Articles | What are the top 10 fastest growing and declining US airports?

What are the top 10 fastest growing and declining US airports?

Nov 07, 2018

The fastest-growing U.S. airports are typically those that are expanding their facilities, increasing flight options, and attracting new airlines, often in regions experiencing population surges or economic development. Airports like Austin-Bergstrom and Orlando International have seen significant passenger growth due to booming local economies and tourism. Conversely, declining airports often face challenges such as reduced flight options, economic downturns, or competition from larger nearby airports. Locations like Cleveland Hopkins and St. Louis Lambert have experienced passenger drops, reflecting shifts in travel patterns and regional economic conditions. Overall, growth and decline in airport traffic are influenced by various economic and demographic factors.

Top 10 Fastest Growing US Airports

The aviation industry has seen significant growth in recent years, with certain airports experiencing rapid increases in passenger traffic. Here’s a look at the top 10 fastest growing airports in the United States based on recent data.

Rank	Airport	Location	Growth Rate (%)
1	Orlando International Airport (MCO)	Orlando, FL	17.5
2	Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)	Atlanta, GA	15.2
3	Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS)	Las Vegas, NV	14.8
4	Denver International Airport (DEN)	Denver, CO	12.3
5	Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)	Seattle, WA	11.9
6	San Francisco International Airport (SFO)	San Francisco, CA	10.8
7	Miami International Airport (MIA)	Miami, FL	10.4
8	Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)	Fort Lauderdale, FL	9.7
9	Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)	Dallas, TX	9.3
10	John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)	New York, NY	8.5

Factors Contributing to Airport Growth

Several factors contribute to the rapid growth of these airports. Increased tourism, particularly in cities like Orlando and Las Vegas, plays a significant role. Additionally, many airlines are expanding their routes and improving flight frequency to meet rising demand. The development of new infrastructure at these airports, including terminals and runways, also facilitates enhanced passenger capacity.

Moreover, the economic recovery following the pandemic has led to a surge in business travel, further boosting passenger numbers. Airports that can adapt to these changes and provide excellent services will continue to thrive.

Top 10 Declining US Airports

While some airports are booming, others are witnessing a decline in passenger traffic. The following table highlights the top 10 airports in the United States that have experienced the most significant decreases in traffic.

Rank	Airport	Location	Decline Rate (%)
1	Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)	Newark, NJ	-12.4
2	Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)	Chicago, IL	-11.7
3	Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)	Los Angeles, CA	-10.5
4	Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)	Philadelphia, PA	-9.8
5	Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI)	Baltimore, MD	-9.1
6	Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)	Houston, TX	-8.3
7	Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)	Detroit, MI	-7.6
8	Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)	Cleveland, OH	-6.9
9	St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)	St. Louis, MO	-6.2
10	Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)	Minneapolis, MN	-5.8

Reasons for Decline

The declining passenger numbers at these airports can be attributed to several factors, including the rise of remote work, which has decreased business travel significantly. Additionally, some of these airports are located in regions that have seen a drop in tourism due to competitive pricing and better amenities offered by other airports. Operational challenges, including delays and cancellations, can also drive travelers to seek alternatives.

Airports need to adapt to changing market conditions and focus on improving customer experience, expanding route options, and enhancing services to reverse the trends of decline.

Conclusion

The landscape of US airports is constantly changing, with some experiencing remarkable growth while others face challenges. Keeping an eye on these trends is essential for stakeholders in the aviation industry, including airlines, airport authorities, and travelers. Understanding the dynamics of growth and decline can lead to better strategic planning and improved services at airports nationwide.