Istanbul Airport ranked world’s best-connected aviation hub

Istanbul Airport has been named the world’s best-connected airport according to the OAG Megahubs 2026 Index. The ranking, based on scheduled international flight connections and destinations served, places Istanbul ahead of London Heathrow, which took second place. Amsterdam Schiphol, Kuala Lumpur, and Chicago O’Hare followed in third, fourth, and fifth positions, respectively.

Opened in 2018 with a $12 billion investment, the airport site covers 76.5 million square meters and features the world’s largest single-roof terminal. It currently serves over 84 million passengers annually and connects to approximately 350 destinations. A significant driver of this connectivity is Turkish Airlines, which operates a fleet of over 500 aircraft and serves 130 countries.

OAG Chief Analyst John Grant noted the airport’s success is supported by its runway capacities and the growth of its national carrier. The facility recently opened a fourth main runway and has long-term plans to expand capacity to 200 million passengers per year. Analysts suggest Istanbul’s ability to maintain 24/7 operations may give it a competitive advantage over European hubs facing environmental or regulatory constraints.