Airports Council International (ACI) World’s latest ACI World Airport Traffic Dataset has ranked the airports of Dubai in the UAE, Guangzhou in China, and Incheon in South Korea among the world’s top 20 busiest airports.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in the US takes top spot, and is followed by Dubai International Airport in second place, and Dallas Forth Worth in the US in third.
After reaching the top of the rankings in 2020, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport went down to 58th position in 2022. It takes 12th spot in 2023.
The biggest jump in the top 20 rankings is recorded by Incheon International Airport. The airport takes the 20th spot in 2023, up from its 99th position in 2022.
ACI World director general and CEO Luis Felipe de Oliveira said: “International passenger traffic has now almost fully recovered from the pandemic, and the regional disparities are gone. China’s reopening fuelled much of 2023’s strong growth and has propelled Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport back into the Top 20. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport continues to lead the way, but the revival of Middle East and Asia-Pacific hubs is the standout takeaway from 2023 figures.”
Total global passenger traffic for 2023 was close to 8.7 billion, representing an increase of 30.5 per cent from 2022 or a recovery of 94.2 per cent from 2019. Performance was propelled by several factors, including the anticipated benefits from the reopening of Asian markets and a growing inclination towards travel despite macroeconomic conditions.
The top 20 airports processed 16 per cent of global traffic (1.41 billion passengers) in 2023.
De Oliveira added: “However, whatever position in the rankings an airport occupies, each is integral to the communities it serves. Airports are resilient, adaptable and support social and economic development. ACI World continues to advocate for airports worldwide to ensure their societal benefits are enjoyed by as many people as possible.”
Numerous Thai media sources have reported a poisoning incident at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok hotel this evening in Bangkok, Thailand.
Six foreign individuals were allegedly found dead via ingestion of a toxic substance a hotel room. Police discovered the bodies of three men and three women, identified as two Vietnamese-Americans and four Vietnamese nationals.
Lumpini police were alerted to the incident at around 17.30.
Initial local media reports earlier in the evening incorrectly described the incident as a shootout, but investigators confirmed there were no signs of struggle or bruises on the victims, and their luggage was found near the door.
The victims had arrived at the hotel in two separate groups – one on July 13, and another the next day. They were due to check out today and had their bags already packed.
The case drew significant attention, with both Thai and foreign media converging on the scene.
Thai prime minister Srettha Thavisin arrived at the hotel around 21.00, and hosted a press briefing with national police chief Torsak Sukvimol and Bangkok police commissioner Thiti Saengsawang.
Thiti revealed that suicide has been ruled out as a cause, and that the investigation is focusing on murderous intent.
Srettha said he had met with the Vietnamese ambassador.
“There shouldn’t be an impact on the tourism sector,” he stated at the briefing, reassuring the public that the incident was not related to robbery or assault.
Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke emphasised that steps are being taken to contain public panic and to prevent this incident from impacting tourism.
Previous incidents, including the Erawan bombing in 2015 and Paragon shooting in October 2024, damaged Thailand’s tourism figures and targets.