Heathrow Airport has been overtaken by Istanbul Airport as the busiest in Europe, with the Turkish hub welcoming more passengers in July. Heathrow saw 7.86 million travelers during the month, while Istanbul Airport accommodated 8.15 million. This shift highlights a 1.5% decrease in Heathrow’s passenger numbers compared to the previous year, whereas Istanbul experienced a 2.3% increase.
The dip in traffic at Heathrow has been partly attributed to disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This development has intensified calls for the UK government to approve the proposed third runway at Heathrow. Currently operating at nearly full capacity with two runways, Heathrow’s expansion plan, estimated at £33 billion, aims to boost its annual capacity to approximately 150 million passengers.
Heathrow officials argue that the latest statistics underscore the urgent need for additional infrastructure to enhance the UK’s global connectivity, trade, and tourism. The airport’s expansion is seen as vital to maintaining its competitive edge in the international aviation market.
On the other hand, Istanbul Airport, which began operations in 2018, benefits from a larger site and a 24-hour operational schedule. It currently boasts three runways, with a fourth runway expected to be operational by the end of 2026, further increasing its capacity.
Meanwhile, other UK airports experienced record-breaking figures last month. London Stansted and Manchester airports both reported their busiest July ever, with 3.1 million and 3.4 million passengers, respectively. This indicates a growing demand for air travel within the UK, even as Heathrow faces challenges in maintaining its status as Europe’s leading airport.