Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Unites with Dallas Fort Worth, Denver, O’Hare, and More – Your Guide to the Busiest Airports for Thanksgiving 2025!

Published on November 22, 2025

As Thanksgiving 2025 approaches, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta is set to unite with other major airports like Dallas Fort Worth, Denver, O’Hare, and more, creating a bustling network of travel hubs. These airports will see an overwhelming number of passengers as millions of people take to the skies to celebrate the holiday. The coordination between these critical airports is more important than ever, as they prepare to handle an unprecedented surge in air travel.

From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, the busiest airport in the world, to Dallas Fort Worth, Denver, and O’Hare, each airport has a significant role to play in ensuring that passengers make it to their destinations smoothly. In this guide, we’ll take you through the busiest airports for Thanksgiving 2025, giving you key tips to navigate these crowded terminals and make your journey as stress-free as possible. Get ready for the holiday rush!

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) – The Unstoppable Giant

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is not just the busiest airport in the United States; it has been the world’s busiest airport for years. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, ATL handles more flights and passengers than any other airport in the world.

In 2025, the volume is only going to increase. With over 200 gates and serving as the primary hub for Delta Airlines, ATL connects millions of people across the globe. But it’s not just international traffic; this airport is a crucial point for domestic flights. Every Thanksgiving, Christmas, and summer, ATL sees thousands of people passing through its terminals, often resulting in long queues and crowded gates.

The reason for this relentless flow of passengers is Atlanta’s central location. Almost every major U.S. city has a direct flight to ATL. This makes it a prime spot for connecting flights, which makes the airport even more critical during busy travel seasons. With the number of passengers expected to grow in 2025, anyone flying in or out of ATL should be prepared for an intense travel experience.

ATL’s capacity to handle these high volumes comes from its impressive infrastructure and efficient operations. However, the sheer number of people passing through can create logistical challenges. For travellers, this means longer waits, higher chances of delays, and a need to arrive earlier than usual. ATL remains the go-to hub for domestic and international travel, and in 2025, it will be busier than ever.

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) – The Powerhouse of the South

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is another giant in U.S. air travel. Serving the Dallas-Fort Worth area in Texas, DFW is one of the largest airports in the world by land size. It handles a massive volume of both domestic and international flights and is the main hub for American Airlines, one of the largest airlines in the world.

What makes DFW particularly special is its strategic position. It sits at a crossroads between the East Coast, West Coast, and Latin America, making it a key hub for flights connecting these regions. In 2025, as the demand for domestic travel continues to grow, DFW will see even more passengers moving through its terminals. With more than 50 million people passing through its gates every year, it is easy to see why DFW is expected to experience even higher numbers during the Thanksgiving and holiday seasons.

In addition to being a major airport for American Airlines, DFW is also known for its modern facilities and excellent customer service. However, despite these advantages, the sheer scale of the airport makes it a prime target for congestion. The airport’s multiple terminals and gates can get overcrowded during peak travel times, which often leads to longer wait times for passengers.

For those flying in or out of DFW in 2025, it’s crucial to plan ahead. Expect longer security lines, crowded terminals, and possible delays. However, with the airport’s central location and top-notch services, DFW continues to be one of the most important airports in the U.S. and will only grow in significance over the coming years.

Denver International Airport (DEN) – A High-Flying Hub in the Rockies

Next up is Denver International Airport (DEN) – a major hub in the Rocky Mountain region. Denver serves as the primary airport for not only the city but also a large portion of the surrounding states. With more than 64 million passengers flying through its terminals each year, DEN ranks among the top airports in the U.S.

The key to DEN’s success is its strategic location. Denver is a major gateway between the West Coast and the East Coast. Many people flying from cities like New York or Chicago to the West Coast will often transit through Denver. The airport also offers direct flights to numerous destinations within the U.S. and across the globe.

In 2025, DEN is poised to handle an even greater number of passengers, driven by the growing demand for domestic flights. The airport’s wide range of flight options and impressive facilities make it a favourite choice for business and leisure travellers alike. However, despite its impressive infrastructure, DEN also experiences significant congestion during peak travel times, especially during the Thanksgiving and summer holidays.

With record-breaking passenger numbers expected in 2025, DEN will likely be one of the busiest airports in the U.S. Expect crowded security lines, longer waiting times at gates, and the possibility of delays. If you’re flying through Denver, it’s essential to be prepared for a busy and bustling airport experience.

O’Hare International Airport (ORD) – The Heart of Chicago’s Air Traffic

O’Hare International Airport (ORD) in Chicago, Illinois, is another critical airport in the U.S. Known for its large domestic and international network, O’Hare is a major hub for United Airlines and American Airlines. It consistently ranks as one of the busiest airports in the world, with nearly 80 million passengers passing through annually.

O’Hare’s central location in the U.S. makes it a crucial hub for connecting flights between the East Coast and the West Coast. Its numerous gates, terminals, and runways handle thousands of flights each day, but as a result, the airport can become extremely congested during the holiday season.

In 2025, the number of people flying through O’Hare is expected to surge as travel demand increases. As one of the busiest hubs for domestic and international flights, O’Hare’s terminals will be packed with passengers, especially during peak hours. For anyone flying to or from Chicago, it’s important to prepare for long security lines and potential delays.

O’Hare is one of the most well-equipped airports in the U.S., with a vast network of services and amenities. However, its popularity and high traffic volume can lead to delays. If you plan on flying through O’Hare in 2025, make sure you give yourself plenty of time and monitor flight status updates closely.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – A Major Gateway to the World

The final airport on this list is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), located in California. As one of the busiest airports in the world, LAX serves as a gateway to the Pacific region and is a major hub for flights to Asia, Europe, and Latin America. It is also one of the busiest domestic airports, handling millions of passengers each year.

In 2025, LAX is set to handle even more traffic. It is a critical point for flights heading to and from the West Coast, and the airport’s extensive network of terminals and gates makes it an essential hub for domestic and international travel. LAX’s proximity to popular tourist destinations like Hollywood and the beaches of Southern California means that it will see a high volume of holiday travellers in 2025.

However, with its popularity comes congestion. LAX is known for its long lines at security, crowded terminals, and a constant flow of passengers. As the busiest airport on the West Coast, it faces similar challenges as other major airports during peak travel times. Expect significant delays and crowded conditions if you’re flying through LAX.

What to Expect in 2025

As air travel continues to rise in 2025, these five airports – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Denver International Airport (DEN), O’Hare International Airport (ORD), and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – will see some of the highest levels of traffic in the United States. Whether you’re travelling for business, a family holiday, or a quick getaway, these airports will be the busiest hubs, packed with both domestic and international passengers.

With travel numbers set to increase in 2025, patience, preparation, and planning will be essential. From long queues at security to the risk of flight delays, expect a hectic time. However, with their impressive infrastructure and significant role in U.S. air travel, these airports will continue to serve millions of passengers while maintaining some of the most advanced services in the world.

For anyone flying through one of these airports, the future is clear: get ready for an experience that’s both exciting and overwhelming. The airports will be bustling, the flights will be packed, and 2025 will be another year to remember in the world of aviation.