Istanbul Airport has overtaken Heathrow Airport as the busiest in Europe, with more passengers passing through its gates in July. Istanbul saw 8.15 million travelers, surpassing Heathrow’s 7.86 million. While Heathrow experienced a 1.5% decrease in passenger numbers compared to the previous July, Istanbul’s figures rose by 2.3%. This shift in rankings comes amid challenges faced by Heathrow, partly due to ongoing disruptions in the Middle East.
The change in airport rankings has reignited discussions about Heathrow’s need for expansion. The airport is currently operating its two runways at nearly full capacity, prompting calls for the UK government to greenlight a proposed third runway. This expansion, estimated to cost £33 billion, is projected to boost Heathrow’s annual capacity to about 150 million passengers, enhancing the UK’s connectivity in international trade and tourism.
Opened in 2018, Istanbul Airport benefits from a significantly larger site and the ability to operate around the clock. It currently utilizes three runways, with a fourth expected to become operational by the end of 2026. This infrastructure gives it the capacity to handle a growing number of passengers, contributing to its rise in the ranks of Europe’s busiest airports.
In contrast, other UK airports have seen record numbers despite Heathrow’s slight dip. London Stansted and Manchester airports both reported their highest-ever passenger numbers for July, with 3.1 million and 3.4 million travelers, respectively. These airports continue to grow even as Heathrow grapples with capacity issues and external challenges.