Commercial Airports In Europe: How Many Are There?

Europe's aviation sector is one of the best-performing industries in the world, with 900 million air passengers travelling each year to, from, and within the European Union, making up one-third of the world market. The success of the aviation industry in Europe is largely due to the region's airports, which act as engines of economic growth. In 2015, the Airports Council International estimated the total economic impact of airport and aviation-related activities at €338 billion across the EU. This figure has likely increased in recent years, as the number of passengers continues to grow.

The number of airports varies across European countries, with France having the most at 1,706, followed by Germany with 1,367, and the United Kingdom with 1,522. These airports range from large international hubs offering hundreds of destinations to small regional airports with only a few routes.

The busiest airport in Europe is London's Heathrow Airport, followed by Paris's Charles de Gaulle Airport. Other major airports in Europe include Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport, and Frankfurt am Main Airport. These airports serve as important gateways to the region, facilitating travel and trade connections.

London Heathrow is Europe's busiest airport

Heathrow's popularity is due to several factors. Firstly, Heathrow is the UK's leading air cargo hub, boosting the UK economy and driving exports, tourism, and investment across the country. In July 2024, Heathrow experienced an 8% increase in cargo tonnage compared to the previous year. Secondly, Heathrow offers hundreds of destinations, making it a popular choice for travellers. Popular destinations from Heathrow include Venice, Larnaca, Doha, Dublin, Dubai, JFK, Orlando, Chicago, San Francisco, Boston, and Dallas. Thirdly, London, as a city, is consistently a go-to destination for travellers, especially Americans, due to its accessibility and similarities to other major cities in the US. Heathrow is also one of the busiest global routes in air travel and provides excellent connectivity to the rest of Europe.

Heathrow's position as Europe's busiest airport is not without competition, however. Istanbul Airport has been a strong contender for the title, overtaking Heathrow as Europe's busiest airport during the pandemic in 2020. While Istanbul held the title until 2022, Heathrow may have regained it in 2023, with 79.3 million to 81.4 million passengers expected for the year. Istanbul's new airport, inaugurated in 2019, has five runways compared to Heathrow's two, giving it the structural advantage of more room to expand.

Looking forward, Heathrow expects to break more records, with an estimated 30 million passengers projected to pass through during the summer of 2024. With Heathrow's continued popularity and Istanbul's growing presence, the competition for Europe's busiest airport will be an interesting one to watch.

Paris Roissy Airport is Europe's second busiest airport

Paris Roissy Airport, officially known as Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, is one of the busiest airports in Europe. With over 76 million passengers in a typical year, it ranks as the second busiest airport in Europe after London's Heathrow Airport. Located just 23 kilometres northeast of central Paris, it is a convenient gateway to the French capital for tourists and business travellers alike. The airport is well-developed, offering a wide range of services and amenities for passengers, including international restaurants, shops, banks, ATMs, currency exchange, lounges, and free Wi-Fi.

Paris Roissy Airport serves as a hub for several airlines, including Air France, easyJet, and Norse Atlantic Airways. It is known for its iconic circular design, particularly Terminal 1, which was designed by architect Paul Andreu. The airport spans a vast area of 32.38 square kilometres and features four runways and three terminals. Terminal 2 is the largest, offering an impressive selection of duty-free shopping and dining options. In contrast, Terminal 3 caters mostly to low-cost carriers and has a more limited range of shops and eateries.

The airport is managed by Groupe ADP (Aéroports de Paris) and plays a significant role in the region's economy. It is easily accessible from the city centre, with several transport options available, including rental cars, taxis, trains, and buses. The train service, in particular, offers a convenient and affordable way to travel between the airport and Paris, with two stations located near the terminals.

In recent years, Paris Roissy Airport has undergone renovations and upgrades to improve its facilities. The CDG Express, a direct express rail link from Paris to the airport, is scheduled to open in early 2027, further enhancing the airport's connectivity. Paris Roissy Airport's combination of high passenger traffic, efficient infrastructure, and economic significance makes it a key aviation hub in Europe.

Overall, Paris Roissy Airport's busy status is a result of its convenient location, efficient management, and ability to cater to a large number of passengers and airlines. Its role as a major gateway to Paris and France contributes to its ranking as the second busiest airport in Europe.

Amsterdam Airport is the third busiest airport in Europe

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, colloquially known as Schiphol Airport, is a pivotal gateway to international travel in the Netherlands. Located 9 kilometres southwest of Amsterdam, within the Haarlemmermeer municipality in North Holland, the airport has become a cornerstone in the aviation industry. Not only does it serve as a central hub in Europe, but it also ranks impressively on a global scale in terms of passenger traffic and aircraft operations.

In recent years, Schiphol Airport has consistently ranked as one of the world's leading airports. In 2021, it was the third busiest airport globally for international passenger traffic. This trend continued into 2023, with a notable 17.9% increase in passenger traffic compared to the previous year. This substantial growth reflects the broader recovery of the aviation sector, positioning Schiphol among the top airports in Europe for passenger volume and aircraft movements.

The year 2023 marked a significant turning point in the recovery of the global aviation industry following the pandemic. Preliminary estimates projected that the total number of passengers worldwide would reach nearly 8.5 billion, approximating 93.8% of pre-pandemic traffic levels in 2019. This resurgence is mainly attributed to the accelerated recovery in international travel, which has been crucial in balancing the scales with domestic travel volumes.

Amsterdam Airport's continuous expansion and its significant role in facilitating global connectivity underscore its importance in the global aviation landscape. As the industry moves towards a full recovery, Schiphol's strategic position and operational efficiency are expected to play pivotal roles in shaping future travel dynamics. The airport's performance highlights its resilience and adaptability, solidifying its status as a key player in the ongoing resurgence of international air travel.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol's ranking as the third busiest airport in Europe showcases its central role in connecting travellers across the continent and beyond. Its efficient management of passenger traffic and aircraft operations contribute to its reputation as a leading aviation hub.

Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport is another busy European airport

The airport is named after Adolfo Suárez, Spain's first democratically elected prime minister after the Franco dictatorship. It serves Madrid and its surrounding areas, acting as a gateway to the Iberian Peninsula and a key link between Europe and Latin America. The airport is a hub for Iberia and Air Europa, with Iberia accounting for over 40% of its traffic.

Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport has five passenger terminals (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T4S) and four runways. Terminal 1 primarily handles international flights, while Terminal 2 serves Schengen destinations, with a few domestic and intercontinental flights. Terminal 3 is dedicated to domestic flights, and Terminal 4 serves both domestic and international flights, with its satellite terminal, T4S, catering to non-Schengen destinations.

The airport offers a range of transit options for passengers travelling to and from the city centre, including taxis, private transfers, and public transportation such as the Pink Metro Line 8, buses, and trains. It also provides various services and amenities, including retail stores, duty-free areas, eateries, baggage services, meeting rooms, medical services, banks, currency exchange, and family-friendly facilities.

With its modern infrastructure and advanced technology, Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport plays a crucial role in connecting Europe with the rest of the world, contributing significantly to the aviation industry and economic growth.

There are 468 airports in Europe

Europe is home to 468 airports, including both civilian airports and military air bases. This vast network of airports plays a pivotal role in facilitating travel within the continent and beyond, catering to the annual travel of 900 million air passengers to, from, and within the European Union.

The airports in Europe vary significantly in terms of size, capacity, and connectivity. Some hub airports, such as London's Heathrow Airport, Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport, and Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, offer a vast array of destinations and handle a substantial volume of passenger and cargo traffic. These airports serve as central nodes in the global aviation network, connecting Europe with the rest of the world.

On the other hand, small regional airports offer a more limited number of routes and cater to a smaller volume of travellers. Despite their smaller scale, these airports are crucial for regional connectivity and can serve as gateways to specific areas within Europe.

The distribution of airports across Europe is influenced by various factors, including geography, infrastructure, workforce availability, and historical, cultural, and trading links. Certain countries, such as France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, boast a higher number of airports, reflecting their robust aviation infrastructure and strategic locations.

The aviation sector in Europe is a powerhouse, contributing significantly to the continent's economy and employment. Airports are not just transportation hubs; they are engines of economic growth, generating approximately €338 billion in economic impact across the EU in 2015. The sector supports a wide range of jobs, directly employing up to 2 million people and indirectly supporting 5.5 million jobs.

With its multitude of airports, Europe offers a diverse range of travel options, connecting people, businesses, and cultures. The continent's aviation network continues to evolve, adapting to meet the ever-increasing demand for air travel and solidifying its position as a world-leading industry.

Frequently asked questions