The United States is home to some of the world’s largest and most advanced airports. These sprawling complexes are more than just transit points—they are mini-cities with terminals, runways, shopping centers, lounges, and even art installations.

In this article, we explore the largest airports in the U.S. by area, facilities, and operational scale, with a special focus on LAX, JFK, and ATL. You'll also find mentions of top airlines like Delta, American, and Southwest, along with valuable info such as the Southwest Airlines Terminal at LAX.

1. Denver International Airport (DEN) – The Largest by Land Area

Location: Denver, Colorado
Total Area: 33,531 acres (52.4 square miles)

Topping the list in terms of sheer size is Denver International Airport (DEN). Sprawled across more than 33,000 acres, DEN is not only the largest airport in the U.S. by area but also one of the largest in the world. It features six runways and a uniquely designed terminal with a tent-like roof inspired by the Rocky Mountains.

Major Airlines:

  • United Airlines – DEN is one of United’s busiest hubs, with extensive domestic and international routes.
  • Southwest Airlines – Offers hundreds of daily departures.
  • Frontier Airlines – Denver-based budget carrier serving dozens of destinations.

DEN is known for its efficiency, innovative art installations, and long runways that accommodate aircraft of all sizes.

2. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

Location: Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas
Total Area: 17,207 acres

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport ranks second in terms of land area and is the main hub for American Airlines, which is headquartered nearby. DFW features five terminals (A through E) and is uniquely positioned between two major cities, making it a crucial connection point in the central U.S.

Major Airlines:

  • American Airlines – DFW is American’s largest hub, handling hundreds of flights daily.
  • Spirit Airlines and Delta also offer services here.

Each terminal at DFW is well-connected via the SkyLink train, and recent expansions have made room for even more international traffic.

3. Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Location: Orlando, Florida
Total Area: 13,302 acres

Orlando International Airport is a major gateway for tourism in the U.S., serving the millions who visit Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Florida's beaches every year. It ranks third in size and has continued to grow with new terminals and runway expansions.

Major Airlines:

  • Southwest Airlines – A major presence at MCO, with dozens of daily departures.
  • JetBlue Airways – Popular among leisure travelers.
  • American Airlines and Delta Air Lines – Operate a wide variety of domestic routes.

4. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Location: Washington, D.C. (Virginia)
Total Area: 13,000 acres

IAD serves as the primary international gateway to the U.S. capital and is notable for its large footprint. Its midfield concourse design and iconic mobile lounges are unique in American airport design.

Major Airlines:

  • United Airlines – IAD is a key United hub, especially for transatlantic flights.
  • Emirates, British Airways, and Air France also have significant international routes.

5. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Total Area: 4,700 acres

While ATL Airport doesn’t top the list in terms of land area, it consistently ranks among the largest and busiest airports in the world by passenger numbers and aircraft movements. ATL is a global connector and a model of airport efficiency.

Major Airlines:

  • Delta Air Lines – ATL is Delta’s global hub and by far its largest operational base.
  • Southwest Airlines at ATL – Operates from Concourse C, offering extensive domestic connectivity.

Highlights:

  • Two terminals (Domestic and International)
  • Seven concourses (T, A–F)
  • Automated people mover (Plane Train) for quick connections

Delta’s dominance at ATL makes it one of the most well-connected airports globally.

6. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Location: Los Angeles, California
Total Area: 3,500 acres

LAX is not the largest by land area, but it is one of the most important and busiest airports in the U.S., especially for international flights. Located on the West Coast, LAX is a critical hub for transpacific travel and a major entry point to the U.S. from Asia, Australia, and Latin America.

Major Airlines:

  • American Airlines Terminal at LAX – Operates out of Terminal 4, connecting to the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) via an airside bridge.
  • Delta Air Lines – Uses Terminals 2 and 3, which have been newly renovated under the Delta Sky Way project.
  • United Airlines at LAX – Found in Terminals 7 and 8.
  • Southwest Airlines Terminal at LAX – Operates exclusively out of Terminal 1, handling a large volume of domestic traffic.
  • Alaska Airlines – Operates from Terminal 6, serving both business and leisure travelers.

7. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Location: Queens, New York City
Total Area: 5,200 acres

JFK Airport is the primary international gateway to New York City and one of the busiest airports on the East Coast. Though smaller in land area compared to others on this list, JFK’s massive international terminal operations and passenger traffic earn it a place among the largest airports in the U.S. by volume and global importance.

Major Airlines:

  • JetBlue Terminal at JFK – Terminal 5 is JetBlue’s main hub and features modern design and efficiency.
  • Delta Air Lines at JFK – Uses Terminals 2 and 4, with Terminal 4 serving as the primary international terminal.
  • American Airlines – Operates out of Terminal 8, which now also houses British Airways flights.

JFK serves as a transatlantic launch point and is heavily trafficked by international airlines such as Emirates, Lufthansa, and Qatar Airways.

Final Thoughts

The largest airports in the U.S. are marvels of infrastructure, engineering, and logistics. From the vast plains of Denver International to the hustle of JFK and the coastal glamour of LAX, each airport plays a unique role in the national and global travel ecosystem.

Whether you're catching a flight from the Southwest Airlines Terminal at LAX, relaxing in a Delta Sky Club at ATL, or navigating the futuristic JetBlue Terminal at JFK, America's largest airports offer more than just transportation—they provide an experience. These airports are continuously evolving to meet the demands of growing passenger volumes and rising expectations.