Alabama for a meal. The couple was deeply moved by the experience, nearly brought to tears by the southern hospitality they received. These touching moments exemplify an online phenomenon known as the “Great American Sleepover,” where tourists—some visiting for the World Cup—are encountering American novelties and acts of kindness from strangers.
CNN later reunited the couple with the restaurant owner. While Scottsboro, Alabama, is perhaps best known for its legendary Unclaimed Baggage store, which claims to be the nation’s only seller of lost luggage, it is now also gaining recognition for the heartfelt connections being made at Liberty Restaurant.
Other notable stories from the week include a bison attack on a man at Yellowstone National Park, captured on camera as US national parks struggle with record-breaking visitor numbers; a budget airline passenger who was sucked halfway out of the aircraft; and a soccer showdown accompanied by a parasite outbreak. What stories from the week have you remembered most vividly?
