Istanbul Airport has overtaken Heathrow Airport as Europe’s busiest hub after handling more passengers in July. Istanbul Airport welcomed 8.15 million travelers during the month, surpassing Heathrow’s 7.86 million. This marks a notable shift, as passenger traffic at Heathrow fell by 1.5% compared to the same month last year, while Istanbul experienced a 2.3% increase.
The decline in Heathrow’s passenger numbers has been partly linked to disruptions resulting from the conflict in the Middle East. This development has intensified calls for the UK government to approve Heathrow’s proposed third runway. Currently operating with two runways nearing full capacity, the airport aims to boost its annual capacity to around 150 million passengers through the proposed £33 billion expansion.
Heathrow officials argue that the latest passenger figures underscore the necessity for additional capacity to enhance the UK’s international connectivity, trade, and tourism. The airport seeks to maintain its competitive edge against rapidly growing rivals like Istanbul Airport, which opened in 2018 and benefits from a larger site and 24/7 operations.
Istanbul Airport currently operates three runways, with a fourth set to become operational by the end of 2026, further boosting its capacity. Meanwhile, London’s Stansted and Manchester airports both reported their busiest-ever July, handling 3.1 million and 3.4 million passengers, respectively.