Istanbul Airport has overtaken Heathrow as Europe’s busiest airport, with July passenger numbers reaching 8.15 million compared to Heathrow’s 7.86 million. This shift marks a significant development, as Heathrow saw a 1.5% decrease in passenger traffic from the previous year, while Istanbul experienced a 2.3% increase. The reduction in Heathrow’s figures has been partly attributed to disruptions associated with the conflict in the Middle East.
This change in rankings has intensified calls for the UK government to approve Heathrow’s proposed third runway. Currently operating at near full capacity with two runways, Heathrow’s £33 billion expansion plan aims to boost its annual capacity to approximately 150 million passengers. The airport argues that expanding is crucial for enhancing the UK’s global connectivity, trade, and tourism.
In contrast, Istanbul Airport, which commenced operations in 2018, benefits from a larger site and 24-hour operations. It currently operates three runways and plans to add a fourth by the end of 2026, further enhancing its capacity and appeal to international travelers.
While Heathrow faces these challenges, other UK airports are experiencing growth. Both London Stansted and Manchester airports reported their busiest July to date, handling 3.1 million and 3.4 million passengers, respectively. These figures highlight a broader trend of increased air travel within the UK despite Heathrow’s recent setbacks.