In a shift of aviation dynamics, Istanbul Airport has overtaken Heathrow as Europe’s busiest airport, according to passenger numbers recorded in July. Istanbul Airport welcomed 8.15 million passengers during the month, surpassing Heathrow’s 7.86 million. This change in ranking has sparked discussions about the future expansion plans for Heathrow, particularly the construction of its proposed third runway.
Heathrow’s passenger figures dipped by 1.5% compared to the same period last year, a decline partially attributed to disruptions stemming from the conflict in the Middle East. Conversely, Istanbul Airport saw a 2.3% increase in passenger traffic, capitalizing on its larger operational site and 24-hour services. Since its opening in 2018, Istanbul has grown rapidly, currently operating three runways with plans to add a fourth by the end of 2026.
The shift in passenger traffic has intensified calls for the UK government to greenlight Heathrow’s £33 billion expansion project, which aims to increase its annual capacity to approximately 150 million passengers. Heathrow officials argue that this expansion is crucial for boosting the UK’s global connectivity, trade, and tourism, especially given that the airport’s two existing runways are nearing full capacity.
In a related development, other UK airports have reported record numbers, with London Stansted and Manchester airports having their busiest July ever. London Stansted handled 3.1 million passengers, while Manchester saw 3.4 million, highlighting a robust demand for air travel within the UK despite Heathrow’s recent setback.