Hartsfield–Jackson, a major hub in the U.S., benefits from its strategic location and serves as a crucial connection point, especially for Delta Air Lines. Beijing Capital, as the primary airport of China's capital, supports a massive flow of domestic and international travelers, fueled by China's rapid economic growth and large population. Dubai International stands out as a global transit hub, connecting the East and West, and is the primary base for Emirates Airline. It also draws significant traffic due to Dubai's status as a luxury and business destination. These airports share common traits such as efficient operations, high capacity, and continual infrastructure development, catering to a growing demand in air travel.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on global flight throughput, leading to an unprecedented downturn in air travel. Due to strict lockdowns, travel restrictions, and safety concerns, there was a significant reduction in both domestic and international flights, resulting in a dramatic decrease in passenger numbers. Major airports around the world, which once bustled with activity, saw deserted terminals and grounded aircraft fleets. The industry faced financial challenges, with airlines and airports incurring heavy losses and some smaller carriers even facing bankruptcy. The pandemic not only disrupted travel plans but also had a ripple effect on the global economy, particularly impacting tourism, business travel, and related industries. The air travel sector's recovery has been gradual, with varying paces across regions, heavily dependent on the rollout of vaccines and the lifting of travel restrictions.
