Which Airport is Bigger: San Juan or Honolulu?

Introduction to Airport Comparison

When comparing two major airports, one often wonders which is larger in terms of flight volume and physical size. In this article, we delve into the specifics of two significant North American airports: San Juan (SJU) International Airport and Honolulu (HNL) International Airport. We will explore their flight volume, operational properties, and physical size to determine which is bigger in terms of both traffic and acreage.

Flight Volume Comparison

When assessing which airport has more flight volume, it's essential to look at the number and types of flights. San Juan International Airport (SJU) handles over 7.5 million passengers annually, making it one of the busiest tourist destinations in the Caribbean. However, Honolulu International Airport (HNL) boasts an impressive total of around 11 million passengers per year, indicating a significantly larger volume. Additionally, HNL has a larger number of international flights, including a heavily used stopover for cargo flights.

Importance of Cargo Flights

Air cargo plays a crucial role in airport size and overall capacity. HNL is known for its extensive air freight operations, with many cargo flights involving larger aircraft such as the Boeing 747. These aircraft are more power-hungry compared to smaller passenger planes, which further contributes to the airport's overall size and traffic.

Physical Size Comparison

Moving on to the physical size of the airports, both SJU and HNL have different configurations and sizes. San Juan International Airport (SJU) is spread across a total of 2,720 acres of land, including runways, terminals, and auxiliary buildings. On the other hand, Honolulu International Airport (HNL) covers a larger area of approximately 1,600 acres, focusing primarily on its main terminal and runways.

Runway and Terminal Infrastructure

The runway and terminal infrastructure are critical factors in determining the size of an airport. HNL is known for its efficient layout, with multiple runways and a modern terminal system. It has four runways, two of which are primary and two secondary, allowing for a high volume of takeoffs and landings. SJU, while also well-equipped, has three runways, with one being a crosswind runway, which is less commonly utilized for cargo flights.

Operational Challenges and Enhancements

While HNL has a larger physical size and handles a larger volume of traffic, it also faces operational challenges, including managing a high volume of travelers and cargo. Both airports have invested in various enhancements to improve their operations. SJU has introduced additional terminals and improved passenger facilities to handle its growing number of international flights. HNL has conducted extensive upgrades to its air traffic control system and terminal expansion projects, promising to further boost its capacity.

Future Developments and Investment

Both airports are planning significant future developments. HNL is undertaking a $2.1 billion project to enhance its terminal and infrastructure, focusing on providing modern amenities and improving passenger experience. SJU, on the other hand, is investing in a $441 million terminal expansion to accommodate its growing passenger numbers, enhancing its overall airport efficiency.

Conclusion

In the comparison between San Juan International Airport (SJU) and Honolulu International Airport (HNL), it is evident that HNL is bigger in terms of both flight volume and physical size. HNL's extensive cargo operations and larger terminal and runway infrastructure set it apart from SJU. However, both airports are continuously expanding and investing to meet the growing demands of air travel in their respective regions.

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For those interested in more airport data and comparisons, be sure to visit the official websites of the airports and follow the latest updates on their development projects and enhancements.