European airports passenger records 2026

In June 2026 Copenhagen Airport handled a record 3.17 million passengers, the highest June total ever recorded, though overall year‑on‑year growth slowed to just under 2 %. The slowdown was attributed to airlines cutting departures because of higher fuel prices, even as intercontinental traffic surged 7 % driven by added routes to Asia.

Later that month Heathrow Airport reported a record 40 million passengers in the first half of 2026, a modest 0.2 % rise year‑on‑year, while its adjusted pre‑tax profit fell 5 %. Despite the profit dip, transit and cargo volumes grew, and demand shifted toward North‑American and Asia‑Pacific routes. Heathrow also continued to lobby for a third runway, citing large economic benefits.

Together, these reports illustrate a broader trend across major European airports in 2026: passenger volumes reached new highs despite operational challenges such as fuel‑price pressures and fluctuating profitability.