The Busiest Airports in Texas

Texas is a giant in U.S. aviation — vast distances, booming cities, and a strong mix of domestic and international traffic. While many airports operate across the state, a handful dominate in scale, traffic, and visibility. In this article, we look at Texas’s top 10 busiest commercial airports (based on passenger throughput) and spotlight what makes each one interesting to spotters: airlines, aircraft types, and vantage points.

1. Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW)

American Airlines takeoff from runway 18L, taken in Room 714.

DFW is the undisputed king of Texas aviation. In 2024, it handled approximately 87.8 million passengers, marking its highest-ever traffic and solidifying its role as one of the world’s busiest airports.

What you’ll see & spotting tips:
DFW is the major hub for American Airlines, so expect fleets full of Boeing 737s, A320s, and a strong contingent of widebodies like the 787 and 777. Cargo operators and charter freighters add variety. For spotting, the perimeter roads along the north and south (such as the Grapevine Mills area) give good views of arrivals and departures. Also, some hotels near the runways provide balcony views for photography.

2. George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), Houston

Houston George Bush. Photo (c) Kalboz

IAH is Houston’s primary international gateway and a major U.S. hub. Although exact 2024 numbers for passenger traffic are not cited here, it consistently ranks second in Texas in terms of operations and throughput.

What you’ll see & spotting tips:
United Airlines has a dominant presence at IAH, so expect to see many 737s, A320 family, and widebodies (787, 777) on international flights. Cargo traffic is also significant. For spotters, the north side along Beltway 8 and the Terminal B / C edges offer vantage views. The old “Texas Tower” area (if accessible) is also a classic. Nighttime widebody arrivals from overseas make for dramatic shots.

3. Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS)

Austin Bergstrom. Photo (c) Brett Spangler

Austin has grown rapidly, and AUS is now one of the fastest-growing airports in Texas.  While not yet on the same scale as DFW or IAH, its growth in passenger numbers and route expansion make it a rising star.

What you’ll see & spotting tips:
Southwest has a strong presence at Austin, so lots of 737s and 737 MAXs. You’ll also see some regional jets and occasional narrowbody widebody charters. For spotting, the perimeter roads on the east side and certain overpasses provide good runway views, especially for morning and evening light.

4. Dallas Love Field (DAL)

Danazar, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Serving the Dallas–Fort Worth area alongside DFW, Love Field is smaller but busy. According to sources, DAL handles ~16.5 million passengers.

What you’ll see & spotting tips:
Southwest is the dominant operator at DAL, so expect mostly Boeing 737 jets. Occasional charter or overflow flights may bring in different types. Good vantage points include the observation areas near the terminal and certain road crossings on Mockingbird Lane or Wycliff Avenue.

5. Houston Hobby (HOU)

Houston Hobby. Photo (c) Tim

While IAH handles the heavy international traffic, Hobby serves many domestic and short international flights, especially with low-cost and leisure operators. It doesn’t always make the top three by passenger count, but it remains a key commercial airport in the state. flythevalley.com

What you’ll see & spotting tips:
Expect Boeing 737 family aircraft (especially Southwest, which uses HOU heavily), and some narrowbody jets from other carriers. Spotting from Old Hobby Road, or the areas adjacent to Runway 13/31, gives good views of takeoffs and approaches.

6. San Antonio International (SAT)

Photo (c) Tomás Del Coro

SAT ranks prominently in Texas airport lists. In 2024 it handled about 11.09 million passengers and ~166,246 aircraft operations.

What you’ll see & spotting tips:
A mix of narrowbody jets (A320 family, 737s) serving domestic U.S. routes and some regional international flights to Mexico. For spotting, the roads along Runway 04/22 and Terminal frontage roads are good, as is the northeast perimeter where you can capture arrivals in evening light.

7. El Paso International (ELP)

El Paso from the air. Photo (c) Luis Jou García

El Paso’s airport is a significant border city gateway. It doesn’t match the passenger numbers of the top hubs, but it’s often in Texas’s top-10 lists because of its operations and regional importance.

What you’ll see & spotting tips:
Regional jets like CRJs or Embraers, narrowbody jets connecting across the U.S. or into Mexico. For spotting, the east perimeter roads near the terminal or streets like Montana Avenue give view of arrivals against desert terrain.

8. Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland-Odessa / Midland (MAF)

Spiffymartin, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

These West Texas airports serve key oil and isolated area markets. They usually appear in state lists for commercial operations.

What you’ll see & spotting tips:
Small mainline jets (737s, A320s) mixed with regional jets and sometimes business jets. The flat terrain means you can often find local roads parallel to runways for good shots, especially when the sun is low.

9. Brownsville / Harlingen (Valley International) & McAllen

McAllen International

In South Texas, airports like Valley International (HRL / Brownsville / Harlingen) and McAllen-Miller International (MFE) handle domestic traffic and cross-border flights. These often make the top-10 state lists for commercial airports.

What you’ll see & spotting tips:
Regional jets linking to major hubs in Texas, occasional narrowbody charters. The proximity to the Mexico border also introduces interesting aircraft and liveries. Spotting from perimeter roads or highways adjacent to the airport works best in early morning or late afternoon.

10. Others to Watch: Corpus Christi, Laredo, Waco, Killeen

NS777, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

These cities’ airports don’t often hit the top-10 by passenger volume statewide, but they remain notable in regional lists

What you’ll see & spotting tips:
Smaller jets, regional aircraft, some occasional charter service. These airports are great for more relaxed spotting — less traffic, easier access, and more opportunities for close-up photography. Use terminal roads or public parking areas near runway edges.

Title image: Tomás Del Coro

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