In a defining moment for global aviation, iGA Istanbul Airport has been named the world’s most connected global hub, according to the latest Airport Industry Connectivity Report published by Airports Council International Europe (ACI EUROPE). The recognition marks a significant shift in the global connectivity landscape, with Istanbul overtaking long-time leader Frankfurt Airport, as well as major players like Dallas Fort Worth, to claim the top position.
Developed in collaboration with SEO Amsterdam Economics, the 2025 report shows that iGA Istanbul Airport increased its global hub connectivity by 59% compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. In contrast, Frankfurt Airport—once the benchmark for international connectivity—experienced a 21% decline during the same period.
Strategic Leverage and Proactive Growth
ACI EUROPE attributes iGA’s rapid ascent to several interlinked factors:
- Turkish Airlines’ expansive intercontinental route network, which now reaches over 300 destinations
- Istanbul’s geographic positioning as a natural east-west, north-south crossroads for air traffic
- High operational capacity supported by scalable infrastructure
- Pro-growth national aviation policies that have accelerated post-pandemic recovery
This combination of geography, policy, and airline ambition has made Istanbul an increasingly vital hub—not only for passenger connectivity, but also for air cargo transshipment, especially between Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Dominance in Direct Connectivity
In addition to its global hub status, iGA has maintained its position as Europe’s top airport for direct connectivity for the second consecutive year. Compared to 2019, the airport has increased the number of direct air connections by 13%, a leap that has moved it from fifth place pre-pandemic to the top of the European rankings.
This growth reflects iGA’s ability to attract and retain a high volume of origin-and-destination traffic, underpinned by strong bilateral relationships, competitive slot availability, and seamless intermodal connectivity.
Executive Commentary: Connecting Continents, Driving Growth
Speaking on the achievement, Selahattin Bilgen, CEO of iGA Istanbul Airport, emphasized the airport’s broader role in reshaping global aviation dynamics:
“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.”
Bilgen added that iGA’s success stems from its forward-looking investments in infrastructure, digitalisation, and passenger experience, all aimed at delivering seamless and efficient journeys for both passengers and cargo stakeholders.
A Growing Cargo Gateway
While passenger connectivity dominates the headline, the implications for air cargo operators are equally significant. iGA Istanbul Airport serves as a critical node for pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, perishables, and high-value time-sensitive cargo, offering direct access to multiple long-haul and regional markets.
As global supply chains shift toward friendshoring and diversified sourcing, Istanbul’s role as a cargo and logistics transit hub is poised to grow further, particularly in the Europe–Middle East–Asia axis.
Looking Ahead: Sustainable Expansion
iGA’s roadmap includes ongoing expansion of terminal capacity, advanced digital control systems, and integration of green infrastructure, ensuring that growth is both scalable and sustainable. Plans for dedicated cargo village enhancements and pharma-certified handling zones are also underway, aligned with Türkiye’s ambitions to become a regional cargo powerhouse.
Istanbul Airport’s rise to the top of global connectivity rankings underscores more than just post-pandemic recovery—it signals a strategic rebalancing of global aviation flows, and a clear shift in cargo and passenger preference toward newer, more agile hubs.
For airlines, freight forwarders, and logistics planners worldwide, iGA’s emergence offers an expanded gateway with vast potential—and a glimpse of how aviation is evolving to meet the demands of a multipolar world economy.
