Istanbul Airport has overtaken Heathrow as Europe’s busiest airport, handling more passengers in July. The Turkish airport reported 8.15 million passengers for the month, surpassing Heathrow’s count of 7.86 million. This marks a significant shift in airport rankings, as Heathrow experienced a 1.5% drop in passenger numbers from the previous year, while Istanbul Airport saw a 2.3% increase in traffic.
The decrease in Heathrow’s passenger volume has been partly attributed to disruptions related to the Middle East conflict. This development is adding pressure on the UK government to greenlight Heathrow’s proposed third runway. Currently operating at near full capacity with two runways, the proposed £33 billion expansion could boost the airport’s annual capacity to around 150 million passengers, enhancing the UK’s international connectivity, trade, and tourism.
Istanbul Airport, which commenced operations in 2018, benefits from a larger site and 24/7 operations. It currently runs three runways, with a fourth expected to be operational by the end of 2026. This infrastructure gives Istanbul a strategic advantage in accommodating more flights and passengers, contributing to its recent rise in rankings.
Meanwhile, other UK airports are experiencing growth. London Stansted and Manchester airports both recorded their busiest July ever, with 3.1 million and 3.4 million passengers, respectively. These numbers indicate a broader trend of increasing air travel in the UK, despite the challenges faced by Heathrow.