Top 8 busiest airports in the US.

The United States is home to some of the world’s busiest airports. From Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta to O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, these major hubs accommodate tens of millions of passengers annually. While the logistics behind these operations are impressive, the hustle and bustle can be overwhelming, particularly for travelers flying private.

Busy airports often mean long TSA lines, flight delays, congested parking, traffic jams, and crowded concourses. Even exclusive members-only spaces, such as airline lounges, can become overcrowded, leading to further frustration.

For private flyers, navigating such busy environments can be a hassle. Whether you’re piloting your own aircraft or chartering a flight, it’s worth considering nearby quieter alternatives the next time you plan to fly into one of America’s busiest airports.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Airport Codes: IATA: ATL, ICAO: KATL, FAA LID: ATL

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport isn’t just the busiest airport in the United States— it’s one of the busiest in the world. In the last two decades, it’s served more passengers annually than any other airport on the planet. That translates to 286,000 daily passengers, more than 100 million a year.

Hartsfield-Jackson is owned by the city of Atlanta’s Department of Aviation and sits roughly 10 miles from the downtown core. It has a total of five runways serving its domestic and international terminals and 192 gates.

As a major hub, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International connects 150 destinations within the US and 70 across the globe. Notably, it serves as the corporate headquarters for Delta Airlines and is their first mega-hub in the country. In addition to Delta, it partners with eight other domestic carriers and hosts a range of international airlines, including AeroMexico, Air Canada, LATAM, Qatar Airways, and Virgin Atlantic.

ATL Private Jet Services

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport only has a single fixed-base operator (FBO), Signature Aviation, located on the facility’s north side.

General Aviation (Reliever Airport) Alternatives to ATL

As the busiest airport in the world, ATL has been called a bonanza more than once. It’s hard to get a time slot, and for many private jet owners, it’s a hectic atmosphere to land in. This is why most private jet traffic flies into nearby DeKalb–Peachtree Airport (IATA: PDK, ICAO: KPDK).

DeKalb-Peachtree is Atlanta’s only general aviation reliever airport. It has nine taxiways and is the 10th busiest airport in the country when it comes to business jet traffic.

For private jet owners, operators, and passengers, PDK’s facilities have over a hundred hangars, as well as several FBOs, including Aero Center Atlanta (formerly Epps Aviation) and Signature Aviation. Services run the gamut from aircraft handling, hangarage, and fueling to passenger and crew lounges, concierge services, and catering.

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).

Location: Dallas, Texas

Airport Codes: IATA: DFW, ICAO: KDFW, FAA LID: DFW

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is yet another US airport that is regularly one of the country’s busiest and third busiest in the world. As a major gateway for international travelers, it handles over 75 million passengers annually.

Owned jointly by the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, DFW is approximately midway between the two. It covers a massive area of over 26.9 square miles, making it the second-largest airport in the United States in terms of land. It’s so large, in fact, that it has its own zip code and city designation, not to mention police, fire, and medical departments.

The airport boasts seven runways, accommodating a wide range of aircraft for both passenger and cargo flights.

DFW is a hub for over 260 destinations, including 189 domestic and 68 international locations, and is the largest hub for American Airlines, with more than 900 flights daily. However, DFW also hosts another 21 passenger airlines.

Domestic carriers include American, Delta, Spirit, Southwest, and United Airlines. International airlines serving DFW include British Airways, Emirates, Japan Airlines, Lufthansa, and Qatar Airways, among others.

DFW private jet services

For those planning to fly into Dallas/Fort Worth on a private aircraft, the airport’s Corporate Aviation service offers a range of options for corporate and private jet owners and passengers. Services include aircraft handling, fueling, and parking.

Passengers can access business amenities like conference rooms, Wi-Fi, and catering services. They also have a team ready to assist with transportation to and from the terminals, rental cars, and other travel plans.

General aviation (reliever airport) alternatives to DFW

Beyond DFW’s chaos, three alternative airports serve private jets in Dallas:

• Dallas Love Field Airport (IATA: DAL, ICAO: KDAL, FAA LID: DAL), a larger airport located just six miles northwest of downtown Dallas, is a key hub for Southwest Airlines but also offers extensive services for corporate and private jet flyers, including hosting several FBOs for a full suite of aircraft and passenger services.
• Dallas Executive Airport (IATA: RBD, ICAO: KRBD, FAA LID: RBD), which caters exclusively to private aircraft traffic, is only 10 miles from Dallas’s downtown core. It has two runways and two FBOs: Ambassador Jet Center and Dallas Jet Amenities.
• Addison Airport (IATA: ADS, ICAO: KADS, FAA LID: ADS) sits north of Dallas and is home to 600 aircraft. At Addison, you’ll find three full-service FBOs, including Million Air, Galaxy, and Atlantic Aviation. It also has more than 70 aircraft-related businesses serving passengers, crew, and their jets.

Denver International Airport (DEN).

Location: Denver, Colorado

Airport Codes: IATA: DEN, ICAO: KDEN, FAA LID: DEN

Denver International Airport (IATA: DEN, ICAO: KDEN, FAA LID: DEN) is the largest airport in North America by total land area and the second largest in the world. Living on 53 square miles, it’s two times larger than Manhattan. DEN is 25 miles northeast of downtown Denver and has six runways.

It serves as a major hub for both domestic and international flights, handling over 77.8 million passengers annually, four million of which are international. This makes it the third-busiest airport in the country.

Denver International Airport is home to 26 domestic and international commercial airlines, including AeroMexico, American, Alaska, British Airways, Frontier, JetBlue, Lufthansa, Southwest, and more.

DEN private jet services

Currently, DEN has a single FBO: Signature Aviation. Private and corporate travelers will find a full complement of aircraft services, including fuel, hangarage, maintenance, concierge, and executive lounges.

General aviation (reliever airport) alternatives to DEN

There are two main alternatives to Denver International Airport, both of which offer more corporate services than their much larger counterpart.

• Centennial Airport (IATA: APA, ICAO: KAPA, FAA LID: APA) is approximately 20 miles from DEN and just a 30-minute commute to downtown Denver. It’s home to several flight schools as well as private charter operations and owners. According to the FDA, more than 1,000 flights a day happen to and from APA. Three FBOs operate out of Centennial, including jetCenters of Colorado, Modern Aviation, and Signature Aviation (North and South facilities). Services include tie-down, hangarage, fueling, and passenger amenities.
• Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport is a second regional reliever airport near Denver (IATA: BJC, ICAO: KBJC, FAA LID: BJC). Owned and operated by Jefferson County, it’s roughly 16 miles from Denver’s business district and about halfway between Denver and Boulder. It caters to high-end corporate aircraft with several FBOs, including Mountain Aviation, Rocky Mountain Aircraft Services, Signature Aviation, and Sheltair Aviation.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD).

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Airport Codes: IATA: ORD, ICAO: KORD, FAA LID: ORD

Chicago O’Hare International Airport, owned and operated by the City of Chicago, is one of the most connected airports globally, handling more than 95 million passengers in 2023. That’s an increase of 8.1 percent over 2022’s numbers.

O’Hare has eight active runways, ranging from 7,500 ft to 13,000 ft. But O’Hare passenger facilities really set it apart, with four terminals and more gates (213) than any other airport in the world. There are more than 40 airlines flying into and out of O’Hare, serving international and domestic travelers.

The majority of these gates are held by two commercial airlines: American and United. The terminals have expansive amenities for passengers, including 145 food and beverage options and dozens of shopping options. Plus, the terminal has more than 20,000 parking spaces.

ORD private jet services

At O’Hare International Airport there is a single FBO: Signature Aviation. Signature offers an entire suite of services for aircraft, owners, and crew, including fueling, maintenance, hangarage, tie-downs, lounges, and concierge services.

General aviation (reliever airport) alternatives to ORD

Not everyone looks forward to navigating five terminals, 200-plus gates, and thousands of passengers when they fly to or from Chicago. That’s why many private and business jet travelers choose to avoid O’Hare altogether and fly into the many local alternatives.

• Midway International Airport (IATA: MDW, ICAO: KMDW, FAA LID: MDW): Located just 10 miles from downtown Chicago, Midway is a key hub for Southwest Airlines but also accommodates private jets with several FBOs providing comprehensive services for private jet charters and operators.
• Gary/Chicago International Airport (IATA: GYY, ICAO: KGYY, FAA LID: GYY): Situated 25 miles southeast of Chicago, this airport is well-equipped for private aviation with dedicated FBOs offering full-suite aircraft and passenger services. On-site FBOs include Gary Jet Center and B. Coleman, plus one Specialized Aviation Services Operator, Sage Popovich.
• Chicago Executive Airport (IATA: PWK, ICAO: KPWK, FAA LID: PWK): Positioned just 18 miles north of downtown Chicago and right on Interstate 94, it’s a major reliever for O’Hare with several FBOs, including Atlantic Aviation, Hawthorne Global Aviation Services, and Signature Aviation.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Location: Los Angeles, California

Airport Codes: IATA: LAX, ICAO: KLAX, FAA LID: LAX

Los Angeles International, operated by Los Angeles World Airports, is another bustling airport in the US. Over 65 million passengers annually flew in and out of this facility in 2022. LAX is 18 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles.

It has four runways and nine terminals, including the Tom Bradley International Terminal. There are also nine remote gates, plus American Airlines has a regional service operating out of a smaller eight-gate terminal nearby in Terminal 8.

Technically, LAX serves as a major hub for more airlines than any other airport in the country, and at the time of writing, over 100 airlines had regular flights from here. It’s a gateway to the world, with many trans-Pacific flights into Asia and the Middle East, as well as Mexico and Central America, connecting you to a global network of destinations.

LAX private jet services

Although most private jet traffic flies into alternative airports with far less traffic than LAX, this airport also supports corporate and private aircraft. There are two on-site FBOs, including Signature Aviation and Atlantic Aviation.

General aviation (reliever airport) alternatives to LAX

In the Los Angeles area, there are two dozen general aviation airports and several commercial airports that operate as reliever airports to LAX:

• Long Beach Airport (IATA: LGB, ICAO: KLGB, FAA LID: LGB): Located about 20 miles south of downtown Los Angeles, Long Beach Airport offers extensive services for executive travelers, including multiple FBOs that provide fueling, hangar space, and passenger amenities.
• Van Nuys Airport (IATA: VNY, ICAO: KVNY, FAA LID: VNY): Situated in the San Fernando Valley, Van Nuys Airport is one of the world’s busiest general aviation airports, and because of this, it also has the best scope of services. It features several FBOs, including Clay Lacy Aviation, Castle & Cooke Aviation Services, Signature Aviation, and Jet Aviation.
• John Wayne Airport (IATA: SNA, ICAO: KSNA, FAA LID: SNA): Located in Orange County, about 35 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles, John Wayne Airport provides two FBOs: ACI Jets and Clay Lacy. Both offer comprehensive services for private and corporate jets, including aircraft handling, passenger facilities, and ground transportation options.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

Location: New York City, New York

Airport Codes: IATA: JFK, ICAO: KJFK, FAA LID: JFK

John F. Kennedy International Airport, operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, ranks as one of the busiest airports in the country. In part, because it is considered the air passenger gateway into North America, JFK handled over 55 million passengers annually as of 2022.

Approximately 90 airlines, both domestic and international, fly from JFK, and the facility serves as a major hub for numerous airlines. A few of the largest airlines with regularly scheduled flights from JFK include Air China, AeroMexico, Air France, British Airways, China Airlines, Emirates, LATAM, and Singapore Airlines, among the usual domestic contingent.

The airport has four runways and a wide range of passenger amenities, including shopping, dining, and lounges that span five passenger terminals. It’s only 15 miles from the city center and allows passengers to reserve their place in the TSA security line up to 72 hours before arrival.

JFK private jet services

While JFK handles a significant amount of commercial traffic, it also accommodates general aviation traffic. The airport has two dedicated FBOs, Signature Aviation and Modern Aviation, which provide comprehensive services such as fueling, hangar space, maintenance, and passenger amenities.

General aviation (reliever airport) alternatives to JFK

Regionally around New York City, there are more than a dozen general aviation airports and several reliever airports serving overflow JFK traffic. Many private aircraft owners, operators, and charter passengers want to avoid the congestion around JFK in favor of quieter, often more accessible terminals.

• Teterboro Airport (IATA: TEB, ICAO: KTEB, FAA LID: TEB): Located just 12 miles from Manhattan, Teterboro is a premier choice for private aviation. It features multiple FBOs offering extensive services, including fueling, hangar space, and luxury passenger amenities.
• Republic Airport (IATA: FRG, ICAO: KFRG, FAA LID: FRG): Known as Long Island’s executive airport, Republic is in East Farmingdale, Long Island, about 30 miles from Manhattan. It exclusively caters to private and corporate jets with three FBOs, including Atlantic Aviation, Modern Aviation, and Republic Jet Center. Aircraft services include everything from tie-downs to detailing to maintenance.
• Westchester County Airport (IATA: HPN, ICAO: KHPN, FAA LID: HPN): Located in White Plains, New York, roughly 33 miles north of Manhattan, is Westchester County Airport. Roughly 75 percent of flights from this facility fall under the general aviation umbrella. Million Air, Atlantic Aviation, and Signature Aviation are the three FBOs.

Orlando International Airport (MCO).

Location: Orlando, Florida

Airport Codes: IATA: MCO, ICAO: KMCO, FAA LID: MCO

Orlando International Airport, operated by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, is a major airport in the United States. In 2022, over 50 million passengers traveled through MCO, with 5 million of those being international passengers. This makes it one of the busiest airports in the country.

Located approximately six miles southeast of downtown Orlando, the airport says that MCO stands for “Much Closer to Orlando.” It covers 12,600 acres and features four runways and two main passenger terminals, A and B, with a new Terminal C recently added. It also is home to the largest car rental facility in the world.

MCO is a major hub for several airlines, including Southwest, JetBlue, and Frontier, with regular flights to numerous domestic and international destinations. It serves as a gateway to popular tourist attractions in the region, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.

MCO private jet services

Although Orlando International primarily caters to commercial traffic, it has several on-site FBOs, including Signature Aviation and Atlantic Aviation.

General aviation (reliever airport) alternatives to MCO

In the Orlando area, private jet pilots and their passengers are spoiled for choice, especially for domestic flights. These general aviation and reliever airports are less congested and often more convenient for anyone en route to Orlando’s theme parks.

• Orlando Executive Airport (IATA: ORL, ICAO: KORL, FAA LID: ORL): Located just three miles from downtown Orlando, this airport provides extensive services for private and corporate jets, including fueling, maintenance, pilot shop and lounge, catering, conference rooms, and other passenger amenities. There are two FBOs: Sheltair Aviation Services and Atlantic Aviation Flying Services.
• Orlando Sanford International Airport (IATA: SFB, ICAO: KSFB, FAA LID: SFB): Situated 18 miles northeast of downtown Orlando, SFB offers several on-site services catering to private aviation, including Million Air, an FBO.
• Kissimmee Gateway Airport (IATA: ISM, ICAO: KISM, FAA LID: ISM): Located about 16 miles south of downtown Orlando, Kissimmee Gateway Airport features two runways and two FBOs: Odyssey Aviation and Signature Aviation. Not to mention, Kissimmee also hosts more than 15 different aviation support services.

For international flights, there are also three customs facilities: Daytona Beach International, Orlando Melbourne International, and Lakeland Linder Regional.

Harry Reid International Airport (LAS).

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

Airport Codes: IATA: LAS, ICAO: KLAS, FAA LID: LAS

Located in Las Vegas, one of the country’s biggest tourist destinations, it shouldn’t be surprising that Harry Reid International Airport is also extremely busy. Harry Reid is operated by the Clark County Department of Aviation and, in 2023, shattered records with over 57.6 million passengers passing through its facility.

LAS is about five miles south of downtown Las Vegas. The airport covers 2,800 acres and features four runways and two passenger terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, plus a satellite option, Concourse D.

It serves domestic and international traffic and is a hub for several airlines. Some of the commercial airlines operating out of Harry Reid include Alaska, American, Southwest, British Airways, Frontier, and Virgin Atlantic, among others.

LAS private jet services

Harry Reid International Airport supports corporate and private aircraft with several on-site FBOs, including Signature Aviation and Atlantic Aviation. These FBOs offer comprehensive services such as fueling, hangar space, maintenance, and additional passenger amenities.

General aviation (reliever airport) alternatives to LAS

Not all travelers want to navigate terminals, hosting 57 million annually. For those looking to avoid the busy environment of LAS, several nearby airports offer excellent alternatives for private jet travelers.

• Henderson Executive Airport (IATA: HSH, ICAO: KHND, FAA LID: HSH): Located 13 miles south of downtown Las Vegas, Henderson Executive provides extensive services for private and corporate jets, including its full-service FBO with fueling, hangar space, and high-end amenities.
• North Las Vegas Airport (IATA: VGT, ICAO: KVGT, FAA LID: VGT): Situated six miles northwest of downtown Las Vegas, North Las Vegas Airport is a much quieter landing environment and caters to general aviation with one FBO: Air Elite.
• Boulder City Municipal Airport (IATA: BLD, ICAO: KBVU, FAA LID: BVU): About 26 miles southeast of Las Vegas, Boulder City Municipal provides a calm option with facilities for private and corporate jets, including aircraft maintenance and passenger services. There are two FBOs on site: BFE-FBO and Boulder City Aviation Services.

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Navigating America’s busiest airports is a daunting task—even more so for private operators and charter passengers specifically seeking mission efficiency.

While major hubs like Hartsfield-Jackson, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Los Angeles International are essential for their connectivity and services, nearby general aviation and reliever airports offer a much-needed respite from the chaos.

The next time you are planning a trip to one of these major hubs, avoid long lines, crowded terminals, and other frustrations by booking with Volato. Enjoy the best customer experience in private aviation.