In a significant shift in European air travel rankings, Istanbul Airport has surpassed Heathrow as the continent’s busiest airport for the month of July. Istanbul Airport processed 8.15 million passengers during the month, overtaking Heathrow’s 7.86 million. This change comes as Heathrow experiences a 1.5% decline in passenger numbers compared to the same period last year, while Istanbul saw a 2.3% increase in traffic.
The drop in Heathrow’s passenger traffic has been partly attributed to disruptions caused by the conflict in the Middle East. This development has intensified calls for the UK government to approve the long-debated third runway at Heathrow. The airport currently operates at near full capacity with its two runways, and the proposed £33 billion expansion aims to boost its annual capacity to around 150 million passengers.
Heathrow officials have argued that the latest statistics underscore the urgent need for more capacity to enhance the UK’s global connectivity, trade, and tourism. In contrast, Istanbul Airport, which began operations in 2018, benefits from a larger site and 24-hour operation. It currently has three runways, with a fourth set to open by the end of 2026, further bolstering its capacity and influence in the region.
Meanwhile, other UK airports have seen remarkable activity in July, with London Stansted and Manchester airports both experiencing their busiest month on record. London Stansted handled 3.1 million passengers, and Manchester welcomed 3.4 million, reflecting a robust demand for air travel within the UK despite the challenges faced by Heathrow.