Atlanta, Chicago both claim ‘world’s busiest airport’ title after data release

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is once again the world’s busiest airport, unless you ask the City of Chicago.

According to the Airports Council International, 106.3 million passengers went through the airport in 2025, more than 11 million ahead of second-place Dubai.

The airport refers to itself online as “Georgia’s economic jewel” and brings in an estimated $66 billion in annual economic impact.

“That helps us recruit so many companies,” Chris Clark, president of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, said last month. “Hartsfield, the ports in Savannah and Brunswick, are incredibly important.”

But Atlanta isn’t alone in claiming the top spot. Chicago O’Hare International Airport is also claiming the top spot, despite ranking 6th in passenger travel, but first in takeoffs and landings.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson released a statement Tuesday, saying in part, “Being home to the busiest airport in the world is a point of pride for every Chicagoan.”

If the pettiness sounds familiar, that’s because it is. The two cities have been feuding over the title since the mid-1980s.

Hartsfield-Jackson representatives did not respond to requests for an interview or comment.