London Heathrow to Lose Europe’s Busiest Airport Title by 2026

London Heathrow Airport has long been regarded as Europe’s busiest airport, a title it has held for many years. In 2025, the airport served 84.48 million passengers, narrowly outpacing Istanbul Airport, which recorded 84.44 million passengers. However, experts predict that Heathrow will lose its crown to Istanbul in 2026 due to slowing traffic growth in London and significant increases in Istanbul.

Heathrow’s Narrow Margin of Victory

The competition between London Heathrow and Istanbul’s airports is intensifying. In 2025, Heathrow’s marginal lead of just 40,000 passengers reflected a modest 0.7% growth over the previous year. Conversely, Istanbul Airport experienced a robust 5.5% increase in passenger numbers, indicating a shift in the aviation landscape.

Capacity Constraints at Heathrow

Heathrow faces significant operational challenges that affect its growth potential. The airport’s existing infrastructure includes two runways, which limits the volume of flights it can accommodate. While there are plans for a third runway, completion is not anticipated until the mid-2030s. This delay places further constraints on Heathrow’s ability to increase passenger traffic in the near future.

Istanbul’s Rapid Expansion

Istanbul Airport, which opened in 2019, has rapidly expanded its passenger network. Turkey’s strategic geographic position serves as a gateway between continents, creating a natural advantage for Istanbul. The airport infrastructure is modern and designed for growth, allowing it to absorb additional traffic efficiently.

Industry Trends and Competition

The dynamics within global aviation have shifted since the COVID-19 pandemic. Airports like Heathrow, once dominant, are struggling to regain pre-pandemic traffic levels due to capacity limitations. Meanwhile, airports like Istanbul, with space to grow, are capitalizing on this opportunity. Turkish Airlines has significantly increased its operations, using Istanbul as a central hub to connect diverse markets.

• Heathrow’s capacity issues hinder the airport’s long-term growth.
• Istanbul Airport has room for further passenger growth and additional flight operations.
• Visit visa policies in Turkey attract more travelers.

Implications for European Airports

The competitive landscape for European airports is evolving. Airports in Paris, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt are enhancing their networks, providing alternatives to passengers who might have previously flown through Heathrow. Additionally, the rise of Istanbul’s secondary airport, Sabiha Gokcen, has created a dual-hub system challenging traditional single-hub airports.

The Future of Europe’s Busiest Airport Title

Aviation analysts predict that if current trends continue, Istanbul Airport is set to overtake Heathrow in passenger numbers by 2026. This anticipated shift marks a significant change in European aviation, moving the focus from a well-established hub in London to a burgeoning crossroads in Istanbul.