Which Nation Has the Greatest Number of Airports Worldwide?

From blinking runway lights at dawn to red-eye flights landing before sunrise, aviation is often associated with busy terminals and long-haul journeys. Yet the real scale of global air travel becomes clear only when viewed from above. A key question emerges: which country has the most airports, and why does that matter beyond simple trivia?

The answer offers insight into geography, infrastructure planning, national priorities, and how countries connect their people, goods, and emergency services across vast distances.

The Country With the Highest Number of Airports: United States

According to the CIA World Factbook’s latest nation comparison on airports, the United States ranks first globally, with an estimated 16,116 airports and airfields as of 2025.

This figure is based on the CIA’s broad definition of airports, which includes both paved and unpaved runways, as well as closed or abandoned airfields that remain identifiable from the air. In other words, the count goes far beyond major international hubs.

Local airstrips, regional airports, general aviation facilities, training fields, and remote landing zones are all included. These sites support a wide range of activities—from medical evacuations and wildfire control to cargo transport, pilot training, and rural connectivity.

What makes the number particularly striking is its scale. The United States has more than three times as many airports as Brazil, the country ranked second on the list.

Geography plays a major role, but so does a long-established general aviation culture. Thousands of small towns and rural communities across the US rely on aviation even where large commercial airports do not exist. This decentralized network ensures access, mobility, and resilience.

Top Five Countries With the Most Airports Worldwide

Based on the CIA World Factbook’s most recent estimates for 2025, the following countries lead the world in total number of airports and airfields.

1. United States – 16,116 Airports

The United States leads by a wide margin because its aviation system is not built around a handful of mega-hubs alone. Instead, it functions as an ecosystem that includes small-town airfields, private and public general aviation airports, military strips, and remote landing areas.

In a country of continental scale, this density supports emergency response, regional mobility, defense readiness, and rapid logistics—often serving as a lifeline in areas far from highways or rail networks.

2. Brazil – 5,297 Airports

Brazil holds second place, reflecting both its vast geography and diverse terrain. Many regions are separated by dense forests, rivers, and long distances, making air travel essential rather than optional.

Smaller airfields play a crucial role in connecting interior towns, supporting Healthcare access, and enabling economic activity. While far behind the United States, Brazil still stands well ahead of the rest of the world.

3. Australia – 2,257 Airports

Australia’s large landmass, dispersed population, and remote communities explain its high airport count. Air travel has long been critical for linking isolated settlements with urban centers.

Despite having a relatively small population, Australia maintains one of the world’s largest aviation networks to ensure access, safety, and national cohesion.

4. Mexico – 1,580 Airports

Mexico ranks fourth globally, with a mix of commercial airports, regional airfields, and industrial aviation facilities spread across varied terrain.

Its airport footprint supports domestic mobility, tourism, trade, and regional development, placing it ahead of several larger economies that rely on fewer but busier airports.

5. Canada – 1,459 Airports

Canada completes the top five. Long distances, harsh winters, and remote northern communities make aviation a necessity for transporting people, supplies, and emergency services.

In many areas, air travel remains the most reliable—and sometimes the only—means of year-round connectivity.

Why “Most Airports” Does Not Mean “Most Flights”

It is easy to assume that having the most airports equates to having the most advanced aviation sector. In reality, the ranking reflects coverage rather than glamour.

Some countries operate a small number of massive hubs that handle enormous passenger volumes. Others maintain thousands of modest airfields to ensure access to remote regions.

Because the CIA counts all airfields recognizable from the air, the data captures aviation as essential infrastructure—quiet landing strips that rarely appear in travel brochures but are vital for national logistics and daily life.

Why Airport Density Matters Beyond Trivia

The number and distribution of airports influence how a nation functions in critical ways:

Disaster response: Faster evacuations and quicker access for relief operations.
Healthcare: Air ambulances and emergency medical transfers save lives.
Economic reach: Efficient movement of high-value goods and skilled personnel.
Regional equality: Improved access for areas far from roads or railways.

Viewed through this lens, the United States’ airport count is more than a statistical record. It reflects how aviation underpins everyday governance, commerce, and emergency preparedness.

Developing nations are also expanding their aviation networks. India, for example, currently has approximately 487 airports and airstrips, including domestic, international, private, and civil enclaves.

As India works toward its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, airport expansion is central to supporting domestic demand, regional growth, and global integration. Achieving connectivity on the scale of leading aviation nations will require sustained investment, long-term planning, and a robust economy.