Istanbul Airport has solidified its position as Europe’s busiest air hub, according to Eurocontrol data for the week of November 4-10.
The airport recorded an impressive 1,359 average daily flights, marking a 3% increase from the previous week and outperforming other major European airports. While London Heathrow followed closely with 1,295 average daily flights, Istanbul Airport held its lead, showcasing Turkey’s prominence in the region’s aviation sector.
Adding to this achievement, Turkish Airlines has introduced free and unlimited Wi-Fi for passengers traveling through Istanbul Airport. Bilal Ekşi, General Manager of Turkish Airlines, shared the news on social media, stating, “Istanbul Airport is becoming even better. With our ‘TKWIFI’ service, we’re pleased to offer limitless, free internet access at the airport. We will continue to enhance our internet services.”
This service enhancement aligns with Turkish Airlines’ commitment to improving the passenger experience, making it an appealing choice for travelers passing through Istanbul.
As Europe’s leading airport, Istanbul is competing with top hubs across the continent. Following London Heathrow, Amsterdam Airport ranked third with 1,282 average daily flights, a slight 2% decline from the previous week. Paris Charles de Gaulle came in fourth with 1,212 flights, a 5% drop, while Frankfurt and Madrid Barajas each saw stable traffic with 1,170 and 1,129 average daily flights, respectively. Notably, other major airports like Barcelona, Munich, and Rome Fiumicino reported declines, while Zurich Airport experienced a minor 1% uptick in daily flights.
Istanbul Airport’s dominant position also mirrors Turkish Airlines’ robust performance in Europe. The airline saw an increase in average daily flights, reaching 1,368, a 3% rise compared to the previous week. Turkish Airlines was the only carrier among the top operators to achieve growth during this period, as others, including Ryanair and easyJet, reported declines due to the start of winter schedules. Ryanair maintained the top spot with 2,440 daily flights despite an 18% drop, while easyJet’s numbers fell by 22%, landing it in third place.
The new free Wi-Fi service at Istanbul Airport is expected to elevate the passenger experience, offering greater convenience for travelers to stay connected while waiting for their flights. This addition not only reinforces Turkish Airlines’ status as a customer-focused airline but also underscores Istanbul Airport’s appeal as a premier global transit hub. With these developments, both the airline and airport are setting new standards in service and connectivity in Europe’s bustling aviation landscape.
