Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has once again been named the world’s busiest airport, according to a report by the Airports Council International (ACI). The airport, which has held the title for more than two decades, handled a total of 107 million passengers in 2022.
The report also showed that air travel continued to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, with global passenger traffic increasing by 52.4% compared to 2021. However, passenger traffic is still significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels, with a 37.8% decline from 2019.
Other airports that made the top five list of the world’s busiest airports in 2022 include Beijing Capital International Airport, Dubai International Airport, Tokyo Haneda International Airport, and Los Angeles International Airport.
The report also highlighted the importance of air cargo during the pandemic, with cargo traffic increasing by 7.9% compared to 2021. Air cargo has played a critical role in delivering essential medical supplies and vaccines during the pandemic, and the ACI emphasized the need for continued investment in air cargo infrastructure.
While the rebound in air travel is encouraging, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and new variants continue to pose challenges for the aviation industry. The ACI called for coordinated international efforts to promote safe and efficient air travel, including the implementation of common health and safety protocols and the expansion of vaccination programs.
As the world continues to grapple with the pandemic, the role of air travel in connecting people and economies remains vital, and the need for a resilient and sustainable aviation industry has never been greater.
