2025: Top five countries with most airports--and where Bangladesh stands
Dhaka: As of 2025, the global aviation landscape showcases significant disparities in airport distribution among countries. While some nations boast extensive networks of airports, others maintain more modest infrastructures. Bangladesh, for instance, has 17 airports, ranking it 145th globally in terms of total airport count, according to the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States of America.
1. United States
Total airports: 16,116
John F Kennedy International Airport in New York, the US
Notable fact: The US leads the world by a significant margin, with a vast network supporting both commercial and general aviation.
2. Brazil
Total airports: 5,297
Salvador International Airport in Salvador, Brazil
Notable fact: Brazil's expansive territory and diverse geography necessitate a large number of airports to connect remote regions.
3. Australia
Total airports: 2,257
Sydney Airport in Syndey, Australia
Notable fact: Australia's vast outback and dispersed population centers contribute to its high airport count.
4. Mexico
Total airports: 1,580
Mexico City International Airport Benito Juárez, Mexico City, Mexico
Notable fact: Mexico's strategic location and tourism industry drive the need for numerous airports.
5. Canada
Total airports: 1,459
Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, Quebec, Canada
Notable fact: Canada's large landmass and remote communities require a widespread network of airports.
Bangladesh’s aviation overview
Bangladesh maintains a modest yet crucial aviation infrastructure:
Total airports: 17
International airports: 3
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (Dhaka)
Shah Amanat International Airport (Chattogram)
Osmani International Airport (Sylhet)
Domestic airports: 5
Cox's Bazar Airport
Shah Makhdum Airport (Rajshahi)
Jashore Airport
Saidpur Airport
Barishal Airport
STOL (short take-off and landing) ports: 4
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka is the country's primary international gateway. In 2024, it handled over 9.3 million international passengers and approximately 2 million domestic passengers. To accommodate growing air traffic, a third terminal is under construction, expected to open in 2025.
While Bangladesh's number of airports is modest compared to global leaders, its strategic investments in aviation infrastructure aim to enhance connectivity and support economic growth.
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