Europe's Busiest Airports

According to statistics from the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation (EUROCONTROL)’s European Aviation Overview Report for the week of September 9-15, Istanbul Airport ranked as the busiest airport in Europe, with an average of 1,488 daily flights.

On a global scale, among 25 major airports, Istanbul Airport ranked 7th worldwide, with an average of 747 daily departures.

The same EUROCONTROL report highlights Istanbul Airport's impressive performance in flight delays as well. While EUROCONTROL’s airspace saw an average delay of 2.27 minutes per flight, Turkish airspace achieved an average delay of under 0.5 minutes, further proving that Istanbul Airport operates one of the most efficient airspaces in Europe.

By surpassing other major European capitals and securing the title of Europe’s busiest airport in 2024, Istanbul Airport has reinforced its global significance and strategic role. With its steadily increasing passenger capacity and advanced services, iGA continues to be the top destination for international travelers.

So, how do other European airports measure up? Which airports vied for the top spots in 2024, and how did the top 10 shape up? Let’s take a look at Europe’s busiest airports in 2024:

1. Istanbul Airport – Istanbul, Türkiye

As mentioned, Istanbul Airport, a critical transit point between Asia, Europe, and Africa, maintained its leadership as Europe’s busiest airport in 2024. With a passenger capacity of over 90 million and state-of-the-art infrastructure, it is not only Türkiye’s but one of the world’s largest airports, continuing to make us proud with its annual successes.

Offering cutting-edge services that make it the first choice for both passengers and airlines, Istanbul Airport stands out with its vast terminal space, enhanced passenger experience, and eco-friendly initiatives. With its ever-expanding flight network and technological infrastructure, iGA continues to excel in passenger transportation while holding its position as a key aviation hub.

2. Heathrow Airport – London, UK

In second place is Heathrow Airport, which moved up two spots from last year. Located in the west of London and serving around 80 million passengers annually, Heathrow remains a major international connection hub.

With its four terminals and a cargo terminal, Heathrow operates at a large capacity. Known for its luxury shopping and comfortable lounges, Heathrow continues to hold a prestigious position among the world’s top airports and remains a crucial player in both European and global aviation.

3. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport – Amsterdam, Netherlands

Serving an average of 65 million passengers annually, Amsterdam Schiphol remains one of Europe’s busiest airports and a key hub for intra-European travel. Its extensive connections offer fast access across Europe and beyond, making it a vital gateway for both tourism and business in the Netherlands. Schiphol's ongoing expansions and infrastructure improvements kept it among the busiest in 2024.

4. Frankfurt Airport – Frankfurt, Germany

Frankfurt Airport, the largest in Germany and one of Europe’s busiest, serves around 65 million passengers annually. Known as a key connection point for flights between Europe and the Americas, Frankfurt is also a major cargo hub.

With strong ties to Germany’s financial center, Frankfurt Airport is a critical passageway for the business world as well.

5. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport – Paris, France

Located to the northeast of Paris, Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport plays a significant role as France’s international flight hub. As one of Europe’s busiest airports, it operates three major terminals and has a high passenger capacity, serving as one of Europe’s largest transfer hubs.

CDG offers a comfortable travel experience with a variety of shopping options, restaurants, and spacious lounges. Its proximity to the city center and well-developed transport connections make it an essential gateway for both tourism and business.

Global Aviation Centers

That rounds out the top five busiest airports in Europe for 2024. Madrid, Munich, Barcelona, London Gatwick, and Rome Fiumicino airports make up the remaining five in the top 10.

These airports, representing key hubs in global aviation, stand out with their high passenger capacities and advanced infrastructures, maintaining their importance as major connection points for international travel.

Istanbul Airport, along with Paris Charles de Gaulle, Heathrow, and Amsterdam, continues to offer exceptional services to both business and leisure travelers while maintaining their pivotal roles in European aviation.