Istanbul Airport has claimed the title of Europe’s busiest airport, surpassing Heathrow Airport in passenger numbers for the month of July. Istanbul Airport handled 8.15 million passengers, while Heathrow saw 7.86 million travelers. This shift comes as Heathrow experienced a 1.5% drop in passenger traffic compared to the previous year, whereas Istanbul Airport enjoyed a 2.3% increase. The decline at Heathrow has been partly linked to disruptions associated with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The change in rankings intensifies the call for the UK government to greenlight Heathrow’s long-debated third runway. Currently, Heathrow operates with two runways that are nearing full capacity. The proposed £33 billion expansion is projected to boost its annual capacity to approximately 150 million passengers. Heathrow officials argue that the recent figures underscore the urgent need for more capacity to enhance the UK’s global connectivity, trade, and tourism sectors.
Opening its doors in 2018, Istanbul Airport benefits from a larger site and the advantage of 24-hour operations. It currently boasts three runways, with plans for a fourth runway set to become operational by the end of 2026. This infrastructural advantage has likely played a significant role in its ability to accommodate and increase passenger traffic.
In the meantime, other UK airports like London Stansted and Manchester are celebrating record-breaking numbers, with both facilities experiencing their busiest July to date. London Stansted handled 3.1 million passengers, while Manchester Airport saw 3.4 million travelers during the same period.