In a significant shift within the aviation industry, Heathrow Airport has been overtaken by Istanbul Airport as Europe’s busiest hub. During July, Heathrow saw 7.86 million passengers pass through its terminals, while Istanbul Airport welcomed a higher total of 8.15 million passengers. This development comes as Heathrow’s passenger numbers declined by 1.5% compared to July of the previous year, while Istanbul experienced a 2.3% increase in traffic.
The drop in passenger numbers at Heathrow has been partly blamed on disruptions stemming from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This situation has intensified calls for the UK government to greenlight Heathrow’s long-debated third runway project. Operating with just two runways currently running at near full capacity, the proposed expansion—estimated at £33 billion—could potentially boost Heathrow’s annual capacity to around 150 million passengers. Airport officials argue that additional capacity is crucial for enhancing the UK’s international connectivity, as well as bolstering trade and tourism.
In contrast, Istanbul Airport, which opened its doors in 2018, benefits from a larger site and operations that continue around the clock. The Turkish airport currently operates three runways, with plans for a fourth runway expected to be operational by the end of 2026. This infrastructural advantage has played a significant role in its ability to surpass Heathrow in passenger numbers.
While Heathrow is grappling with capacity challenges, other UK airports are experiencing record traffic. London Stansted and Manchester airports both reported their busiest July to date, handling 3.1 million and 3.4 million passengers respectively. These figures highlight a broader trend of increasing air travel demand across the UK, despite Heathrow’s current struggles.