Heathrow loses Europe’s busiest airport title to Istanbul after July dip
Passenger numbers on Middle East routes fell 20.2% year-on-year as Heathrow seeks third runway approval
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Heathrow Airport has been overtaken by Istanbul Airport as Europe’s busiest hub after a 1.5% year-on-year decline in passenger numbers for July 2026. The west London airport handled 7.86 million passengers last month, while its Turkish rival recorded 8.15 million, as reported by the *Evening Standard*.
The drop in traffic follows a 20.2% fall in passengers travelling on Middle East routes at Heathrow, which the airport linked to the ongoing Iran-US conflict. Despite the decline, Heathrow remains at near-full capacity, operating its two runways with little room for additional flights.
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Expansion plans under consultation
Heathrow’s owners have renewed calls for a third runway, arguing that expansion is necessary to maintain the UK’s competitiveness. The proposed project would increase the airport’s capacity to 150 million passengers per year, nearly double its 2025 total of 84.46 million.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander launched a public consultation in June on the revised Heathrow expansion national policy statement. The government has stated its intention to complete the project by 2035, with then-Chancellor Rachel Reeves previously pledging to begin construction within the current Parliament.
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The case for expansion has never been clearer, as Heathrow was overtaken in July by Istanbul airport as the busiest hub in Europe. Our plans will ensure the country gets the infrastructure it needs to stay competitive and will deliver all-important economic growth.
Heathrow Airport statement
Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who dismissed Reeves from her role, had previously opposed the expansion, arguing that it would divert infrastructure investment away from northern England. The project remains contentious, with critics questioning its environmental impact and regional economic benefits.
Summer demand and new routes
Heathrow reported its busiest day of 2026 so far on 19 July, with 267,000 passengers passing through its terminals as schools broke up for the summer holidays. The airport also highlighted the launch of new routes last month, including services by ITA Airways, Alaska Airlines and Riyadh Air.
Heathrow’s chief executive, Thomas Woldbye, said the summer season had got off to a strong start but added that the airport wanted to go further. He said expansion would help the UK retain its position as home to Europe’s leading hub and support trade, investment and tourism.
What happens next
The public consultation on the Heathrow expansion national policy statement will run until its closing date, which has not yet been confirmed. If approved, construction of the third runway is expected to begin within the current Parliament, with completion targeted for 2035.
Residents and stakeholders can submit responses to the consultation, which will inform the government’s final decision on whether to grant planning permission for the project.
Questions this report answers
+How many passengers did Heathrow handle in July 2026?
Heathrow handled 7.86 million passengers in July 2026, a 1.5% decrease compared with the same month last year. This figure was lower than Istanbul Airport’s 8.15 million, making Istanbul Europe’s busiest airport for that month.
+Why did Heathrow lose its title as Europe’s busiest airport?
Heathrow lost its title after a 1.5% year-on-year decline in passenger numbers for July 2026, while Istanbul Airport saw a 2.3% increase. The drop at Heathrow included a 20.2% fall in Middle East routes, linked to the Iran-US conflict.
+What is the Heathrow expansion plan?
The expansion plan involves building a third runway to increase Heathrow’s capacity to 150 million passengers per year. A public consultation on the project is underway, with the government aiming to complete construction by 2035.
+How can residents respond to the Heathrow expansion consultation?
Residents and stakeholders can submit responses to the public consultation on the Heathrow expansion national policy statement. The consultation is open until its closing date, which has not yet been confirmed by the government.
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