Heathrow overtaken by Istanbul as Europe’s busiest airport
Heathrow said the case for expansion has “never been clearer” after it was overtaken by Istanbul as Europe’s busiest airport. The West London transport hub has long been Europe’s busiest travel destination, and is currently locked in a dispute with the regulator over its plans for a third runway. “The case for expansion has never [...]
Heathrow Airport has been overtaken by Istanbul Airport as Europe's busiest airport, according to the West London transport hub. The airport stated that the case for expansion has "never been clearer" after Istanbul recorded 8.15 million passengers in July, surpassing Heathrow's 7.9 million passengers during the same period. Heathrow, which has been Europe's busiest airport since 1996, lost the title during the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 but regained it in 2023.
The airline industry is facing increased tax burdens, with Heathrow's tax bill having more than doubled in the past year, according to the airport's chief executive, Thomas Woldbye. Despite the challenges, Heathrow remains committed to its plans for expansion, which it believes will ensure the UK remains a leading hub for Europe and benefit from increased trade, investment, and tourism.
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