Air travel continues to expand globally, and airports are evolving into massive hubs for both passenger traffic and cargo operations. While India’s Mumbai Airport is one of the busiest in the country, it is not the largest in the world in terms of area. So, which airport currently holds the title of the world’s largest airport?
1. The Largest airport in the World
· Name: King Fahd international airport (KFIA)
· Location: Dammam, Saudi Arabia
· Total Area: Approximately 780 square kilometers (301 sq miles) – making it even larger than mumbai Airport in size.
For comparison, Mumbai’s Chhatrapati shivaji Maharaj international airport spans about 2,400 acres (9.7 km²), which is much smaller than KFIA.
2. Key Facts About king Fahd international Airport
· Opened: 1999
· Terminals: One main passenger terminal with modern facilities, plus cargo and support terminals.
· Capacity: Designed to handle up to 12 million passengers per year, with potential for future expansion.
· Facilities: Luxury lounges, prayer rooms, extensive parking, and state-of-the-art air traffic management systems.
3. Why It’s So Large
· KFIA includes runways, cargo facilities, maintenance zones, and vast open land reserved for future development.
· Its enormous size allows for simultaneous handling of multiple aircraft and expansion of airport city infrastructure.
· The airport’s strategic location near the Persian Gulf supports both domestic and international travel efficiently.
4. Comparison With Other Major Airports
Airport
Location
Area (km²)
Notes
King Fahd International
Dammam, Saudi Arabia
780
Largest in the world
Denver international Airport
USA
137
Second-largest
Dallas/Fort Worth International
USA
70
Third-largest
Jewar international Airport
India
~28
Fourth-largest (under construction)
Mumbai international Airport
India
~9.7
Busy but smaller in area
5. India’s Position in Global airport Rankings
· Jewar international Airport in Uttar Pradesh is under construction and will become India’s largest airport by area when completed.
· Despite mumbai and delhi being busiest in passenger traffic, size-wise, india is catching up with mega airports globally.
Conclusion
While mumbai airport is a major hub for indian and international travel, the world’s largest airport is king Fahd international airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, spanning 780 km². With the construction of Jewar international Airport, india is steadily entering the league of countries with mega airports capable of handling huge passenger and cargo volumes.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk..jpg)
click and follow Indiaherald WhatsApp channel