Heathrow Airport has ceded its status as Europe’s busiest airport to Istanbul Airport, which managed a higher passenger volume in July. During this period, Istanbul Airport welcomed 8.15 million travelers, surpassing Heathrow’s 7.86 million. The shift in rankings further highlights the growing traffic at Istanbul, which experienced a 2.3% increase from the previous year, whereas Heathrow saw a 1.5% decline. This downturn at Heathrow has been partly attributed to disruptions arising from the conflict in the Middle East.
This development has intensified calls for the UK government to greenlight Heathrow’s proposed third runway. Currently, Heathrow operates at nearly full capacity with its two runways, and the proposed £33 billion expansion plan aims to boost its annual capacity to approximately 150 million passengers. Heathrow officials have emphasized that these latest figures underscore the urgent need for additional capacity to bolster the UK’s international connectivity, trade, and tourism.
Istanbul Airport, which commenced operations in 2018, boasts a larger site and offers 24-hour service. The airport currently operates three runways, with a fourth expected to be operational by the end of 2026. This infrastructure advantage has positioned Istanbul as a formidable competitor in the European aviation sector, enabling it to accommodate a growing number of passengers.
Meanwhile, other UK airports are experiencing growth, with both London Stansted and Manchester airports reporting their busiest July on record. London Stansted handled 3.1 million passengers, while Manchester saw 3.4 million, indicating a strong demand for air travel in the region despite the challenges faced by Heathrow.