Ranking: 10 Busiest Airports in the UK & Europe
Pilots have experienced the evolution of Europe's aviation hubs firsthand, having logged countless flight hours across EU airspace. The terminal complexes that power cities like London, Paris, and Frankfurt aren't merely transit points — they're interconnected ecosystems where ground handling operations, ATC coordination, and passenger processing systems operate in remarkable synchronicity. What strikes us the most is how these facilities balance their technical complexity with distinctly regional character.
As we taxi through this exploration, we'll share insights from the flight deck perspective and the passenger experience. We will unpack the traffic statistics and the operational challenges each aviation gateway faces. Let us begin.
European airport traffic is ranked in this list, showing the top 10 by total yearly passengers (terminal and transit) in 2024. Data is sourced from aviation authorities or airport operators for this blog.
1. Heathrow Airport (EGLL)
London, UK
Passengers: 83,860,000
London Heathrow is Europe's busiest airport, with over 80 million passengers. Globally, it's a major intercontinental hub and it leads Europe in international passenger volume. With connections to 214 destinations in 84 countries, London Airport is served by more than 90 airlines. It functions as the main hub for British Airways and a key base for Virgin Atlantic.
When approaching Heathrow's congested airspace, pilots are immediately welcomed into one of aviation's most meticulously arranged environments. The standard arrival routes (STARs) into EGLL require precise timing and spacing, with holding patterns at Biggin Hill, Bovingdon, Lambourne and Ockham often stacked several aircraft deep during peak hours.
Low-visibility procedures (LVPs) are implemented roughly 80 days per year, requiring increased spacing on approach and reducing hourly movement rates from the typical 88 down to 60 or fewer. Yet ground controllers maintain remarkable efficiency, with the innovative time-based separation (TBS) system allowing controllers to adjust spacing based on wind conditions rather than fixed distances.
83.86 million passengers annually pass through four operational Heathrow terminals. Th airport manages this remarkable throughput despite operating at nearly 99% capacity on its dual-runway configuration. This constraint creates a fascinating operational challenge: slot times at Heathrow are among the most valuable assets in commercial aviation, with airlines sometimes paying tens of millions for a single daily slot pair.
These airport landings will leave you on the edge of your seat. Explore The 10 Extreme Airport Landings Worldwide on our blog.
2. Istanbul Airport (LTFM)
Istanbul, Turkey
Passengers: 79,988,272
With nearly 80 million passengers annually, Istanbul Airport's single terminal building — spanning a remarkable 1.4 million square meters — demonstrates how purpose-built infrastructure outperforms historically expanded facilities.
Flying into Istanbul Airport is a tutorial in modern airport design and efficient operations. With five parallel runways — three primary and two backups—simultaneous approaches are possible, greatly reducing holding times compared to congested European hubs like Heathrow or Frankfurt.
From the flight deck, the approach over the Black Sea offers stunning visibility on clear days. Strong northerly winds and occasional fog can lead to low-visibility approaches. The region’s convective activity can produce rapidly shifting crosswinds. Istanbul's city lights create a breathtaking view on night approach, but the airport's vast layout requires precise taxiing to avoid wrong turns in low visibility.
The Istanbul Airport occupies 76.5 million square metres and qualifies as one of the largest infrastructural projects in Turkey. The LTFM’s taxiway network spans over 42 km, meaning long taxi times are common, especially when assigned a remote stand. Pilots must stay alert for progressive taxi instructions, particularly during peak Turkish Airlines departure banks.
Explore the diverse world of airline design! Beyond the Basic presents 20+ eye-catching and creative liveries.
3. Charles de Gaulle Airport (LFPG)
Paris, France
Passengers: 70,290,260
Known as “Paris-CDG” or “Roissy”, the airport presents a perfect blend of history, efficiency, and modern aviation complexity. Handling over 70 million passengers annually, LFPG is not just France’s busiest airport but also a key global hub for Air France and easyJet. Despite its size and high traffic volumes, LFPG maintains impressive punctuality, serving as a vital connection point between North America, Europe, and Africa.
This is one of the most diverse airspaces in Europe. Over 100 airlines operate here. Frequent active runway crossings mean pilots must stay alert, as ground control frequencies are constantly active in both French and English.
Approaching Charles de Gaulle Airport requires careful coordination, especially when navigating its four parallel runways (27L/27R and 26L/26R). Advanced radar sequencing and ATC precision allow for smooth simultaneous operations, despite LFPG’s proximity to Orly (LFPO) and Le Bourget (LFPB). However, the complex taxiway system — a result of multiple expansions — demands strict attention to ground control instructions.
LFPG's three primary terminal complexes create what controllers affectionately call “the octopus” — a sprawling operation where passengers might travel between terminals via the CDGVAL automated shuttle or a complex web of buses.
Terminal 1 – Famous for its futuristic concrete “mushroom” design, a bold architectural statement in aviation history.
Terminal 2 – Air France’s home base, featuring the ultramodern Terminal 2E with its spectacular curved glass roof, contrasting with the utilitarian satellite terminals.
Terminal 3 – Primarily serves low-cost and charter airlines, offering a more streamlined experience.
Want to go behind the scenes of the airline industry? Discover 20 insights from flight insiders in our latest blog post, Getting to Know the Airline Industry: 20 Insights from Flight Insiders.
4. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (EHAM)
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Passengers: 66,828,453
Flying into Schiphol (EHAM) presents a unique challenge due to its six-runway configuration, arranged like spokes on a wheel. From the flight deck, one of the most immediately striking features is how the Dutch have engineered specific runways for noise reduction.
Polderbaan (18R/36L) – Located nearly 7 km from the terminal, requiring one of Europe's longest taxi times—15 to 20 minutes after landing.
Kaagbaan (06/24) – Frequently used during strong westerly winds, offering stunning views of Amsterdam’s canal network on clear days.
Schiphol operates on a single-terminal concept, where one continuous structure is divided into three departure halls and eight piers. This intuitive layout allows for some of Europe’s fastest connection times, with KLM scheduling 50-minute minimum connections.
Schiphol’s ground handling efficiency is among the best in Europe, with 650+ daily aircraft movements on a compact apron. A “Follow the Greens” taxiway lighting system reduces taxi accidents by 40% and improves safety in low-visibility conditions.
Find out the rich history of aviation at these 12 must-see museums across Europe. Plan your visit with our blog, Wings of History.
5. Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (LEMD)
Madrid, Spain
Passengers: 66,196,984
As one of Europe’s busiest airports, Madrid–Barajas (LEMD) handles over 60 million passengers annually, serving as a major hub for both domestic and international flights. It is the primary hub for Iberia Airlines, Spain's national carrier. The airport was inaugurated in 1931, making it one of the oldest in Europe.
Flying into Madrid-Barajas (LEMD) is a classical example of modern runway planning, with its four parallel runways (two pairs of parallel runways) allowing simultaneous operations regardless of wind direction.
When landing on runways 32L/32R, keep an eye out for the characteristic Spanish Meseta landscape — a stark contrast from the lush terrain common at northern European airports. The transition from cruise to approach is typically smooth, with Madrid ACC providing well-sequenced descents that rarely require excessive vectoring.
Handling 66.2 million passengers annually, Madrid's terminal complex stands out for its dramatic architecture. The wave-like wooden roof of Terminal 4 creates one of Europe’s most distinctive airport designs.
Discover the airports that pilots truly appreciate for their design and functionality. Explore these 11 stunning airports in our blog Where Beauty Meets Efficiency.
6. Frankfurt am Main Airport (EDDF)
Frankfurt, Germany
Passengers: 61,564,957
Frankfurt am Main Airport (EDDF) is one of Europe’s most structured and well-coordinated airports. Its meticulously planned ATC sequencing, rapid ground operations, and cargo-passenger integration make it a benchmark for efficiency. But pilots should be prepared for heavy traffic and wake turbulence concerns during peak periods.
Frankfurt Airport, handling 61.5 million passengers annually, prioritises efficiency. Its terminal complex, features:
Terminal 1 – Lufthansa’s main hub, divided into three piers (A, B, C).
Terminal 2 – Houses piers D and E, connected to Terminal 1 by an airside transit system for quick passenger movement.
The four-runway system, particularly the parallel 07L/25R and 07C/25C, offers a fascinating flight deck view. Expect downwind legs over the Frankfurt skyline during westerly operations, and be mindful of potential wake turbulence on ILS approaches.
Frankfurt's operational strength lies in its integrated passenger and cargo operations, with Lufthansa's CargoCity seamlessly adjacent to passenger terminals. This integration, combined with a dedicated southern departure runway (18/36), lessens delays, especially during peak hours. Plus, Frankfurt's robust winter preparedness, with rapid runway snow removal, ensures consistent operations.
From cargo carriers that redefine the limits of transport to experimental aircraft that pushed the boundaries of flight, the world's largest planes are truly remarkable. Take a tour of the top 5 biggest aircraft ever made from our blog.
7. Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport (LEBL)
Barcelona, Spain
Passengers: 55,034,955
Barcelona El Prat (LEBL) handled 55 million passengers in 2024. It excels in rapid aircraft turnaround times. Despite seasonal traffic fluctuations, ground handlers consistently achieve 45-minute turns for narrowbody aircraft.
The airport’s proximity to the city necessitates strict noise abatement procedures, requiring precise initial climb profiles — a demanding but rewarding task, given the stunning views.
Approaching runways 25L/25R, the coastline provides exceptional visual references, a welcome change from instrument approaches common further north. From the flight deck, the parallel runway configuration is immediately apparent, efficiently dividing arrivals and departures during peak hours. In summer, visual approaches over the sea offer a refreshing break.
Explore the amusing world of aviation superstitions and rituals. Our blog, Myths, Legends, and Rituals, delves into 14 intriguing beliefs.
8. Rome Fiumicino Airport (LIRF)
Rome, Italy
Passengers: 49,203,734
Rome Fiumicino (LIRF), serving 49.2 million passengers annually, provides pilots with a masterclass of coastal airport operations. Approaching the Tyrrhenian Sea onto runways 16L/16R, pilots enjoy stabilised approach paths largely unaffected by terrain-induced turbulence. From the flight deck, what's noticeable is how controllers manage the mix of long-haul traffic and the dense intra-European network that connects Rome to virtually every European capital.
The terminal complex, a product of evolutionary development, features Terminal 3 for international flights and Terminal 1 for Schengen traffic. While the airside connector has improved transfers, some gate changes can still take up to 30 minutes.
Prepare to be amazed by these incredible true stories from the world of aviation. Read our blog, Beyond Belief, for 8 unforgettable tales.
9. Sheremetyevo International Airport (UUEE)
Moscow, Russia
Passengers: 43,711,773
Sheremetyevo International Airport (UUEE) is one of the leading European hubs and Russia's largest airport by passenger and freight traffic. It connects to over 230 destinations. In 2024, it served nearly 44 million passengers. Renowned for its service quality, Sheremetyevo holds a 5-star Skytrax rating and is a global leader in punctuality. Uniquely in Russia, the airport features three runways (06R/24L, 06C/24C and 06L/24R) and six passenger terminals.
Approaching the airport, the vast surrounding forest contrasts sharply with the urban sprawl found at many European hubs. From a pilot's perspective, the parallel runway system ensures efficient traffic flow. Winter operations present significant challenges due to heavy snowfall. The ground handling teams have mastered the art of de-icing operations. While summer thunderstorms occasionally create holding patterns over Moscow's eastern approaches, the dual-runway system generally accommodates recovery operations more efficiently than many Western European counterparts.
Find your perfect spotting location. Read 'Aircraft Spotting: 14 Top Spots Across the UK and Europe' on our blog.
10. Gatwick Airport (EGKK)
London, UK
Passengers: 43,248,000
London Gatwick, the UK's second largest and one of Europe’s top ten airports. It connects nearly 60 airlines to over 200 destinations, both short and long-haul. As the world's most efficient single-runway airport, Gatwick handles 55 movements per hour. Conveniently located 28 miles south of London, it serves 15 million people within an hour's reach by road or rail.
From the flight deck, the ILS approach to Runway 26L/08R requires precise spacing, with controllers often working to maintain 6 nm separation on the final to enhance landing rates. During peak summer operations, expect to join a carefully managed holding pattern at either TIMBA or WILLO. Many crews prefer Gatwick to Heathrow for its operational predictability and less congested airspace.
With 43.2 million passenger traffic last year, EGKK demonstrated extraordinary efficiency through its North and South Terminal configuration. For travellers, Gatwick offers perhaps the most refined low-cost hub experience in Europe, with satellite pier operations that have dramatically improved from the remote stand buses that once plagued the airport.
