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About to try the Europe 100 Busiest Airports or World 50 Busiest Airports quizzes? You’ll want to know the busiest airports in Europe. Here are the top 10.
Heathrow Airport
Annual Passengers: 79.15 million
Located in London, Heathrow is the busiest airport in Europe. Its proximity to one of the world’s most significant financial and cultural hubs drives high passenger traffic. Heathrow connects Europe to all continents and provides extensive services, supporting over 80 airlines and facilitating travel to more than 180 destinations worldwide. The airport also offers numerous amenities, from luxury shopping to world-class lounges, catering to millions of business and leisure travelers. Heathrow’s strategic location and robust infrastructure make it indispensable for international travel.
Istanbul Airport
Annual Passengers: 76.24 million
Strategically located between Europe and Asia, Istanbul Airport serves as a vital international hub. Opened in 2018, it is one of the world’s newest major airports and handles millions of passengers each year. With its high-capacity terminals and cutting-edge facilities, the airport is designed to manage an influx of passengers while offering efficient transit and luxurious amenities. Istanbul Airport supports Turkish Airlines and numerous international airlines, providing access to over 300 destinations. Its high volume is attributed to its role as a central connection point for flights between East and West.
Charles de Gaulle Airport
Annual Passengers: 67.42 million
Located in Paris, Charles de Gaulle Airport is the largest airport in France and one of Europe’s busiest hubs. Known for its efficiency and extensive network, it connects passengers to over 300 destinations globally. Charles de Gaulle plays a significant role in tourism, business, and international relations, as Paris is a prime destination for travel. The airport is also a major hub for Air France, enhancing its status as a central European transit point.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Annual Passengers: 61.89 million
Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport is one of Europe’s oldest and busiest airports, offering flights to over 300 destinations. It serves as a major European hub for KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, drawing international travelers from across the globe. Schiphol’s central location in Europe and extensive transportation links make it highly accessible. The airport is known for its efficiency, numerous services, and innovative technology, which appeals to business and leisure travelers alike. Its high passenger traffic is also due to Amsterdam’s popularity as a global tourism and business destination.
Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport
Annual Passengers: 60.22 million
Madrid-Barajas is Spain’s busiest airport and serves as a central gateway for travel to and from Latin America, as well as other global destinations. Named after the former Spanish prime minister, the airport offers direct access to South America, North America, Asia, and Europe, making it essential for international transit. With its modern facilities and a vast array of services, Madrid-Barajas handles a large volume of passengers who are either visiting or transiting through Spain.
Frankfurt am Main Airport
Annual Passengers: 59.36 million
Frankfurt Airport is Germany’s busiest and one of Europe’s most important aviation hubs. Located in a key economic region, Frankfurt services numerous international flights, especially connecting Europe to North America and Asia. Lufthansa, Germany’s flagship airline, uses Frankfurt as a central hub, increasing passenger traffic. The airport’s cutting-edge infrastructure and efficient management contribute to its high passenger capacity, supporting both leisure and business travelers.
Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport
Annual Passengers: 49.91 million
As the second-busiest airport in Spain, Barcelona-El Prat services both international tourists and regional travelers. Its proximity to the Mediterranean coast and Barcelona’s global reputation as a tourist destination attract millions of passengers. The airport provides flights across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, ensuring convenient access for travelers worldwide. The airport’s passenger volume is driven by Barcelona’s blend of culture, tourism, and business activity.
Gatwick Airport
Annual Passengers: 40.90 million
Located south of London, Gatwick Airport is the UK’s second-busiest airport, serving both international and domestic travelers. Gatwick’s single-runway operation is among the world’s busiest, efficiently handling millions of passengers annually. Known for its excellent services and connections to various European and long-haul destinations, Gatwick attracts budget travelers as well as business passengers, providing easy access to London and beyond.
Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport
Annual Passengers: 40.55 million
Located near Rome, Fiumicino is Italy’s busiest airport, linking Italy to international destinations worldwide. The airport serves as a hub for Alitalia, Italy’s former flag carrier, and other major airlines. Rome’s status as a historic and tourist-rich city contributes to high passenger traffic, with travelers arriving from across the globe. The airport’s proximity to the Italian capital makes it an essential gateway for both tourism and business travel.
Munich Airport
Annual Passengers: 37.04 million
Munich Airport is Germany’s second-busiest and one of Europe’s most efficient airports. Located in Bavaria, Munich Airport is a vital hub for Lufthansa and connects travelers to Europe, North America, and Asia. Known for its modern facilities, the airport ranks highly for customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Munich’s cultural significance and strong business presence in Europe attract millions of passengers annually.
