Airports 2017
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
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #212
Tuvalu - #211
Saint Barthélemy - #210
Sint Maarten (Dutch part) - #209
Saint Martin (French part) - #208
Nauru - #207
Niue - #206
Malta - #205
Montserrat - #204
Gibraltar - #203
Gambia
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
In 2017, the United States led the world with the highest number of Airports, totaling 13,513. Globally, the number of airports ranged from a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 13,513 across 200 countries. The global average number of airports was 207.98, while the median stood at 42.
Economic Powerhouses and Airport Infrastructure
The concentration of airports in a few countries can be closely linked to their economic status and geographical needs. The United States not only leads in airport numbers but also has a vast land area and a high demand for domestic air travel, supporting its extensive airport infrastructure. Similarly, Brazil ranks second with 4,093 airports, reflecting its large geographical size and the necessity to connect remote areas. Mexico and Canada, with 1,714 and 1,467 airports respectively, also showcase how economic development and spatial distribution drive airport numbers.
Countries like Russia and Argentina further illustrate this pattern. Russia, with its vast territory and varied terrain, has 1,218 airports, while Argentina has 1,138, indicating the role of geography in necessitating a robust network of airports to facilitate both domestic and international travel.
Geographic Isolation and Minimal Airport Presence
On the opposite end of the spectrum, several nations have minimal airport infrastructure, often due to geographic and demographic factors. Islands and small nations such as Curaçao, Saint Martin (French part), and Sint Maarten (Dutch part) each have only 1 airport. These regions rely heavily on their single air gateway, often complemented by maritime transport options.
Similarly, countries like Tuvalu and Bhutan have 1 and 2 airports respectively, reflecting their limited land area and population size, which do not necessitate a large number of airports. This minimal infrastructure is sufficient to meet the needs of their relatively low travel demand.
Stability in Airport Numbers
The year-over-year data for 2017 shows a remarkable stability in airport numbers globally, with no significant increases or decreases. While the United States, Brazil, and other top-ranking countries did not experience any change in their airport counts, this stability suggests a mature infrastructure that meets current demands without the need for expansion.
This stability might be attributed to several factors, including economic conditions that do not justify the construction of new airports, or a shift towards enhancing existing facilities rather than expanding the number of airports. For countries like Russia and Canada, maintaining a stable number of airports aligns with the strategic focus on improving connectivity and operational efficiency rather than increasing airport count.
Emerging Trends and Future Implications
While the 2017 data shows no change in airport counts, the strategic importance of airports in facilitating economic growth and connectivity remains crucial. Emerging economies may focus on enhancing airport infrastructure to support increased tourism and business travel. For instance, countries in Asia and Africa with growing economies might see changes in future data as they invest in expanding their airport networks.
Furthermore, technological advancements and environmental considerations may influence future airport development. As countries aim to reduce carbon footprints, there may be a shift towards more efficient air traffic management and sustainable airport operations, potentially impacting the number and nature of airports in the years to come.
Insights by country
Netherlands
In 2017, the Netherlands ranked #117 globally with 29 airports. This number is relatively low compared to larger countries, which often have more extensive airport networks to accommodate greater travel demands. The Netherlands' compact geography, combined with its efficient public transport system and proximity to major European hubs, reduces the necessity for a higher number of airports.
Lithuania
In 2017, Lithuania had 61 airports, ranking #79 out of 212 countries. This number is relatively high for a country of its size, especially compared to many of its regional neighbors. The extensive airport network supports Lithuania's strategic position as a transport hub in the Baltic region, facilitating both passenger travel and cargo transport, which are essential for its growing economy.
Timor-Leste
In 2017, Timor-Leste ranked #168 globally with a total of 6 airports. This figure is notably lower than the regional average for Southeast Asia, where countries typically have more extensive air transport networks. The limited number of airports in Timor-Leste reflects its small geographic size, economic challenges, and ongoing development efforts following its independence, which have impacted infrastructure investment.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
In 2017, Saint Kitts and Nevis had 2 airports, ranking #190 out of 212 countries. This number is notably low compared to regional neighbors like Antigua and Barbuda, which has more developed air transport infrastructure. The limited number of airports reflects the country's small geographic size and population, which influences both demand for air travel and investment in aviation facilities.
Botswana
In 2017, Botswana ranked #70 globally with a total of 74 airports. This figure is notably higher than some neighboring countries, such as Namibia, which has fewer airports. The relatively high number of airports in Botswana can be attributed to its commitment to enhancing connectivity for tourism and trade, driven by its rich wildlife and diamond mining industry.
Ecuador
Ecuador ranked #20 globally with 432 airports in 2017. This number is significantly higher than the regional average for South America, highlighting Ecuador's extensive air transport infrastructure. The country's diverse geography, including the Andes mountains and coastal regions, necessitates a robust network of airports to connect remote areas and support tourism, particularly to the Galápagos Islands.
Anguilla
In 2017, Anguilla had 2 airports, ranking #191 out of 212 countries. This number is notably low compared to regional neighbors like Saint Martin, which has more extensive airport facilities. The limited number of airports reflects Anguilla's small geographic size and population, as well as its reliance on tourism, which is primarily served by a few key air travel routes.
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea ranked #12 globally with 561 airports in 2017. This figure is significantly higher than many of its Pacific neighbors, indicating a robust infrastructure for air travel in the region. The country's extensive network of airports supports its diverse geography, which includes mountainous terrains and numerous islands, facilitating both domestic and international connectivity.
Tonga
Tonga ranked #171 globally with a total of 6 airports in 2017. This number is relatively low compared to its regional neighbors, such as Samoa, which has more developed air transport infrastructure. The limited number of airports in Tonga can be attributed to its small population and geographic dispersion across numerous islands, which constrains demand and investment in aviation facilities.
Venezuela
In 2017, Venezuela ranked #19 globally with 444 airports. This figure is notable when compared to regional neighbors, as countries like Colombia have significantly fewer airports, indicating Venezuela's extensive aviation infrastructure. The high number of airports can be attributed to its vast geographic size and diverse topography, which necessitates a robust air transportation system for both domestic connectivity and international travel.
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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