OAG Ranks Dubai International Airport First; Where Does Delhi's IGI Land?
Key Points
- 1Dubai International Airport leads the OAG December 2025 ranking with 5.50 million scheduled seats.
- 2India's Indira Gandhi International Airport secured the 7th position globally with 4.31 million seats.
- 3The ranking is based on total scheduled seat capacity, highlighting a strong recovery in global passenger demand.
- 4Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ranks second, driven by its massive domestic network.
The Official Airline Guide (OAG) has released its latest data on the World's busiest airports by total scheduled seat capacity for December 2025. Dubai International Airport (DXB) has secured the top global position. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) follows closely at number two. The rankings reflect a continued strong recovery in Global passenger demand across key international hubs.
Global Aviation Leadership
Dubai International Airport claimed the number one spot with 5.50 million scheduled seats. This represents a 4.2% increase in seat capacity compared to December 2024. DXB's dominance is largely due to its strength in International seat capacity. The airport serves as a critical global connector for airlines like Emirates.
Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport ranked second with 5.21 million seats. ATL remains a powerhouse, primarily driven by the massive U.S. domestic market. The OAG data shows the enduring importance of both international and domestic traffic hubs. Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) secured the third position with 4.68 million seats.
Asia's Rising Hubs and Market Shifts
India’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi achieved the seventh rank globally. The airport recorded 4.31 million scheduled seats for December 2025. This placement highlights DEL's growing role as a major global aviation hub. DEL is also recognized as South Asia’s top megahub for connectivity.
DEL's rise is supported by major expansion plans. The airport is working to increase its international capacity significantly. This growth aligns with large fleet orders from carriers like Air India and IndiGo. China's Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) also made the top ten. CAN saw a notable 12% rise in capacity. These movements underscore the shifting dynamics in Airport traffic data and the strength of the Asian market.
The Top 10 Busiest Global Airports (December 2025)
OAG's latest OAG global airport rankings are based on total scheduled seats. The data offers a snapshot of current commercial aviation news and operational demands. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) projects continued growth in global air traffic for 2025–2026.
- 1. Dubai International Airport (DXB): 5.50 million seats
- 2. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL): 5.21 million seats
- 3. Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND): 4.68 million seats
- 4. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN): 4.43 million seats
- 5. Heathrow Airport (LHR): 4.35 million seats
- 6. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG): 4.32 million seats
- 7. Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL): 4.31 million seats
- 8. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): 4.29 million seats
- 9. Istanbul Airport (IST): 4.22 million seats
- 10. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD): 4.12 million seats
This data is essential for airlines and airport operators. It helps them manage resources and plan future capacity. For more flight operation news, visit this source flying.flights.
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