Airports 2008
Airports data reveals the number of airports in each country. Compare nations, explore rankings, and see trends with interactive maps.
Interactive Map
Complete Data Rankings
- #1
United States - #2
Brazil - #3
Mexico - #4
Canada - #5
Argentina - #6
Russia - #7
Bolivia - #8
Colombia - #9
Paraguay - #10
South Africa
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #210
Tuvalu - #209
Saint Barthélemy - #208
Saint Helena - #207
Saint Martin (French part) - #206
Nauru - #205
Niue - #204
Malta - #203
Mayotte - #202
Gibraltar - #201
Gambia
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
In 2008, the country with the most Airports was the United States, boasting a staggering 14,947 airports, while the range spanned from only 1 airport in several nations. The global average number of airports was 223.58, with a median of 44, providing a snapshot of global airport distribution that year.
Geographic and Economic Drivers of Airport Distribution
The distribution of airports across countries in 2008 highlights significant geographic and economic factors. The United States leads with 14,947 airports, a reflection of its vast land area and developed economy, which necessitates a robust air travel infrastructure to connect diverse regions and support its large population. Similarly, Brazil and Canada, with 4,263 and 1,343 airports respectively, demonstrate how large land areas drive the need for numerous regional airports to facilitate domestic travel.
In contrast, smaller nations such as Barbados, Tuvalu, and Bermuda each have only 1 airport, emphasizing how limited geographic size and population can reduce the need for extensive airport infrastructure. These countries typically rely on international rather than domestic air travel, reducing the necessity for multiple airports.
Regional Insights: Latin America and Africa
Latin America shows a notable presence in the top airport rankings, with Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina all featuring prominently. Brazil leads the region with 4,263 airports, reflecting its vast territory and economic status as a regional powerhouse. Mexico and Argentina have 1,834 and 1,272 airports, respectively, underscoring their roles as significant economic players in Latin America. The need to connect remote areas and support tourism are likely factors driving these numbers.
Conversely, Africa is less represented in the top rankings, with South Africa being the only country in the top ten with 728 airports. This reflects both the continent's economic challenges and its reliance on other forms of transportation. However, the presence of South Africa in the list highlights its more developed infrastructure compared to its continental peers.
Stability in Airport Numbers
Year-over-year data for 2008 indicates no significant changes in airport numbers among the top countries. The United States, Brazil, Mexico, and Canada all reported a 0.00 change, suggesting stability in their airport infrastructures. This lack of fluctuation implies mature transport networks that meet current demand, with little need for expansion or reduction.
This stability can also be attributed to the economic conditions of the time, where major investments in infrastructure were limited due to financial constraints, particularly in Western countries. The data suggests that these countries maintained their existing infrastructures without significant expansions or reductions.
Implications for Travel and Tourism
The number of airports in a country can significantly impact its travel and tourism sector. Countries with larger numbers of airports, such as the United States, Brazil, and Mexico, are better equipped to handle high volumes of tourists, providing extensive connectivity both domestically and internationally. This infrastructure supports not only tourism but also business travel, which is essential for economic growth.
In contrast, nations with fewer airports may face challenges in attracting tourists due to limited accessibility. This can impact their ability to capitalize on the economic benefits associated with tourism. Thus, while the number of airports is influenced by geographic and economic factors, it also plays a crucial role in shaping a country's global connectivity and economic prospects in the travel and tourism industry.
Insights by country
Belgium
In 2008, Belgium ranked #101 globally with 43 airports. This number is relatively low compared to neighboring countries like France, which has over 400 airports, highlighting Belgium's smaller land area and population density. The concentration of transport infrastructure in urban areas, along with Belgium's strategic location in Europe, facilitates efficient travel and trade despite the limited number of airports.
Burundi
In 2008, Burundi had 8 airports, ranking #158 out of 210 countries. This number is relatively low compared to regional neighbors, which often have more developed air transport infrastructures. The limited number of airports reflects Burundi's challenging geography, characterized by its landlocked position and mountainous terrain, which complicates transportation and economic development.
Tanzania
Tanzania ranked #47 globally with 124 airports in 2008. This number is significant compared to neighboring countries like Kenya, which has a similar number of airports but a more developed aviation sector. The extensive network of airports in Tanzania supports its tourism industry, particularly to attractions like Mount Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti, while also facilitating trade and connectivity within the region.
Italy
In 2008, Italy ranked #46 globally with 132 airports. This figure is notable compared to the European average, reflecting Italy's significant investment in transportation infrastructure to support its tourism-dependent economy. The country's geographic location in the Mediterranean, combined with its rich cultural heritage, drives high air traffic, necessitating a robust network of airports to accommodate both domestic and international travelers.
Cabo Verde
In 2008, Cabo Verde had 8 airports, ranking #159 out of 210 countries. This number is relatively low compared to regional neighbors, reflecting the country's limited land area and population size. The geographic dispersion of its islands necessitates a few strategically located airports to support tourism and connectivity, which are vital to its economy. Additionally, Cabo Verde's reliance on tourism as a key economic driver underscores the importance of its airport infrastructure for international access.
Argentina
In 2008, Argentina ranked #5 globally with a total of 1272 airports. This figure is significantly higher than the regional average for South America, indicating a robust aviation infrastructure. The country's extensive geography, spanning over 3,600 kilometers from north to south, necessitates a well-developed network of airports to connect its diverse regions and support both tourism and commerce.
American Samoa
In 2008, American Samoa had 3 airports, ranking #179 out of 210 countries. This number is relatively low compared to nearby Pacific nations, which often have more extensive air transport networks to support tourism and trade.
The limited number of airports in American Samoa is primarily due to its small land area and population, which reduces the demand for multiple air travel hubs. Additionally, the territory's geographic isolation necessitates reliance on a few key airports for connectivity to larger markets and essential services.
Cuba
Cuba ranked #35 globally with 165 airports in 2008. This figure is notable compared to regional neighbors, as many Caribbean nations have significantly fewer airports. The extensive number of airports in Cuba can be attributed to its geographic location as a key transit point in the Caribbean, along with government investments in tourism infrastructure aimed at bolstering the economy.
Bahrain
Bahrain ranked #181 globally with 3 airports in 2008. This number is notably low compared to regional neighbors like Saudi Arabia, which has significantly more airports to support its larger landmass and population. Bahrain's limited airport infrastructure is primarily driven by its small geographic size and the focus on developing its economy through financial services rather than expanding its aviation sector.
Cyprus
In 2008, Cyprus had 16 airports, ranking #144 out of 210 countries. This number is relatively low compared to larger European nations, which often have more extensive airport networks to support higher volumes of international travel. The limited number of airports in Cyprus can be attributed to its geographic size and a population of just over a million, which influences both demand for air travel and infrastructure investment.
Data Source
CIA World Factbook
The World Factbook, also known as the CIA World Factbook, was a reference resource produced by the US Central Intelligence Agency between 1962 and 2026 with almanac-style information about the countries of the world. From 1971 it was not classified, and available to the public in print since 1975, initially by the CIA, and later the Government Publishing Office.
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