Istanbul Airport has overtaken Heathrow as Europe’s busiest airport, thanks to handling more passengers in July. During the month, Istanbul Airport saw 8.15 million travelers pass through, surpassing Heathrow’s 7.86 million. The shift comes as Heathrow experiences a 1.5% decrease in passenger numbers compared to the same period last year, while Istanbul Airport enjoyed a 2.3% increase in traffic.
The decline in Heathrow’s figures has been partly attributed to the disruptions arising from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This development has intensified calls for the UK government to approve Heathrow’s long-planned third runway. Currently, Heathrow operates with two runways that are nearing their full capacity, and the proposed £33 billion expansion project aims to boost the airport’s annual capacity to approximately 150 million passengers.
Heathrow officials argue that the latest passenger figures underscore the urgent need for additional capacity to enhance the UK’s global connectivity, trade, and tourism. The airport has long been a pivotal hub, and expanding its infrastructure is seen as critical to maintaining its competitive edge on the international stage.
In contrast, Istanbul Airport, which began operations in 2018, benefits from a larger site and 24-hour operations. It currently features three runways, with a fourth expected to become operational by the end of 2026. The airport’s ability to handle a growing number of passengers has been a key factor in its recent success.
Meanwhile, other UK airports such as London Stansted and Manchester also reported record-breaking passenger numbers for July, managing 3.1 million and 3.4 million travelers, respectively. These figures highlight the broader demand for air travel within the UK, adding another layer to the ongoing debate about expanding Heathrow’s capacity.