Istanbul Airport Tops the List as Europe’s Busiest Airport
According to data announced by Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, Istanbul Airport became the busiest airport in Europe with a daily average of 1,624 flights. Thus, Istanbul has once again reinforced its position not only as Turkey’s but also Europe’s most important aviation hub.
The European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation (EUROCONTROL) published its European Aviation Overview Report on 12 September, which also highlighted Turkey’s strong standing in aviation. According to the report, with a daily average of 4,200 flights, Turkey ranks as the sixth country in Europe with the busiest air traffic.
Strong Global Competition
Minister Uraloğlu stated that Istanbul Airport demonstrated remarkable performance not only in Europe but also on a global scale. Between 1–7 September, with a daily average of 821 departures, the airport ranked fifth worldwide, surpassing major hubs such as Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt and London Heathrow.
Antalya Airport Also Near the Top
Turkey’s rise in aviation was not limited to Istanbul. Antalya Airport, with a daily average of 1,024 flights, ranked as the ninth busiest airport in Europe. The heavy tourist traffic during the summer season in particular strengthened Antalya’s success.
The achievements of Istanbul and Antalya airports not only consolidate Turkey’s strong position in the international aviation sector but also contribute significantly to the country’s tourism and economy.



