Heathrow Airport has been overtaken by Istanbul Airport as Europe’s busiest hub, with July passenger numbers at Istanbul reaching 8.15 million compared to Heathrow’s 7.86 million. This shift marks a significant change in airport rankings, as Heathrow’s figures saw a 1.5% decline from the same month last year, while Istanbul enjoyed a 2.3% increase in traffic.

The drop in Heathrow’s numbers can be linked to disruptions caused by conflicts in the Middle East. This situation has intensified calls for the UK government to approve a third runway at Heathrow. Currently operating at nearly full capacity with its two runways, Heathrow’s proposed £33 billion expansion aims to boost annual capacity to approximately 150 million passengers.

Heathrow representatives argue that the latest statistics underscore the pressing need for expanded capacity to enhance the UK’s global connectivity, trade, and tourism. Meanwhile, Istanbul Airport, which launched in 2018, benefits from a larger site and operates 24/7. With three runways currently in use, a fourth runway is anticipated to be operational by the end of 2026.

Elsewhere in the UK, other airports are setting records. London Stansted and Manchester have both reported their busiest-ever July, with passenger numbers reaching 3.1 million and 3.4 million, respectively. These figures highlight a growing demand for air travel across the region.