Istanbul Airport Overtakes Heathrow as World’s Most Connected Airport
OAG said the airport serves about 350 destinations and benefits from Turkish Airlines’ 80% flight share and room to expand.
- IGA Istanbul Airport has overtaken London Heathrow to claim the top spot in the OAG Megahubs 2026 Index, becoming the world's best-connected airport. Airport CEO Selahattin Bilgen told CNN the ranking reflects the hub's position as a global aviation leader.
- Opened in 2018, the $12 billion facility operates 24/7 from its location on Istanbul's outskirts. It is the only airport licensed for three simultaneous runway operations, providing operational flexibility competitors in congested areas lack.
- Controlling an 80% share of flights, Turkish Airlines operates a modern fleet of more than 500 aircraft serving approximately 350 destinations globally. The carrier's success directly drives the hub's connectivity rankings and competitive position.
- Following the opening of a fourth main runway last month, long-term plans target increasing capacity to 200 million passengers annually. This goal would double the current traffic handled by Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, the world's busiest airport.
- OAG chief analyst John Grant expects Istanbul to remain 'unassailable' in the coming years, though he suggests Chinese airports may strengthen positions over three or four years. Predictions remain difficult amid ongoing regional disruptions.
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Istanbul Airport has overtaken London Heathrow to become the world's best-connected airport, according to the OAG index, thanks to its huge capacity, the growth of Turkish Airlines and its strategic location.
Istanbul Airport has been named the airport with the best connectivity in the world, surpassing London Heathrow in OAG's Megahubs 2026 index.
Economy - US-based CNN wrote that IGA Istanbul Airport has surpassed London Heathrow to become the world's best-connected airport. The analysis highlighted the role of massive capacity and Turkish Airlines' global network in this success.
US-based CNN highlighted Istanbul Airport surpassing London Heathrow to become the world's best-connected airport. The report emphasized Turkish Airlines' global flight network and Istanbul's growth potential, while experts stated they expect the airport to maintain its leading position in the coming years.
CNN reported that IGA Istanbul Airport has surpassed London Heathrow to become the world's best-connected airport. Istanbul Airport, which topped OAG's Megahubs 2026 Index, owes its success to Turkish Airlines' global flight network, its ability to operate simultaneously on three runways, and its growth potential.
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