Heathrow Airport has been overtaken as Europe’s busiest airport, losing out to Istanbul Airport, which accommodated more passengers in July. Heathrow reported handling 7.86 million passengers during this period, while Istanbul Airport saw a total of 8.15 million travelers. This shift marks a significant change in the rankings, with Heathrow experiencing a 1.5% decrease in passenger numbers from July last year, compared to a 2.3% increase in traffic at Istanbul.
The decline in Heathrow’s passenger numbers has been partially attributed to disruptions stemming from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This development has intensified calls for the UK government to approve Heathrow’s plan for a third runway. Currently, the airport operates at near full capacity with its two runways, and the proposed £33 billion expansion is projected to raise its annual capacity to approximately 150 million passengers.
Heathrow officials have stated that the latest passenger figures underscore the urgent need for additional capacity to enhance the UK’s international connectivity, trade, and tourism. The proposed expansion aims to address these needs by allowing more flights and accommodating more passengers.
Istanbul Airport, which commenced operations in 2018, benefits from a larger site and 24-hour operations. It is currently equipped with three runways, and a fourth is anticipated to be operational by the end of 2026. This strategic infrastructure positioning has enabled it to surpass Heathrow in passenger traffic.
Elsewhere in the UK, London Stansted and Manchester airports experienced their busiest July on record, managing 3.1 million and 3.4 million passengers respectively. These figures highlight a broader trend of increasing passenger numbers at other major UK airports, even as Heathrow faces challenges in maintaining its leading position in Europe.