Lois Larson
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, also known as Roissy Airport, is the busiest airport in the European Union. It is the largest international airport in France and one of the biggest in Europe, covering 32.38 square kilometers. In 2024, the airport handled 70.29 million passengers and 460,916 aircraft movements. Spain has the largest domestic airline capacity of any European country, followed by Turkey.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Busiest airport in the European Union | Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport |
| Foot traffic in 2024 | 70.29 million passengers |
| Aircraft movements in 2024 | 460,916 |
| Busiest airport in France | Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport |
| Busiest airport in the UK | London Heathrow Airport |
| Busiest airport in Spain | Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport |
| Busiest airport in Turkey | Istanbul Airport |
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What You'll Learn
Istanbul Airport, Turkey, is the busiest airport in Europe
Istanbul Airport in Turkey has become the busiest airport in Europe, according to data from the week of April 21 to April 27, 2025. With an average of 1,482 daily flights during this period, Istanbul Airport surpassed other European airports such as Amsterdam Schiphol, London Heathrow, Paris Charles De Gaulle, and Frankfurt. The airport handled about 80 million passengers in 2024, making it Europe's largest and second busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic.
Istanbul Airport has experienced a notable increase in flights, with a 4% year-on-year rise and a significant 24% increase compared to the same period in 2019. This development has solidified its position as a major aviation hub, connecting 122 countries and playing a crucial role in Turkey's aviation infrastructure. The airport's vast size, spanning 19,000 acres, along with its modern facilities, contributes to its prominence.
On April 17, 2025, Istanbul Airport became the first airport in Europe to implement simultaneous triple runway operations, a significant infrastructure upgrade. This advancement positions it as the airport with the most runways in Europe and the second in the world, after the US. Istanbul Airport's continuous growth and expansion plans aim to enhance its capacity and facilities, maintaining its status as a pivotal gateway to Asia and beyond.
In addition to passenger traffic, Istanbul Airport has also thrived as a cargo hub. According to the Airports International Council (ACI) Europe's 2024 Annual Traffic Report, the airport became Europe's busiest air cargo hub in 2024. Istanbul Airport's diverse offerings, including countless shops, restaurants, sightseeing spots, and relaxation lounges, contribute to its appeal. The airport also boasts a five-star hotel, premium restaurants, spas, and family-friendly amenities, enhancing the overall experience for travellers.
Istanbul Airport's rise as the busiest airport in Europe underscores Turkey's growing importance as a major tourist destination. With 79.98 million visitors in 2024, Istanbul, the country's capital, attracted the most tourists in the nation. Istanbul Airport's strategic location, modern infrastructure, and efficient operations have solidified its status as a leading aviation hub in the region and beyond.
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Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport is the busiest in the EU
Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport, also known as Roissy Airport, is the largest international airport in France. It is located in Roissy-en-France, 23 km northeast of Paris, and was inaugurated in 1974. The airport is named after the former French President Charles de Gaulle. As a major hub, it serves as the principal base for Air France and hosts other major carriers across three alliances.
In 2024, Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport handled 70.29 million passengers and 460,916 aircraft movements, making it the ninth busiest airport globally and the busiest in the European Union. The airport covers 32.38 square kilometers and has a variety of terminals with different amenities and attractions. It offers a range of lounges, including the Air France Business Class Lounge at Terminal 2F and the Qatar Airways Premium Lounge, known for its stylish Arabian design.
Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport also boasts an innovative collection of photographs and sculptures, as well as cultural exhibitions at different terminals. The airport provides entertainment options such as a PS5 gaming area and free arcade games from the '80s. Additionally, passengers can enjoy table football, chessboards, and even a piano in Terminal 1.
While Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport is the busiest in the EU, other European airports like Istanbul Airport, Amsterdam Schiphol, London Heathrow, and Frankfurt also handle a significant number of flights and passengers. These airports, along with Paris Charles De Gaulle, play a crucial role in facilitating air travel within Europe and beyond.
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London Heathrow is the busiest airport in the UK
Heathrow Airport first opened in 1946 as London Airport and was renamed Heathrow Airport in 1966 to avoid confusion with Gatwick and Stansted airports. The airport has four passenger terminals and a cargo terminal. Heathrow's busiest year on record was 2019, with 80.9 million passengers. However, the airport saw a decrease in passengers during the COVID-19 pandemic, with an increase in cargo-only flights.
In 2024, Heathrow was the fourth-busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic and the busiest airport in Europe. It was also the airport with the most international connections in the world that year. Heathrow beat its pre-pandemic passenger numbers in 2024, with 83.9 million passengers passing through. The airport has announced a £2.3 billion plan to improve the passenger experience, including better sustainability and improved baggage scanners.
Heathrow's status as one of the world's busiest airports means that disruptions can quickly spread to other countries. A closure due to a fire at a nearby electricity substation in 2025 caused over 200,000 passengers to be stranded, with flights diverted to other European cities and even forced to turn back to their origin.
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Madrid-Barajas Airport is Spain's busiest airport
Madrid-Barajas Airport, officially known as Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport, is Spain's busiest airport. Located only 13km from Madrid's city centre, it is the main international airport serving the Spanish capital and its nearby regions. Madrid-Barajas is the second-largest airport in Europe by physical size, spanning 7,500 acres (30.5 square kilometres). In 2019, it handled 61.8 million passengers, ranking as the fifth busiest airport in Europe.
The airport has four runways and five passenger terminals, facilitating extensive domestic and international flights. Terminal 4, inaugurated in 2006, stands out for its futuristic design and focus on enhancing the passenger experience through natural lighting and efficient services. Iberia, the airport's primary hub and maintenance base, accounts for over 40% of its traffic.
Madrid-Barajas is a crucial gateway connecting Europe to Latin America. Its location within the city limits of Madrid and its efficient infrastructure enable seamless travel for passengers. The airport provides a range of services, including multiple parking options, lounges, and dining choices.
In terms of safety, Madrid-Barajas has experienced some notable incidents. In 2006, a Thai Airways plane cut off the tail of an Air France aircraft while taxiing to the runway. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. Unfortunately, a more serious accident occurred in 2008 when a Spanair flight veered off the runway during takeoff, resulting in a tragic loss of life.
As one of Europe's most important aviation centres, Madrid-Barajas Airport plays a vital role in Spain's transportation network, accommodating a vast number of airlines and serving over 50 million travellers annually.
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Gatwick is the second-busiest airport in London
Gatwick Airport, located just south of London, is the second-busiest airport in London, handling 46.1 million passengers in 2018. It is a base for scheduled airlines British Airways, easyJet, Wizz Air, and charter operators such as TUI Airways. Gatwick is unique among London's airports as it represents the three main airline business models: full service, low-cost, and charter.
Gatwick is the world's leading low-cost airport, and until March 2017, it had the world's busiest single-use runway, with a maximum of 55 aircraft movements per hour. In 2015, it became the first single-runway airport to handle more than 40 million passengers annually. By 2016, EasyJet accounted for over 40% of Gatwick's total passengers.
Gatwick Airport has two terminals, the North Terminal and the South Terminal, with the former being the largest construction project south of London in the 1980s, costing £200 million. The airport has a secondary runway, but due to its proximity to the main runway, it can only be used when the main runway is not in use. Gatwick is well-connected to London and the South East, with direct train access to over 120 train stations and a coach and bus network connecting to over 100 cities and towns.
Gatwick is also known for its food and beverage offerings, providing a range of options to enhance the travel experience for its passengers. Additionally, it offers convenient services such as Reserve and Collect with World Duty Free, allowing travellers to access exclusive deals and discounts on various products.
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Frequently asked questions
Turkey has the busiest airport in the EU. Istanbul Airport was the busiest airport in Europe during the period from 21 April to 27 April, with an average of 1,482 daily flights.
Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport is the busiest airport in the EU besides Istanbul Airport. It is the largest international airport in France and one of the biggest in Europe, covering 32.38 square kilometres.
Amsterdam Schiphol is the third busiest airport in the EU, with 1,419 daily flights.
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