What To Know
- Both Denver International Airport (DEN) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) rank among the busiest airports in the world, but which one holds the title of the larger facility.
- In terms of the number of gates, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport stands head and shoulders above Denver International Airport.
- In conclusion, while Denver International Airport may have a larger land area, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport emerges as the larger airport overall.
The question of “is denver airport bigger than atlanta” has sparked curiosity among travelers and aviation enthusiasts alike. Both Denver International Airport (DEN) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) rank among the busiest airports in the world, but which one holds the title of the larger facility? Let’s delve into the details to find out.
Airport Size: A Multi-Faceted Comparison
Determining the size of an airport involves considering various aspects, including:
- Land Area: The total amount of land occupied by the airport, including terminals, runways, and other facilities.
- Terminal Area: The combined square footage of all terminals within the airport.
- Runway Length: The total length of all runways available for aircraft operations.
- Number of Gates: The number of aircraft parking positions available at the airport.
Land Area: DEN vs. ATL
In terms of land area, Denver International Airport reigns supreme. DEN sprawls across a vast 53 square miles, making it one of the largest airports in the world by land area. In contrast, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport occupies a more modest 4,700 acres, or approximately 7.3 square miles.
Terminal Area: ATL Takes the Lead
When it comes to terminal area, Atlanta International Airport holds the advantage. ATL boasts a total of 7 terminals with a combined area of over 12 million square feet. Denver International Airport, on the other hand, has 3 terminals with a total area of approximately 8 million square feet.
Runway Length: A Tie
Both Denver International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport have an impressive number of runways. DEN has 6 runways, while ATL has 5. However, the total runway length is nearly identical, with DEN’s runways measuring 17,362 feet in total and ATL’s runways totaling 17,917 feet.
Number of Gates: ATL Dominates
In terms of the number of gates, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport stands head and shoulders above Denver International Airport. ATL has a total of 267 gates, while DEN has 117 gates. This significant difference reflects ATL‘s status as one of the world’s busiest airports, handling over 100 million passengers annually.
Passenger Traffic: A Close Contest
While airport size is an important indicator, passenger traffic is a key measure of an airport’s activity. In this regard, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport reigns supreme. ATL consistently ranks as the world’s busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic, handling over 107 million passengers in 2021. Denver International Airport, on the other hand, handled approximately 69 million passengers in the same year.
Other Notable Features
Beyond these key metrics, both Denver International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport offer unique features that set them apart:
- DEN: Known for its iconic white tents and vast open spaces, DEN is home to the world’s longest public art installation, “The Journey of the Imagination.”
- ATL: ATL boasts a state-of-the-art international terminal, known as the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal, which offers a seamless and modern travel experience.
Summary: The Verdict
In conclusion, while Denver International Airport may have a larger land area, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport emerges as the larger airport overall. ATL’s superior terminal area, number of gates, and passenger traffic solidify its position as one of the world’s largest and busiest airports.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
1. Which airport has more runways?
Both Denver International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport have 6 runways.
2. Which airport has more gates?
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has 267 gates, significantly more than Denver International Airport‘s 117 gates.
3. Which airport is busier?
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the world’s busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic, handling over 100 million passengers annually.
4. Which airport is larger in terms of land area?
Denver International Airport has a larger land area of 53 square miles, compared to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport’s 7.3 square miles.
5. Which airport has the longer runways?
The total runway length is nearly identical for both airports, with Denver International Airport‘s runways measuring 17,362 feet and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport’s runways totaling 17,917 feet.
