Istanbul Airport: Image credit: Pixabay.
Travelers from across Europe should keep an eye on a new airport: Istanbul Airport, which has quickly become a global force in air travel.
Since opening in 2018, this £9.4 billion (€11 billion) marvel has not only set new standards in airport design and infrastructure, but has also been named the “world’s best connected airport for 2024,” according to the latest rankings from aviation analytics platform Cirium.
Istanbul Airport outdoes its competitors with an impressive 309 direct connections – a figure that no other airport in the world can match. This strategic advantage cements Istanbul’s role as a major hub between Europe, Asia and Africa.
In comparison, Frankfurt Airport, which secured second place, offers 296 destinations, while Paris Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam Schiphol serve 282 and 270 destinations respectively.
Turkish Aviation
Turkey’s ambition to become a leading force in global aviation is reflected in the rapid rise of Istanbul Airport. In just six years of operation, the airport has received numerous awards, including the prestigious title of ‘Best Airport in the World’ at the Air Transport Awards for four years in a row. This recognition comes from over 4,000 industry executives and readers of Air Transport News and highlights the airport’s exceptional service and infrastructure.
Located on the European side of Istanbul, the airport is of central importance. It not only serves as a gateway between Europe and Asia, but is also an important transit point for travelers from Africa.
In 2023, the airport welcomed over 76 million passengers, making it the second busiest airport in Europe, just behind London Heathrow, and the second busiest in the Middle East after Dubai International Airport.
The airport currently operates five runways, with nine expected to be added by 2027 and twelve in the future. This expansion will further improve the airport’s capacity and connectivity, ensuring Istanbul Airport remains at the forefront of global aviation.
Whether you are a business traveler, visiting family at home or a traveler looking to explore new destinations, Istanbul Airport offers unparalleled connectivity and a seamless travel experience. With its future-oriented infrastructure and strategic location, this airport will clearly play a crucial role in the global aviation landscape in the coming years.
The world’s best connected airports in 2024
Here’s a look at the top 10 best connected airports worldwide, based on Cirium’s rankings:
- Istanbul Airport – 309 destinations
- Frankfurt Airport – 296 destinations
- Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport – 282 destinations
- Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport
- Dubai International Airport
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport
- Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport
- Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport
