Heathrow CEO issued a capacity warning. Istanbul Airport is advancing toward becoming Europe’s busiest airport with its rapid growth.
Capacity Warning from Heathrow
The CEO of the United Kingdom’s largest airport, Heathrow Airport, Thomas Woldbye, announced that due to insufficient capacity, the airport is at risk of losing its status as Europe’s busiest airport this year.
Woldbye emphasized that the third runway project is of “critical” importance, stating that 2026 will be a decisive year.
A Critical Summer: ANPS and the Charging Model
The UK Department for Transport is expected to publish the draft Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), which sets out the framework for airport development. In the autumn, Parliament is scheduled to decide on the final ANPS.
During the same period, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will announce its decision regarding the long-term airport charging model, which is vital for Heathrow’s third runway investment.
Woldbye said, “We remain Europe’s largest airport, but there is data indicating that we could lose this position in 2026. Without additional capacity, we cannot sustain growth for the UK economy.”
Passenger Figures: Istanbul Makes Its Presence Felt
The number of passengers passing through Heathrow reached 84.5 million last year, representing a 0.7 percent increase compared to the previous year. However, both runways operating at full capacity is limiting growth.
During the same period, Istanbul Airport reached 84.4 million passengers and recorded 5.5 percent growth. The gap between the two is rapidly closing.
The situation among other European giants is as follows:
- Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport – 72 million passengers
- Amsterdam Airport Schiphol – 68.8 million passengers
- Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport – 68.1 million passengers
In January, Heathrow served 6.5 million passengers, recording 2 percent growth. However, Istanbul’s expansion capacity and operational flexibility are set to alter the balance of competition.
Istanbul’s Advantage: Capacity and Geography
Opened in 2018, Istanbul Airport is strategically positioned as a bridge between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Thanks to its multiple runway capacity and expansion potential, it has the infrastructure to meet growing passenger and cargo demand.
Heathrow’s operation with only two runways and the fact that its expansion process depends on political and legal approvals will provide Istanbul with a competitive advantage.
Is the Balance of Power in European Aviation Changing?
According to Havacılık Haberleri, if Istanbul’s growth momentum continues, there could be a change in the title of Europe’s busiest airport during the 2026–2027 period.
The decisions to be taken regarding Heathrow’s third runway project will also shape the future of European aviation.
As the race for aviation leadership in Europe intensifies, attention is focused on the political and regulatory decisions in London.
