How Many International Airports in USA? A Complete Guide

Planning a trip abroad or just curious about the vast network of air travel in the United States? You might be wondering, how many international airports in USA actually exist. The answer isn’t as simple as a single number, as it depends on how you define an “international” airport. This guide will break down everything you need to know about the airports that connect the U.S. to the rest of the world. We’ll explore the official numbers, what makes an airport international, and highlight some of the biggest and busiest hubs across the country.

Key Takeaways

• The United States has a vast network of airports, with hundreds designated as international.
• An airport becomes “international” by having Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facilities to process passengers and cargo arriving from other countries.
• The exact number can vary, but there are over 400 airports with CBP services, though a smaller number handle regularly scheduled international passenger flights.
• Major hubs like Atlanta (ATL), Los Angeles (LAX), and Chicago (ORD) handle the majority of international traffic.
• The FAA and DOT oversee airport classifications and operations, ensuring safety and efficiency across the nation.

Decoding “International Airport”: What Does It Mean?

Before we can answer the question “how many international airports in usa,” it’s crucial to understand what qualifies an airport for this designation. It’s not just about size or the number of runways. The single most important factor is the presence of federal inspection services.

The Role of Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

An airport officially earns its “international” status when it has U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facilities on-site. These facilities are essential for processing people, goods, and aircraft arriving from foreign countries. CBP officers are responsible for:

• Inspecting Passports and Visas: Verifying the identity and travel documents of all arriving international passengers.
• Enforcing Immigration Laws: Determining the admissibility of foreign nationals into the country.
• Screening Luggage and Cargo: Checking for prohibited items, undeclared goods, and agricultural pests.
• Collecting Duties and Taxes: Assessing fees on imported goods.

Without these services, an airport cannot legally accept flights that originate from outside the United States. This is the fundamental difference between a domestic and an international airport.

So, How Many International Airports in USA Are There Really?

Now for the main question. The answer can be a bit tricky because different sources use different criteria. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) maintains a comprehensive list, but the most practical way to look at it is through the lens of CBP services.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, there are more than 400 airports across the United States and its territories that are equipped with the necessary facilities to handle international arrivals. These are officially known as “Ports of Entry.”

However, this number includes many smaller airports that might only handle private international jets, air cargo, or seasonal charter flights. If you’re only considering airports with regularly scheduled international passenger service from major airlines, that number is closer to 180-200. These are the airports most travelers will use when flying to or from another country.

A Breakdown by Airport Type

To get a clearer picture, let’s categorize these airports:

• Major Hubs: These are the giants of the industry, handling tens of millions of international passengers annually. Think of airports like JFK in New York, LAX in Los Angeles, and MIA in Miami.
• Medium Hubs: These airports have significant international traffic but on a smaller scale than the major hubs. Examples include airports in cities like Denver, Boston, and Houston.
• Small and Non-Hub Airports: This category includes regional airports that may have a few scheduled flights to nearby international destinations (like Canada or the Caribbean) and general aviation airports that serve private international travelers.

The Biggest and Busiest: A Look at the Top U.S. International Hubs

While there are hundreds of international airports, a handful of them manage the lion’s share of global traffic. These massive hubs are not just points of transit; they are complex cities in their own right, driving local economies and connecting cultures.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Often ranked as the busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson is a powerhouse. While much of its traffic is domestic, it serves as a critical international gateway for the southeastern United States. It connects travelers to dozens of countries across Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

As the primary gateway to the West Coast and Asia-Pacific region, LAX is a vital hub for international travel. Its Tom Bradley International Terminal is renowned for its modern architecture and diverse range of global carriers. If you’re flying to or from Asia, there’s a good chance you’ll pass through LAX.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Located in New York City, JFK is arguably the most famous international gateway in the United States. It has a long history of connecting America to the world, especially Europe. Serving more than 60 million passengers a year, JFK is a bustling hub with flights to nearly every corner of the globe.

Top 10 Busiest U.S. International Airports

Here’s a table highlighting some of the top airports based on international passenger volume. Note that rankings can shift slightly year to year.

The Role of Government Agencies in Airport Designation

The process of running and classifying airports is a highly regulated field. Several government bodies work together to ensure the system is safe, secure, and efficient. Understanding their roles provides more context for how many international airports in usa there are and how they operate.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The FAA is the primary authority for the safety of civil aviation. Its responsibilities include:

• Regulating air traffic control operations.
• Certifying airports for public use.
• Setting standards for airport design and maintenance.
• Overseeing safety protocols for airlines and aircraft.

The FAA categorizes airports into different types, such as commercial service, cargo service, and general aviation, which helps in planning and funding.

Department of Transportation (DOT)

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has a broader mandate that includes all forms of transportation. For aviation, the DOT is responsible for:

• Developing and implementing national transportation policy.
• Awarding international routes to U.S. airlines.
• Protecting consumer rights, such as rules for baggage handling and tarmac delays.

Together with the FAA and CBP, the DOT ensures that the U.S. air transportation system functions as a cohesive whole.

Beyond the Big Hubs: Lesser-Known International Airports

It’s easy to focus on the massive airports in major cities, but dozens of smaller airports also offer international flights, providing convenience and connecting smaller communities to the world.

Examples of Regional International Airports

• Bangor International Airport (BGR), Maine: Due to its strategic location on the East Coast, Bangor is a frequent refueling stop for private and military flights crossing the Atlantic. It also has CBP facilities to process these arrivals.
• Key West International Airport (EYW), Florida: This small airport offers seasonal and year-round flights to destinations in the Caribbean, such as Cuba, making it a convenient port for tourists.
• Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), Alaska: Anchorage is a major global cargo hub due to its location on the great circle route between Asia and North America. While passenger traffic is less, it is a massive international cargo port.

These airports demonstrate that an “international” designation isn’t just for massive passenger hubs. They play specialized and vital roles in the national aviation network. For more insights into global travel and business trends, resources like https://forbesplanet.co.uk/ can provide a broader perspective.

What’s the Difference Between “International” and “Port of Entry”?

You might hear the terms “international airport” and “airport of entry” used interchangeably, and for the most part, they mean the same thing. An “Airport of Entry” is the official U.S. government designation for any airport that has CBP staff and facilities. Therefore, any airport that can legally process an international flight is an Airport of Entry.

The term “international airport” is more of a marketing and common-use term. An airport might call itself “international” to attract airlines and passengers, even if it only has a few flights to Canada or Mexico. However, to do so, it must first be an official Airport of Entry.

The Future of International Air Travel in the USA

The aviation landscape is always changing. Airlines are constantly adding and removing routes based on demand and economic factors. New technologies, like more fuel-efficient, long-range aircraft, are making it possible for smaller airports to offer direct international flights, bypassing the major hubs.

We may see a future where the answer to how many international airports in usa continues to grow. As smaller cities expand, they may seek to add CBP facilities to attract international business and tourism, further decentralizing global travel and providing more options for passengers across the country.

Conclusion

So, how many international airports in usa are there? While the most precise answer is the 400+ airports designated as official Ports of Entry by CBP, the more practical number for most travelers is the nearly 200 airports offering regularly scheduled international flights. From mega-hubs like JFK and LAX to smaller regional airports connecting communities to nearby countries, this extensive network is a cornerstone of America’s connection to the global economy and culture. The system is a complex interplay of infrastructure, government oversight, and market demand, ensuring that millions of passengers can travel safely to and from the United States every year.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the largest international airport in the USA by land area?

Denver International Airport (DEN) is the largest international airport in the United States by land area, covering over 33,500 acres (52.4 square miles).

Can any airport become an international airport?

No, an airport must apply for and be granted “Port of Entry” status by the U.S. government. This requires constructing facilities that meet the specific security and operational standards of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and demonstrating a need for such services.

Which U.S. state has the most international airports?

States with extensive coastlines, borders, and large populations tend to have the most. Florida, California, and Texas have a high number of airports with international services, ranging from major hubs to smaller regional facilities serving private aircraft.

Do I have to go through customs when flying from a U.S. territory?

It depends on the territory. For territories like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, you do not have to go through customs when arriving on the U.S. mainland. However, for others like American Samoa and Guam, you will be processed by CBP upon arrival.

What is a preclearance facility?

Some airports in foreign countries (like in Canada, Ireland, and the UAE) have U.S. CBP preclearance facilities. This allows passengers to clear U.S. customs and immigration before boarding their flight to the U.S. Upon arrival, they are treated as domestic passengers, which saves time and reduces congestion at U.S. airports.