iGA Istanbul Airport has taken over from Frankfurt as the worlds most connected global hub according to the 2025 Airport Industry Connectivity Report.
The report, which is produced by Airports Council International Europe (ACI EUROPE) shows that the Türkiye hub has increased its global connectivity by 59% since 2019 and is boosted by its biggest airliner operator Turkish Airlines which flies to more countries than any other airline.
This increase pushes it beyond Frankfurt Main in Germany which previously held the top spot.
iGA Istanbul AIrport is also in an ideal location to be a major global hub with Istanbul being the gateway between Europe and Asia, the continental border literally splits the city in half.
Speaking about the rise to the top, Selahattin Bilgen, CEO of iGA Istanbul Airport, said: “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.”
In contrast to iGA Istanbul Airports growth, Frankfurt Airport has seen a 21% decline in its global connectivity pushing it down to third place with Dallas Fort Worth taking he second spot.
iGA Istanbul Airport also retains its title as Europe’s most connected hub for the second year running.
