Istanbul Airport tops Europe for fourth year with 1,491 daily flights
13:02, 17/02/2026, TuesdayU: Update: 13:03, 17/02/2026, Tuesday
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File photoTürkiye's aviation hub maintained its leadership in 2025, handling an average of nearly 1,500 flights per day, as the country ranked sixth in Europe with a 20% increase in traffic versus pre-pandemic levels.
Istanbul Airport has secured its position as Europe's busiest air hub for the fourth consecutive year, operating an average of 1,491 flights daily throughout 2025, according to Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Gunyol. Speaking to Anadolu, Gunyol cited data from the European Organization for the Safety of Air Navigation (Eurocontrol), which recorded approximately 11.1 million flights across the region last year, a 4.1% increase from 2024.
Türkiye's Rising Aviation Profile
The minister highlighted that Türkiye ranked sixth among European nations in overall air traffic volume, with an average of 3,355 flights per day—a 20% surge compared to pre-pandemic levels. "The country has grown into a regional and global hub," Gunyol stated, emphasizing the sustained recovery and expansion of Turkish aviation. The peak day for European traffic was July 18, 2025, when 37,034 flights were recorded across the continent.
Top Performers and Shifting Rankings
Following Istanbul Airport in the European rankings were Amsterdam Airport Schiphol with 1,351 daily flights, London Heathrow with 1,315, Paris-Charles de Gaulle with 1,314, and Frankfurt Airport with 1,261. Notably, Athens International Airport entered the top ten for the first time, while London Gatwick dropped from its 2024 position to 13th place, reflecting shifting dynamics in European air travel patterns.
Infrastructure Driving Regional Connectivity
The sustained performance of Istanbul Airport underscores Türkiye's strategic investments in aviation infrastructure and its geographic advantage as a bridge between continents. The facility's continued leadership reflects both the resilience of the Turkish aviation sector and the country's growing role as a transit hub connecting Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. With traffic volumes significantly exceeding pre-pandemic benchmarks, Türkiye's aviation industry demonstrates robust post-pandemic recovery and expanding global connectivity.