If you’re planning to hop across the pond, head south to the Caribbean, or jet off to Asia, chances are your trip will start at one of North America’s most internationally connected airports.
OAG, a global leader in travel data, analyzed flight routes from June 2018 to May 2019 and ranked North American airports by the number of international destinations served. Airports were grouped by size (based on seat capacity), making it easier to see how they stack up against similarly sized hubs.
Whether you’re traveling for business, vacation, or something in between, here’s where international air travel thrives.
✈️ Major Airports: The Top 10
Seven of the ten busiest international airports in North America are in the United States — but Toronto Pearson International Airport in Canada takes the top spot.
Here’s how the rest of the major players ranked:
1. Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Canada’s busiest airport leads the pack with the most international routes among major airports.
2. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) – 127 Routes
JFK offers flights to destinations across Asia, Africa, and Europe. More than 70 airlines operate here, making it a true global gateway.
3. Miami International Airport (MIA) – 112 Routes
Miami shines as a gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean, while also offering direct flights to Europe and the Middle East.
4. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) – 88 Routes
Another NYC-area airport, Newark is ideal for travelers in the tri-state region seeking international access.
5. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – 90 Routes
LAX connects the U.S. West Coast with major cities in Asia, Oceania, Europe, and beyond — think Singapore, Tahiti, and Dubai.
6. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) – 80 Routes
Though it’s North America’s busiest airport overall, ATL’s international connections are solid too, especially for Europe and South America.
7. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) – 72 Routes
A major Midwest hub, O’Hare offers nonstop flights to key cities across Europe and Asia.
8. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) – 68 Routes
Houston’s main airport connects Texas travelers with Latin America, Europe, and more.
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🧳 Large Airports: The Top 10
Once we move down a tier to large airports, the number of international routes drops — but several still offer impressive reach. Canadian airports dominate the top three spots, with most of their international routes heading to U.S. cities.
Here are the standouts:
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Oakland International Airport (OAK): 13 international routes
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Portland International Airport (PDX) and San Jose International Airport (SJC): Tied with 12 routes each
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William P. Hobby Airport (HOU): 9 routes
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Austin-Bergstrom, Pittsburgh, and Raleigh-Durham airports: 7 international routes each
Some of these airports, like San Jose, Austin, and Raleigh-Durham, saw double-digit growth in seat capacity, signaling that more international service could be on the way.
🌍 Medium-Sized Airports: The Top 10
Canadian airports continue to dominate in this category. Though the number of international destinations is modest, these airports still provide solid options for regional international travel — particularly to the U.S.
