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DFW Airport was the 3rd busiest airport in the world in 2024

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport had a banner year in 2024.

International organization Airports Council International (ACI) World has revealed its 2024 rankings of the busiest airports in the world, and Dallas/Fort Worth International Aiport came in at No. 3 on the list with nearly 88 million passengers flying through the airport last year.

The annual report examined passenger data for more than 2,700 airports worldwide to determine which had the most traffic in 2024. Preliminary data was unveiled April 14, with the full rankings expected to be confirmed in July 2025.

The initial data says nearly five billion global travelers took flights in 2024, representing a 9 percent increase from 2023's passenger traffic.

DFW Airport saw a nearly identical increase in its traffic this year with about 87.82 million passengers flying in or out in 2024.

The top two airports that beat DFW with even busier year were Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (No. 1) with over 108 million passengers, and Dubai International Airport (No. 2) which saw more than 92.33 million passengers.

ACI World Director Justin Erbacci said the top 10 busiest airports are thriving even while enduring "global challenges" such as ongoing supply chain issues, aircraft manufacturing production delays, and the threat of tariffs.

“These hubs are vital arteries of trade, commerce, and connectivity," Erbacci said. "As air travel grows, ACI World stands ready to support its members, ensuring the smooth flow of people and goods that drive global economic, social, and cultural progress."

Global passenger traffic is expected to crease nearly 5 percent to 9.9 billion travelers in 2025, according to ACI World.

In the global rankings of airports with the most aircraft movements, DFW ranked No. 3 with 743,203 takeoffs and landings in 2024.

The top 10 busiest airports in the world are:

No. 1 – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
No. 2 – Dubai International Airport
No. 3 – Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
No. 4 – Haneda Airport, Japan
No. 5 – Heathrow Airport, United Kingdom
No. 6 – Denver International Airport
No. 7 – Istanbul Airport
No. 8 – Chicago O'Hare International Airport
No. 9 – Indira Gandhi International Airport, India
No. 10 – Shanghai Pudong International Airport, China

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Airline News

Frontier Airlines adds two new destination cities out of DFW Airport

Frontier Airlines/ Facebook

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Low-cost Denver-based Frontier Airlines has launched nonstop service from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to two new destinations in Central America.

According to a release, the carrier will offer the following new flights:

Guatemala City, Guatemala (GUA) - weekly
San Salvador, El Salvador (SAL) - 2x/week

With these new routes, Frontier will serve 40 destinations nonstop from DFW, exemplifying Frontier’s impressive network growth as it continues to add more affordable and convenient travel options across the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America.

The frequency of the flights is a little confusing. Guatemala City is "weekly" which seems to imply "once a week." San Salvador is "2x/week" which seems to imply two flights a week. However, if you try to book a flight to either city, you get all sorts of options, including weekends and a few randomly spaced weekdays. And the flight availability extends only through January.

Frontier Airlines VP of network and operations design Josh Flyr says in a statement that "there’s a lot to be excited about" including their expanding network and their rolling out First Class in early 2026.

Other changes at Frontier include UpFront Plus seating, an upgraded seating option with extra leg and elbow room in the first two rows of the aircraft, with choice of a window or aisle seat with extra legroom and a guaranteed empty middle seat.

To celebrate, they'll offer a fare sale starting at $79. Tickets must be purchased by 10:59 pm Dallas time on December 30, 2025. Sale fares are valid for nonstop travel on select days of the week January 5-April 13, 2026. Blackout dates apply on March 9 and March 31, and from April 1-6. And a 14-day advance purchase is required.

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