
22/08/2025
Istanbul Becomes Europe’s Busiest Air Hub
On July 25, 2025, Istanbul Airport made history by moving 271,836 passengers in a single day—the highest figure ever recorded at a European airport. This milestone dethroned London Heathrow’s long-standing record, signaling not just a one-day spike but a fundamental shift in Europe’s aviation landscape.
The airport’s momentum comes on the heels of its third runway opening earlier this year, which expanded capacity and streamlined operations. The results speak volumes: in July 2025 alone, 4.75 million seats were handled, an 8% year-on-year increase that pushed Heathrow firmly into second place, where traffic growth has remained flat.
Istanbul’s aviation dominance is not confined to one airport. Sabiha Gökçen Airport on the city’s Asian side has also surged into Europe’s top ten busiest airports, landing in tenth place with 13% annual growth.
Meanwhile, other southern European hubs—such as Madrid and Rome—saw slight declines despite the peak summer season. The contrast underscores Istanbul’s growing role as Europe’s most dynamic air hub.
For now, the numbers are clear: Istanbul is not just expanding—it has become Europe’s new leader in air travel.