Istanbul Airport Aims to Become Europe’s Passenger Leader in 2026

Istanbul Airport CEO Selahattin Bilgen shared his assessments regarding the airport’s position in Europe in terms of passenger traffic. Speaking on the BBC News program Talking Business, Bilgen stated that Istanbul Airport is currently the busiest airport in Europe in terms of air traffic and has recently reached passenger numbers comparable to London Heathrow Airport. He noted that the goal is to achieve European leadership in passenger numbers by 2026.

Bilgen emphasized that Istanbul’s location at the intersection of Asia, Africa, and Europe provides a significant advantage, turning the city into a global transfer hub. He added that the passenger profile is well balanced, supported by a strong domestic market, and that approximately 40 percent of passengers are international transfer travelers.

Bilgen also stated that Istanbul Airport serves more than 116 airlines on a scheduled basis, ranking second globally in this regard. He noted that strong performance in passenger experience, connectivity, and operational efficiency has played a key role in the airport’s competitive position on the international stage.