World’s Busiest Airports in December 2025: India, UAE, USA, UK, China, Japan and Türkiye Shape Global Travel and Tourism Rankings

The conclusion of 2025 was marked by exceptionally strong air travel demand, as global tourism and cross-border mobility reached peak seasonal levels. According to newly released data from OAG, airports across Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East were positioned at the centre of this year-end travel surge. In particular, World’s Busiest Airports, December 2025 air travel, Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport, global aviation hubs, and scheduled seat capacity rankings emerged as defining themes in understanding how international and domestic travel patterns evolved during the final month of the year.

A notable highlight was the inclusion of India among the world’s top aviation hubs, reinforcing the country’s expanding role in global tourism and connectivity. These rankings were not measured by flight movements alone, but through total scheduled airline seat capacity, offering a forward-looking perspective on how many passengers airlines planned to carry. As a result, airports with strong long-haul networks, wide-body aircraft operations, and dense domestic connections were prominently featured. For travellers, tourism planners, and aviation stakeholders alike, the December 2025 rankings offered valuable insight into the airports that served as critical gateways for leisure, business, and holiday travel across multiple continents.

Understanding How the Rankings Were Calculated

The December 2025 rankings were prepared by OAG, a globally recognised aviation data and analytics provider. Two distinct categories were maintained to ensure clarity and accuracy. One list focused on global airports, calculated using total scheduled seat capacity across both domestic and international flights. The second list examined international airports exclusively, considering only seats allocated to overseas routes.

This distinction played an important role in shaping the results. Airports with extensive domestic networks were shown to handle large volumes of travellers within national borders, while others derived their ranking strength from long-haul international connectivity. By relying on seat capacity rather than flight movements, a more comprehensive picture of passenger-carrying potential was presented. Airports operating larger aircraft or servicing longer routes were therefore highlighted for their ability to accommodate high passenger volumes during peak travel periods.

Global Air Travel Ends 2025 on a High Note

Global air travel was observed to have ended 2025 on a robust and optimistic note. Holiday travel, winter tourism, family visits, and international business movement collectively contributed to increased seat availability across major hubs. Airlines were seen expanding schedules to meet seasonal demand, particularly on intercontinental routes linking Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America.

This surge was also supported by the gradual stabilisation of airline operations and sustained traveller confidence. As a result, airports with strong hub-and-spoke models and diversified route networks continued to dominate the rankings. The December data served as a reflection of how tourism-driven travel remained a powerful force in shaping aviation trends worldwide.

Dubai International Airport Retains Global Leadership

Dubai International Airport was ranked as the world’s busiest airport by seat capacity for December 2025. A total of 5,498,334 scheduled seats was recorded, representing a four per cent increase compared to December 2024. This growth was attributed to Dubai’s strategic geographic position and its established role as a global long-haul transit hub.

The airport’s extensive connectivity across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas ensured that it remained a preferred gateway for international travellers. Winter tourism demand further strengthened its performance, as visitors from colder regions were drawn to the United Arab Emirates for leisure, shopping, and cultural experiences. Dubai’s continued investment in aviation infrastructure and airline partnerships was reflected clearly in its leading position.

Delhi Airport Strengthens India’s Global Aviation Presence

India’s Indira Gandhi International Airport secured seventh place globally, recording 4,306,307 scheduled seats during December 2025. A year-on-year growth of nine per cent was noted, highlighting the airport’s expanding influence in both domestic and international travel markets.

This performance underscored India’s rising importance within global tourism and aviation networks. Strong domestic travel demand, coupled with an expanding portfolio of international routes, supported Delhi’s position among long-established global gateways. As South Asia’s key aviation hub, the airport was increasingly relied upon for connecting travellers across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, reinforcing India’s growing connectivity and tourism appeal.

Asia, Europe, and North America Dominate the Top Ten

The December 2025 top ten list reflected a diverse geographic spread, demonstrating the global nature of modern air travel. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport ranked second with 5,211,533 seats, maintaining its long-standing reputation as a major domestic and international hub in the United States.

Tokyo International Airport, Haneda, followed in third place with 4,675,127 seats, highlighting Japan’s strong domestic aviation network and regional connectivity. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport represented China with significant seat capacity, reflecting continued demand across domestic and international markets.

London Heathrow Airport remained Europe’s busiest entry point, while Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport reinforced the United States’ strong presence in global aviation. Istanbul Airport completed the top ten, benefiting from Türkiye’s strategic position bridging Europe and Asia.

The World’s Top 10 Busiest Global Airports by Seats

Based on total scheduled capacity for December 2025, the busiest airports were identified as follows:

Dubai International Airport with 5,498,334 seats
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport with 5,211,533 seats
Tokyo International Airport, Haneda with 4,675,127 seats
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport with 4,430,746 seats
London Heathrow Airport with 4,345,154 seats
Shanghai Pudong International Airport with 4,317,590 seats
Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport with 4,306,307 seats
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport with 4,290,733 seats
Istanbul Airport with 4,224,881 seats
Chicago O’Hare International Airport with 4,119,711 seats

These airports were consistently supported by strong home carriers, large-scale infrastructure, and sustained tourism and economic demand.

Why Seat Capacity Matters in Airport Rankings

Seat capacity was emphasised as a more meaningful indicator of airport activity compared to flight movements alone. While some airports manage a high number of take-offs and landings using smaller aircraft, others accommodate fewer flights with significantly higher passenger loads.

By focusing on scheduled seat capacity, OAG provided a clearer understanding of how many travellers airlines expected to serve. This approach highlighted airports that supported larger aircraft, longer routes, and consistently high demand, offering travellers and tourism planners insight into the world’s most influential aviation hubs.

What These Rankings Mean for Global Tourism

For the global tourism industry, the December 2025 airport rankings offered valuable insight into shifting travel patterns and emerging hubs. Cities such as Delhi were increasingly sharing space with long-established gateways, reflecting broader changes in global travel demand.

As air connectivity continued to expand, these airports were positioned not only as transport hubs but also as critical drivers of tourism growth, cultural exchange, and economic development. The December 2025 rankings ultimately illustrated how global travel networks were evolving, setting the stage for continued growth in international tourism in the years ahead.

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Baltimore/Washington International Airport Experiences Massive Winter Travel Disarray in US at Miami, Orlando, Chicago, Tampa and More Routes with Nearly 100 Cancelled Flights Affecting Southwest, Delta, BermudAir and Other Airlines

Baltimore/Washington International Airport is facing massive winter travel disarray today, with nearly 100 cancelled flights affecting passengers across Miami, Orlando, Chicago, Tampa, and other key routes in US. The disruptions have been caused by a combination of weather challenges and operational issues, severely impacting several major airlines. Southwest, Delta, BermudAir, and other carriers are struggling to maintain their schedules, with numerous flights either delayed or outright cancelled. Travelers are experiencing longer wait times and confusion as they try to navigate the busy airport. Baltimore/Washington International Airport, a major hub for the region, is one of the hardest-hit airports, making travel plans uncertain for passengers heading to or from the affected cities. As the winter weather continues, passengers are urged to stay updated on flight statuses and check with their airlines for rebooking options to minimise further disruptions.

Total Delays and Cancellations at Baltimore/Washington International Airport

Baltimore has seen a significant number of disruptions today, with 129 delays and 97 cancellations reported. These disruptions have affected passengers traveling to and from numerous destinations across the U.S. and internationally. As one of the busiest airports in the U.S., Baltimore is now experiencing operational setbacks that are exacerbating an already stressful travel season.

Analysis of Airlines Affected

At Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), there are 129 delays and 97 cancellations recorded today, with airlines like Southwest Airlines bearing the brunt of these issues, resulting in up to 21% cancellations and 20% delays. Miami Intl (MIA), another critical hub, faces 50% cancellations and 50% delays, primarily affecting Spirit Airlines and American Airlines. The cancellations and delays at these airports are largely attributed to operational difficulties compounded by weather disruptions.

Airline	Cancellations (#)	Cancellation %	Delays (#)	Delay %
Southwest	95	21%	93	20%
Delta Air Lines	2	7%	3	10%
Spirit	0	0%	10	50%
American Airlines	0	0%	8	33%

Affecetd Airports (By Origin)

At Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI), a variety of origin airports are experiencing notable disruptions, with Orlando Intl (MCO) leading the charge, having reported 4 cancellations and a 26% cancellation rate, along with 3 delays at 20%. Buffalo Niagara Intl (BUF) saw 2 cancellations at a high 40% cancellation rate and 1 delay at 20%. Charleston Intl/AFB (CHS) had 2 cancellations at 50%, though no delays were reported. Other airports like Denver Intl (DEN) and Tampa Intl (TPA) saw 2 cancellations each, with 22% cancellation rates.

Origin Airport	Cancellations (#)	Cancellation %	Delays (#)	Delay %
Orlando Intl (MCO)	4	26%	3	20%
Buffalo Niagara Intl (BUF)	2	40%	1	20%
Denver Intl (DEN)	2	22%	1	11%
Tampa Intl (TPA)	2	22%	1	11%
Southwest Florida Intl (RSW)	2	40%	1	20%
Raleigh-Durham Intl (RDU)	2	28%	1	14%
Nashville Intl (BNA)	2	40%	1	20%

Affected Airports (By Destination)

Disruptions at Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) are impacting a range of destination airports across the U.S. The highest cancellation rate is seen at William P. Hobby (HOU), with 75% of flights cancelled. Other destinations with notable disruptions include Southwest Florida Intl (RSW), where 50% of flights have been cancelled, and Raleigh-Durham Intl (RDU), with a 50% cancellation rate. Miami Intl (MIA) also faces significant delays, with 25% of flights cancelled and 50% experiencing delays.

Destination Airport	Cancellations (#)	Cancellation %	Delays (#)	Delay %
Southwest Florida Intl (RSW)	3	50%	1	16%
Raleigh-Durham Intl (RDU)	3	50%	1	16%
Chicago Midway Intl (MDW)	2	40%	2	40%
Buffalo Niagara Intl (BUF)	2	25%	1	12%
Tampa Intl (TPA)	2	22%	3	33%
Miami Intl (MIA)	2	25%	4	50%
Milwaukee Mitchell Intl Airport (MKE)	2	40%	1	20%
Pittsburgh Intl (PIT)	2	66%	1	33%
Orlando Intl (MCO)	2	11%	9	50%

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

If you’re a passenger affected by the delays and cancellations at BWI or any of the other impacted airports, here are a few steps you can take to mitigate the disruption:

• Check Your Flight Status Regularly: Stay updated on your flight status by checking with your airline’s website or mobile app. Airlines such as Southwest, Spirit, and American Airlines are facing significant delays, so it’s crucial to monitor your flight for any changes.
• Sign Up for Alerts: Most airlines offer notifications for cancellations and delays. Ensure you’re signed up for text alerts or push notifications to stay informed about your flight status.
• Consider Alternative Routes or Airports: If you’re facing a lengthy delay or cancellation, consider rerouting your trip. Some airlines offer rebooking options on the next available flights, or you might be able to change your flight to another airport.
• Plan for Extra Time at the Airport: Given the high volume of delays and cancellations today, passengers should plan to arrive early for their rebooked flights and expect longer-than-usual security and check-in lines.
• Know Your Rights: Airlines are generally required to offer compensation for cancellations and long delays, particularly if the delay exceeds a certain amount of time. Familiarize yourself with your airline’s policies to ensure you receive any compensation or accommodations you’re entitled to.

Conclusion

Travel disruptions are causing significant chaos for passengers across U.S. airports, particularly at Baltimore/Washington International (BWI), where 129 delays and 97 cancellations have severely affected passengers. Affected airports such as Orlando, Miami, Tampa, and Chicago are also experiencing delays and cancellations, impacting major U.S. airlines like Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and Spirit Airlines.

With the holiday travel season in full swing, passengers should stay vigilant, check their flight status regularly, and be prepared for possible delays. By staying informed and flexible, travelers can navigate these disruptions more efficiently.

Source: FlightAware and Affected Airports

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Mumbai Becomes India’s First True Double-Airport Metropolis With The Launch Of Navi Mumbai International Airport

In India, Mumbai has been recognized as the first metropolis with two airports that truly operate as such, thanks to the commissioning of Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), which is expected to transform the airport industry of the area. The opening of NMIA, which is conveniently situated in the Navi Mumbai district of Maharashtra, is not only a milestone in airport infrastructure development in India, but also a trendsetter for the country’s future air travel.

Boost to Maharashtra’s Aviation Sector

Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, lauded the opening of NMIA as a monumental milestone, highlighting the airport’s potential to ease the increasing air traffic demand in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The new facility, developed by Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL), a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited, has been designed to accommodate 20 million passengers annually and handle 0.5 million tonnes of cargo. This project, one of the largest greenfield airport developments in India, will serve as a vital hub for domestic and international air traffic, positioning Maharashtra as a key player in the national aviation sector.

A Landmark Development for Mumbai and Maharashtra

The Navi Mumbai International Airport stands as a testament to the robust growth of India’s aviation sector, showcasing a cutting-edge, technology-driven design aimed at improving capacity, efficiency, and the overall passenger experience. The opening of this state-of-the-art airport marks the first step towards enhancing connectivity in the region, with NMIA already handling 48 flights on its opening day, connecting nine domestic destinations.

Aiming to complement the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), NMIA will significantly relieve congestion at Mumbai’s primary airport, which has been struggling to keep up with the increasing demand for both passenger and cargo services. This dual-airport model is set to unlock new opportunities for smoother and faster connections within the city and the wider Western India region, benefiting both the aviation sector and the economy.

Passenger and Cargo Growth on the Horizon

According to statements from the Adani Group, NMIA has begun operations with flights from major carriers such as IndiGo, Akasa Air, and others. The launch of these services brings new destinations within reach for Mumbai’s residents and businesses, with further expansion plans expected in the coming years. Over 4,000 passengers were served on the first day alone, a promising sign of the airport’s potential to support growing travel demand.

The airport’s cargo handling capacity will also play a pivotal role in boosting Maharashtra’s trade and logistics industry. By managing 0.5 million tonnes of cargo annually, NMIA is expected to strengthen Mumbai’s position as a leading business hub and improve supply chains across the country.

Gautam Adani’s Vision for the Airport

Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, expressed his deep emotions about the opening of NMIA, noting the collective effort that went into its creation. In his heartfelt remarks, Adani acknowledged the hard work of the workers who helped build the airport, the farmers who contribute to the country’s growth, and the social workers who supported the initiative through various community efforts. He emphasized the symbolic significance of the airport, stating that for many involved, it was their first flight ever, highlighting the transformative power of aviation.

Implications for Tourism in Maharashtra

The opening of NMIA is expected to have far-reaching effects on the tourism sector in Maharashtra, particularly in Mumbai. With improved connectivity to domestic and international destinations, the new airport will provide an added incentive for tourists to visit the region. Mumbai, already known for its rich cultural heritage and economic significance, stands to gain from the increase in tourist arrivals that this new transportation hub will facilitate.

The airport’s role in boosting tourism is particularly crucial as Maharashtra continues to recover from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. By facilitating easier access to Mumbai and the surrounding regions, NMIA can help bring back international and domestic tourists, stimulating the hospitality, retail, and entertainment industries.

A Vision for the Future of Aviation

NMIA represents the government’s commitment to expanding and modernising India’s infrastructure to accommodate the growing demand for air travel. The project aligns with India’s larger goal of enhancing its global connectivity and reinforcing its position as a dominant player in the international aviation market.

The airport also stands as a part of the broader vision of improving transport connectivity in Maharashtra and the wider region, with continued efforts to enhance road, rail, and air travel systems in alignment with the needs of a rapidly growing economy.

Looking Ahead: Expanding Connectivity

Looking ahead, NMIA’s role in shaping the future of aviation in Mumbai and Maharashtra is clear. The airport is expected to ease congestion at the city’s main airport, while offering passengers a more seamless and modern travel experience. The expansion of the airport’s routes and services will provide further opportunities for businesses, tourists, and travellers, driving growth in sectors beyond aviation.

For Mumbai, the development of NMIA is not only a victory for the aviation industry but also a key step towards transforming the city into a global hub for business, trade, and tourism. As Mumbai embraces its new status as India’s first double-airport metropolis, the future of the city’s aviation sector has never looked brighter.

To sum up, the opening of Navi Mumbai International Airport is a historic milestone in the growth of India’s aviation infrastructure. It marks the beginning of an exciting new era for Mumbai and Maharashtra, ensuring the region remains at the forefront of India’s aviation and tourism industries for years to come.

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Thousands of Travelers Affected in US as Delta, United, American, Southwest and More Airlines Face 87 Cancellations and 1,894 Delays across New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, and Others

Thousands of travelers are facing major travel disruptions in US today as Delta, United, American, Southwest, and several other airlines experience 87 cancellations and 1,894 delays across the United States. Major airports in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, and other cities have been impacted. The delays, some lasting several hours, have left passengers frustrated and scrambling to find alternative flights. The primary reason for these disruptions has been wind-related delays, particularly affecting airports in California and Texas. With strong winds causing hazardous conditions, several flights have been grounded or diverted.

Passengers are urged to check their flight status frequently and consider rebooking options. Airlines are working to clear the backlog, but passengers should be prepared for continued delays and potential cancellations throughout the day.

Affected Airports Across the US

Several key airports have been hit hard by these disruptions. Major hubs such as Los Angeles International (LAX), New York John F. Kennedy International (JFK), and San Francisco International (SFO) have seen the highest number of delays, with these airports serving as critical points for both domestic and international travel.

Los Angeles International (LAX), for instance, recorded 8 cancellations and 154 delays. The delays have been attributed to a combination of factors, including heightened passenger traffic and operational challenges. Meanwhile, New York JFK faced 13 cancellations and 97 delays, significantly impacting flights both within the U.S. and internationally.

Other airports like Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL), Boston Logan International (BOS), and Dallas-Fort Worth International (DFW) have also reported substantial delays, with 137 delays at ATL alone. These delays are causing major ripple effects, as passengers are forced to wait for extended periods, disrupting holiday travel plans.

Airport Name	IATA Code	Total Cancellations	Total Delays
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Intl	ATL	19	137
Boston Logan Intl	BOS	11	93
Dallas-Fort Worth Intl	DFW	1	135
Denver Intl	DEN	1	41
Fort Lauderdale Intl	FLL	6	77
Honolulu Daniel K Inouye Intl	HNL	4	41
Houston Bush Intercontinental	IAH	1	48
Knox County Regional	RKD	2	0
Los Angeles Intl	LAX	8	154
Minneapolis/St Paul Intl	MSP	4	45
Nashville Intl	BNA	2	2
New York John F Kennedy Intl	JFK	13	97
Salt Lake City Intl	SLC	4	18
San Francisco Intl	SFO	4	242
Santa Barbara Municipal	SBA	7	5
Seattle-Tacoma Intl	SEA	4	82

US Airlines Feeling the Impact

Airlines are also grappling with severe disruptions. Delta Air Lines leads the pack with 33 cancellations and 175 delays, making it one of the most affected carriers. United Airlines follows closely with 5 cancellations and 232 delays, further contributing to the overall chaos in air travel.

Other major carriers such as American Airlines (4 cancellations, 146 delays) and Southwest Airlines (2 cancellations, 147 delays) have also been significantly impacted. Smaller airlines like SkyWest Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Spirit Airlines have reported 11 cancellations and 134 delays, as well as 4 cancellations and 123 delays respectively.

Airline Name	Total Cancellations	Total Delays
Delta Air Lines	33	175
United Airlines	5	232
American Airlines	4	146
Southwest Airlines	2	147
SkyWest Airlines	11	134
JetBlue Airways	4	123
Spirit Airlines	5	60
Alaska Airlines (Horizon/ASA)	3	19
Frontier Airlines	1	37
Hawaiian Airlines	2	18
CommuteAir (United Express)	1	32

What Can Affected Passengers Do Now?

For passengers facing these disruptions, there are several steps they can take to mitigate the impact:

1. Stay Updated: Passengers should regularly check the status of their flights through their airline’s official website or mobile app. Many airlines are providing real-time updates on cancellations and delays.
2. Consider Alternate Flights: If your flight has been cancelled, reach out to the airline immediately to book an alternate flight or request a refund. Some airlines are offering rebooking options on the next available flight without additional charges.
3. Know Your Rights: In case of significant delays or cancellations, passengers are entitled to compensation under the Department of Transportation’s guidelines. Airlines may provide meal vouchers, hotel stays, or other forms of assistance depending on the situation.
4. Plan for the Unexpected: For those with long layovers or cancellations, it’s important to have a backup plan. This may include booking accommodations nearby or arranging alternate transportation.

Conclusion

With a total of 1,894 delays and 87 cancellations today, the U.S. travel sector is experiencing significant strain. Passengers are advised to stay informed, be proactive in managing their travel plans, and know their rights in case of delays or cancellations. While disruptions are inevitable, staying updated and flexible can help mitigate some of the stress associated with these travel hiccups.

Source: FlightAware and Affected Airports, FAA

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