Recent data on global airport infrastructure highlights the extent of countries’ reliance on air transport. According to the latest statistics, the United States leads the world by a wide margin with 16,116 airports, followed by Brazil with 5,297 airports.
These two countries are followed by Australia (2,257), Mexico (1,580), Canada (1,459), France (1,218), the United Kingdom (1,057), Russia (905), and Germany (840). While Turkey does not appear on the list, the top 15 also includes countries from various continents such as South Africa, Indonesia, China, and Papua New Guinea.
Experts note that the high number of airports in the U.S. is linked to the country’s vast geography, strong demand for commercial flights, and the widespread presence of general aviation. Brazil’s case, on the other hand, is explained by its large landmass (the world’s fifth-largest country) and its heavy reliance on regional aviation to connect remote areas.
The figures are based on a report published by Visual Capitalist, drawing from The World Factbook. The report includes not only commercial airports but also private, public, and even some abandoned airfields with identifiable runways.
These statistics not only provide insights into countries’ transportation policies and economic structures but also underscore the strategic importance of aviation infrastructure for logistics, tourism, and domestic connectivity.
