In the United States, where expansive infrastructure is often the norm, there are several major airports that operate on a much smaller scale. These airports cater to commercial flights and range from St. Thomas to Key West, covering just a few hundred acres compared to the vast expanse of Denver International Airport (DEN), which spans 33,531 acres.
Denver International Airport is recognized as the largest airport in the Western Hemisphere and second worldwide only to King Fahd International Airport in Saudi Arabia. It serves as a hub for United, Southwest, and Frontier Airlines.
Among the smallest major airports by acreage is Chicago Midway Airport (MDW), covering 650 acres. Located southwest of Chicago's Loop business district, it was originally Chicago's main airport until 1944. Southwest Airlines operates a base here, accounting for over 90% of operations.