Europe’s busiest airport has been unveiled – and the bustling hub has maintained its status as the most crowded on the continent for the fourth year in a row.
It comes as 11.2 million flights took off across Europe in 2025 – four per cent more than in 2024.
While average daily arrivals and departures into and from UK airports saw a two per cent increase compared to 2024, there were notably higher year-on-year traffic levels across virtually all the busiest European countries, airlines and airports.
In light of this, a new study has uncovered Europe’s most energetic hub – and Istanbul has earned the top spot.
The larger of two international airports serving the Turkish capital, Istanbul Airport saw an average of 1,490 flights arriving and departing every day last year, a six per cent increase from 2024.
As Istanbul continues to lead as Europe’s busiest airport for the fourth consecutive year, it appears the top five rankings remain identical to last year.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol follows in second place with 1,351 daily flights in 2025, while London Heathrow places third with 1,315 flights.
In fourth place is Paris Charles de Gaulle, which saw an average 1,314 flights across 2025, followed by Frankfurt, Germany’s busiest international airport, in fifth with 1,261 daily arrivals and departures.
Istanbul Airport (pictured), the larger of two international airports serving the Turkish capital, has maintained its status as Europe’s busiest hub for the fourth consecutive year
Following closely in second place is Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (pictured), which saw an average of 1,351 daily flights in 2025
However, data shows most of the top 30 busiest airports improved their departure punctuality in 2025 compared to the previous year.
According to Eurocontrol, 76.1 per cent of flight arrivals were punctual in 2025 – 3.5 per cent higher than in 2024, despite a four per cent rise in traffic.
This means that nearly one in four flights still faced delays.
Ivaylo Danailov, CEO of flight compensation specialists SkyRefund, which conducted the study, said: ‘2025 was something of a paradox for European air travel.
‘While we saw a recovery towards pre-pandemic traffic levels and a significant drop in total cancellations, the passenger experience remained blighted by delays, with nearly a quarter of flights failing to arrive on time.
‘For passengers, this means that while your flight is more likely to take off than it was in 2024, it is statistically more likely than ever to land late enough to trigger compensation under EU261/UK261 regulations.
‘Travellers should remember that a three-hour delay is often worth up to €600 (£522), regardless of what the airline may attribute it to.’
Meanwhile, in the UK, two British airports have been given the accolade no hub would want – to be named amongst the world’s most stressful places to catch a plane.
In third place is London Heathrow (pictured) with an average of 1315 daily flights
A report by Travel Insurance comparison service, iSelect, listed both Gatwick Airport and Manchester amongst the top 10 places around the world that are likely to leave you with shredded nerves if you’re flying from them in 2026.
While Gatwick, the UK’s second-largest airport, ranked eighth in the list, Manchester made the top three – but was pipped to the top spot by Newark Liberty International Airport in the US, with Humberto Delgado Airport in Portugal placing second.
The London airport was under ‘constant operational pressure’ because of its single runway, the findings said, with minor disruptions often escalating, particularly at the height of the summer holiday season.
Meanwhile, Manchester found itself named as the world’s third most stressful airport thanks to continual congestion and ‘operational disruption’ – with an average flight delay time of 23 minutes and a baggage claim delay score of 69%.
