Istanbul Airport Surpasses Frankfurt To Become Europe's Busiest Air Cargo Hub
In a short span since its inauguration in 2018, Istanbul Airport has quickly ascended to become a pivotal hub in the aviation sector. This accelerated growth is highlighted by its recent achievement, as outlined in the Airports International Council (ACI) Europe's 2024 Annual Traffic Report, according to a report in Daily Sabah.
With a whopping 1.97 million tonnes of cargo handled last year, a nearly 40% increase from 2023, the airport has not only cemented its status as the busiest air cargo center in Europe but also surpassed previous records. The announcement was made via the airport's official social media account on X, where it proudly declared itself as "Europe's Busiest Air Cargo Hub."
This remarkable 39.6% jump in cargo transportation compared to the previous year signifies the airport's booming activity and efficiency in handling cargo operations. Istanbul Airport's success in overtaking Frankfurt Airport, previously known as Europe's largest cargo airport, underscores its growing influence and capability in the global aviation market.
Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abulkadir Uraloğlu weighed in on the report, predicting an even more significant role for Istanbul Airport on a global scale in the forthcoming years. He emphasized the airport's leap to the forefront of European cargo airports with its 1.97 million tonnes of cargo, highlighting the broader 13.2% growth in air cargo transportation across Europe in 2024.
Uraloğlu's anticipation of Istanbul Airport becoming a paramount center in both Europe and worldwide aviation is based on its current momentum of expansion and service excellence.
Comparatively, Frankfurt Airport followed closely behind, handling about 1.95 million tons, while Paris Charles de Gaulle and London Heathrow managed 1.87 million and 1.53 million tons respectively. Amsterdam Schiphol and Leipzig/Halle also featured in the rankings, further detailing Europe's competitive air cargo landscape where Istanbul Airport has now taken the lead.
Beyond cargo, Istanbul Airport has also made significant strides in passenger services. Classified as a "major airport" for serving over 40 million passengers annually, it witnessed an impressive footfall of 80.1 million passengers in 2024.
This marked a 5.3% growth from the previous year and a notable 16.9% increase from 2019, the pre-pandemic period. Such figures underscore the airport's capacity to attract and manage large volumes of passengers, further solidifying its position as a key player in the aviation industry.
Moreover, the airport has consistently maintained its status as Europe's busiest air hub for the third consecutive year in 2024, based on average daily flights. This achievement, as per data from the European Organization for the Safety of Air Navigation (Eurocontrol), underscores the airport's operational excellence and strategic significance on the Istanbul Black Sea coast.
Given these milestones, Istanbul Airport's rapid evolution from a newly opened facility to a leading global aviation hub is undeniable. With its significant contributions to cargo and passenger transport, the airport is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of global air travel, further enhancing its reputation and operational capabilities in the years to come.
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