Heathrow on verge of losing title as Europe's busiest airport

Heathrow on verge of losing title as Europe's busiest airport points to a potential leadership shift driven by May traffic figures. London Heathrow is set to lose its position as Europe’s busiest airport, with Istanbul closing the gap by carrying just 3,012 more passengers in May. Both airports recorded 7.12 million passengers during the month, according to ACI Europe. The update follows Heathrow’s 1.2% decline from May 2025, while Istanbul posted a 2% year-on-year increase. Heathrow has also warned the Iran–US conflict is pressuring traffic, with Middle East routes down 25%, and expects annual passenger numbers to fall 1.1% versus 2025. Despite operating two runways near full capacity, it is seeking permission for a third runway. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said it should be built by 2035, after launching a consultation on the renamed Heathrow expansion policy statement.