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 145^th 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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