American, Delta, United: A Look at the Busiest Airline Hubs

American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines have maintained their positions as the world’s largest carriers. According to data from Cirium, these airlines collectively operate over 15,000 daily movements (takeoffs and landings) in November 2023, marking a 5% increase compared to the same month last year. This growth translates to an additional 739 daily round-trip services. Among the three, United Airlines has seen the most significant expansion, increasing its services by 6% and launching its first flight on a new international route.

The Busiest Hubs in the U.S.

The ten busiest airline hubs in the United States reflect the competitive landscape among these carriers. Delta’s Atlanta hub ranks first, with an impressive 1,647 daily movements. This figure is bolstered by an average of 159 seats per flight, a reflection of the carrier’s strategic use of larger aircraft rather than regional jets. Notably, Delta has introduced its first-ever service from Atlanta to Marrakech, diversifying its international offerings. Despite its leading position, only two of Delta’s hubs make the top ten, with Detroit coming in tenth place.

American Airlines and United Airlines each feature four hubs in the top ten. Chicago O’Hare serves as United’s busiest hub in terms of movements, although it is shared with American Airlines, limiting its dominance. O’Hare recorded 1,121 daily movements, while Denver, typically regarded as United’s primary hub, registered 994 movements this month.

Daily Movements in November*
– **Hub**: Airline – **Seats/Flight** – **Fortress Hub?**
– 1,647: Atlanta – Delta – 159 – Yes: 79%
– 1,622: Dallas/Fort Worth – American – 139 – Yes: 85%
– 1,209: Charlotte – American – 124 – Yes: 88%
– 1,121: Chicago O’Hare – United – 119 – No: 49%
– 994: Denver – United – 130 – No: 55%
– 969: Houston Intercontinental – United – 125 – Yes: 80%
– 872: Chicago O’Hare – American – 103 – No: 38%
– 742: Newark – United – 150 – Yes: 70%
– 709: Miami – American – 158 – No: 68%
– 621: Detroit – Delta – 126 – Yes: 75%

*Takeoffs/landings combined

Trends in Airline Movements

Only American Airlines has seen a reduction in movements year-on-year, with a 3% decline at its Charlotte hub, which remains the nation’s third-busiest. Daily takeoffs and landings fell from 1,251 to 1,209. This decrease is attributed to reduced frequencies on existing routes, with only one route, Tulum, being cut in February 2025. Conversely, American has introduced low-frequency flights to Governor’s Harbour, indicating a shift in strategy.

Despite the decline, Charlotte’s low cost per enplanement enhances American’s profitability. Although movements are down, the airport’s cost structure may allow for improved yields, suggesting that Charlotte could be more profitable for American than ever before.

The other nine hubs experienced growth in movements compared to last year. American’s operations at Chicago O’Hare have surged by 34%, reaching 872 daily movements. This increase includes the resumption of over a dozen routes, such as service to San Jose, Costa Rica. Despite this growth, American’s movements at O’Hare are still 6% lower than pre-pandemic levels.

United Airlines has also expanded its O’Hare operations by 13%. American’s Miami hub, Delta’s Detroit hub, and United’s Houston hub have all seen increases of 5% in daily movements. Delta’s Atlanta and United’s Denver hubs grew by 4%, while United’s Newark hub expanded by 2%. American’s operations at Dallas/Fort Worth slightly increased by 1%.

As the airline industry continues to recover, developments in hub operations and service offerings will be critical in shaping the competitive landscape among these major carriers.