iGA Istanbul Airport takes lead in global hub air connectivity

In addition, iGA Istanbul Airport has maintained its position as Europe’s most connected airport in terms of direct connectivity, holding the same title in both 2024 and 2025.

iGA Istanbul Airport has claimed the top spot in the 2025 Airport Industry Connectivity Report, published by Airports Council International Europe (ACI EUROPE), overtaking long-time leader Frankfurt Airport to become the world’s most connected global hub.

According to the report—developed with SEO Amsterdam Economics—iGA Istanbul Airport has increased its global hub connectivity by 59% compared to 2019. This leap has pushed it ahead of major international hubs, with Dallas Fort Worth and Frankfurt ranking second and third, respectively. Frankfurt, which previously held the top position, has seen a 21% decline in global connectivity over the same period.

ACI EUROPE attributes iGA’s rise to several key factors, including Turkish Airlines’ expansive global network, Istanbul’s geographic advantage as a natural crossroads between continents, the airport’s high operational capacity, and pro-growth aviation policies from the Turkish government.

The report also highlights iGA’s continued dominance in the Direct Connectivity category, where it retains the top spot in Europe for a second consecutive year. Compared to 2019, iGA has increased its number of direct air connections by 13%, having moved from fifth place before the pandemic to become Europe’s most directly connected airport.

Selahattin Bilgen, CEO of iGA Istanbul Airport, commented: “With our growing network, strategic location, and focus on service excellence, Istanbul has cemented its role at the heart of global aviation. This recognition is not only a milestone for our airport, but a point of pride for Türkiye and our region.

“The ACI EUROPE report confirms that iGA is a key global hub—not just regionally, but on the world stage. Our performance in both direct and connecting routes reinforces our position as a critical link in international air travel.

“We’ve responded proactively to the evolving demands of the post-pandemic landscape, investing in infrastructure, digital innovation, and passenger experience. Looking ahead, we remain committed to growing sustainably, driving connectivity, and delivering a world-class journey for all our passengers.”