When comparing the size of the world's largest airbases to major commercial airports, military installations are notably larger. Denver International Airport, one of the largest airports globally, spans 34,000 acres but is dwarfed by the largest air force base. King Fahd International Airport in Saudi Arabia, although mostly undeveloped, is less than half the size of the biggest air force bases.
The United States Air Force (USAF), with over 5,000 aircraft, operates some of the world's largest airbases. These bases often consist mainly of restricted areas used for training rather than developed infrastructure. For instance, Edwards Air Force Base exceeds 300,000 acres in total area but has less than 20,000 acres developed.
The five largest air force bases by total area include: