Istanbul airport handled 8.15 million passengers in July, overtaking Heathrow airport at 7.9 million to become Europe’s busiest aviation hub, according to figures published by Heathrow and reported by outlets including AOL and This Is Money. The milestone leaves the London hub operating at near-capacity while executives argue that a controversial £33bn expansion plan is urgently needed to keep the UK competitive.
Passenger Figures and the Shift to Istanbul
According to data published on Tuesday, Heathrow’s July passenger total fell 1.5% compared with the same month last year. By contrast, Istanbul airport recorded a 2.3% increase over the same period, reaching 8.15 million travellers. This Is Money reported that Heathrow’s figures actually stood at 7.86million passengers, a 1.5 per cent fall weighed down by conflict in the Middle East. Passengers on Middle East routes fell year-on-year due to the war on Iran, according to Heathrow’s data.
For more than two decades before the coronavirus pandemic, Heathrow served more passengers than any other European hub, according to annual figures from the trade body Airports Council International. The west London airport lost that top spot in 2020 during travel restrictions before briefly reclaiming it in 2023. Now, the Turkish hub has claimed the crown.
Heathrow’s Case for a Third Runway
With its two existing runways operating at near-full capacity, Heathrow is actively seeking government permission to build a third runway. According to the airport’s official statements, a £33bn expansion plan would enable the facility to accommodate 150 million passengers a year. “The case for expansion has never been clearer, as Heathrow was overtaken in July by Istanbul airport as the busiest hub in Europe,” the airport stated. Chief executive Thomas Woldbye added that expanding the hub will ensure the UK remains home to Europe’s leading airport and benefits from increased trade, investment, and tourism.
The regulatory path forward faces multiple hurdles. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander launched a consultation in June on the renamed Heathrow expansion national policy statement to set out conditions for the third runway. While the then-chancellor Rachel Reeves stated an ambition to get spades in the ground during the current parliament for a 2035 completion, political opposition remains. Andy Burnham has previously criticized the plans, arguing that they divert infrastructure investment away from the north of England and trap it in London.
Why Istanbul Has the Upper Hand
Industry analysts point out that structural differences between the two airports complicate direct comparisons. The current main Istanbul airport opened in late 2018 on a brand-new site away from residential neighborhoods, gradually replacing Ataturk airport. It features a vastly bigger footprint and operates 24 hours a day. Furthermore, the Turkish aviation boom benefits heavily from its geographic location near the Gulf.
Istanbul airport chief executive Selahattin Bilgen called the milestone significant. According to Bilgen, the airport relies on three independent runways that operate simultaneously 24 hours a day to overcome capacity constraints. A fourth runway is scheduled to become operational by the end of this year, aimed at further increasing capacity.
Broader UK Airport Trends
While Heathrow experienced a traffic dip in July, other UK airports reported record-breaking numbers. London Stansted recorded its busiest month ever in July, welcoming 3.1m passengers—a 6.3% increase compared with the previous year. Manchester airport similarly posted a record July, serving 3.4m passengers.
Did you know? Heathrow handled a record number of passengers in recent years. Current forecasts project totals through its terminals depending on ongoing geopolitical disruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Heathrow lose its spot as Europe’s busiest airport?
Istanbul airport recorded 8.15 million passengers in July compared to Heathrow’s 7.9 million (or 7.86million according to This Is Money). Heathrow’s traffic fell 1.5% year-on-year, partly impacted by regional conflicts affecting Middle East routes, while Istanbul grew by 2.3%.
How big is the proposed Heathrow expansion?
Heathrow is seeking government approval for a £33bn third runway project designed to expand its total capacity to 150 million passengers annually.
When was the current Istanbul airport built?
The main Istanbul airport opened in late 2018 on a new site away from the city centre, replacing the older Ataturk airport.
Join the Conversation
What are your thoughts on airport expansion projects in the UK? Let us know in the comments below, or subscribe to our daily business newsletter for more updates.
Keep reading