Airports are significant connective points in the world. Connecting economies, providing means of transport, and most importantly, encouraging cultural exchange. The United States has some of the biggest and busiest airports in the world with high spatial features and passenger considerations in design. The airports in the United States are highly functional logistical centers that cater to millions of people and define the global standards for airport services. These airports are not only transit points; they are landmarks of aviation, designed in modern architecture that takes into keen consideration both operational functionalities and the look.
The aviation network of the United States covers more than 19,000 airports, including about 400 commercial airports, although a few are busier and bigger than others. The massive airports such as Denver International and Dallas Fort Worth, for instance, are prime examples of flexible designs and green technologies incorporating changes in passenger fluctuating volumes. They serve as major hubs for both domestic and international traffic, designed to enable the use of natural light, open areas, and spatial layouts. This emphasis on the interiors goes beyond smooth movement and aids in improving the satisfaction of the passengers.
As the demand for air travel increases, major airports are expanding and integrating advanced technology to enhance operational efficiency and promote modern environmental sustainability. These infrastructures are vital for United States economy as they handle a high volume of traffic and serve many international destinations. With the continuing growth and advanced infrastructure being put in place in the biggest airports in the United States, these airports are enhancing the aviation industry in the country and thus promoting connectivity, economic activities, and mobility internationally.
In this article, we’ll focus on five of the biggest airports in the United States and discuss their importance in architectural and engineering aspects, as well as their significance in the aviation world. These airports not only provide services for millions of passengers but also serve as a benchmark in airport design and services.
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Architect/Designer: Curt Fentress and James Brandburn
Location: Denver, Colorado
Area: 135.7 km²
Denver International Airport is the biggest airport in the United States and the second biggest airport globally, spanning over 52.4 square miles (135.7 km²) of land, which is almost a third of the city of Denver. Opened in 1995, the stretched roof of translucent fiberglass used in the construction of Denver Airport resembles the peaks of snow-covered mountains to denote the surroundings of Colorado. Catering to more than 58 million passengers each year, DEN has three concourses with 163 gates and offers services to over 215 cities across the globe.
In addition, its design is such that it allows for efficient movement of passengers and has the capability of expansion in the future. DEN is also recognized for its solar energy, which shows an aspect of environmental conservation. Such environmentally friendly infrastructure is in line with the emphasis on renewable energy, making it an exemplary airport in terms of design targeting the green economy within the United States.
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Architect/Designer: Gyo Obata
Location: Dallas, Texas
Area: 69.63 km²
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, covering an area of 27 square miles (69.63 km²), ranks as not only the second biggest airport in the United States but also the 3rd busiest in the world in regard to traffic movements. The airport was built in 1974, and it is an American Airlines hub that handles more than 75 million passengers each year. The airport has seven runways and five terminals, which are connected through a high-speed train known as the Skylink people mover that directs passengers quickly.
Also, the spatial layout of its services enables passengers to walk for the shortest distances possible. The design of the airport includes modern-style terminals that are well-lit by natural light and incorporate green technologies like energy-saving light systems and recycling programs. Given its large layout and design geared towards passengers, DFW is a model for efficient airport operations.
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Architect/Designer: Fentress Architects, HNTB Architecture (Terminal C)
Location: Orlando, Florida
Area: 53.83 km²
Covering an area of around 21 square miles (53.83 km²), the Orlando International Airport is rated as the third biggest airport in the United States. Due to its proximity to Disney World, it is on the list of the top tourist traffic in the lobbies, with over 50 million people each year. Although it started as a military base, the design for the MCO today incorporates tropical gardens to create a design that is as hospitable in nature as Florida itself.
The MCO airport has large terminals and palm-shaded walkways that give a refreshing holiday atmosphere to the guests. With 4 runways, the airport aims to epitomize the features to ensure maximum efficiency. Apart from the already existing North Terminal A/B complex, the South Terminal was designed by Fentress Architects. The South Terminal Complex will feature the addition of 120 new gates within the two terminals C and D.
Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Architect/Designer: Eero Saarinen
Location: Dulles, Virginia
Area: 52.60 km²
Fourth on the list and located in Virginia, Washington Dulles International Airport covers an area of over 20 square miles (52.60 km²) serving the metropolitan region of Washington, D.C. Designed by the famous architect Eero Saarinen, the airport was opened in 1962. The terminal is known for its elegant, modern mid-century roof design, which is highly regarded for its amazing curved-shaped design. IAD serves as a primary hub for international travel, in addition to many domestic flight routes, with a network that covers even the farthest continents, such as Europe and Asia.
The airport has 4 runways. The airport design involves the use of extenuating mobile lounges and a proposed people-moving system of operation to improve passenger movement. A unique feature of IAD is its innovative architectural design coupled with efficient operations, and the international connections to extensive international networks making it a leading gateway into the capital of the United States.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Architect/Designer: Joseph Finger
Location: Houston, Texas
Area: 40.46 km²
George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston, Texas, was opened in 1969, with its total land area being around 16 square miles (40.46 km²). The airport was initially known as Houston Intercontinental until it was renamed in 1997 after President George H.W. Bush. This airport is a major hub for United Airlines, enabling connection of the US with Latin America and other parts of the United States that caters to approximately 45 million passengers a year and consists of 5 terminals and 5 runways.
Moreover, the architectural layout features multiple concourses and several terminals, designed for easy connections and changing of flights. As one of the major airports, however, it also embraces the features of sustainable design, implementing water-saving technology, and eco-friendly lighting systems. Over the past years, there has been a steady increase in traffic at IAH, and subsequent improvements are being planned to cater to the development of Houston as a world metropolis.
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
Architect/Designer: HOK
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Area: 31.1 km²
Salt Lake City International Airport, situated in the state of Utah, covers an area of more than 12 square miles (31 km²) making it the sixth largest airport in the United States. The airport underwent a renovation and opened in 2020. It is planned in a way that ensures the airport can serve a great number of passengers without compromising on comfort and service. The airport services about 26 million passengers every year, providing direct services to more than 95 international destinations.
The airport design includes two concourses, which have 68 gates, built to cater for future expansion and provide quick services during the peak travel flow. SLC environmental-friendly elements include green building techniques with sustainable construction materials and solar panels. Another advantage is that the airport is close to major ski resorts and national parks, which makes it also a tourist coming to appreciate the various beauties of the state.
O’Hare International Airport, Chicago (ORD)
Architect/Designer: Jeanne Gang
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Area: 30.8 km²
Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport ranks as the seventh largest airport in the United States and spans over an area of 11.3 square miles (29.3 km²). Opened in 1944, ORD has become a popular international airport with four terminals and nine concourses, which are served by a total of 213 gates. ORD supports around 74 million passengers each year. The airport is designed in a way that has made its operations efficient, especially the design of the runways, which has helped eliminate or reduce delays due to poor weather conditions.
Also, the recent developments have centered upon issues of sustainability and resulted in the use of energy-efficient installations. Moreover, there is a current extension of the airport known as the O’Hare 21 project seeks to enhance the overall experience while improving efficiency and increasing capacity, which is key to O’Hare’s position as one of the major airports in the United States.
