In 2024, Europe’s aviation sector continued its robust recovery from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, with passenger traffic surpassing pre-pandemic levels by approximately 3.4%, according to estimates from the European branch of Airports Council International. The continent’s busiest airports played a pivotal role in facilitating this resurgence, serving as critical hubs for global connectivity, trade, and tourism.
This article explores the top 10 busiest airports in Europe for 2024, ranked by total passenger numbers or seat capacity where passenger data is unavailable, providing insights into their operations, significance, and challenges. Data is sourced from reputable aviation authorities, including OAG, Eurostat, and airport operators, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
1. London Heathrow Airport (LHR) – 83.9 Million Passengers
London Heathrow retained its position as Europe’s busiest airport in 2024, handling approximately 83.9 million passengers, a 4% increase from 2023. Located west of Central London, Heathrow serves as the primary hub for British Airways and connects to over 220 destinations across 85 countries. Its five passenger terminals manage a vast network of domestic and international flights, making it a critical gateway between Europe and the rest of the world.
Despite its dominance, Heathrow faces challenges with high traffic volumes, often leading to delays during adverse weather conditions like heavy rain or fog, which are common in the UK. The airport’s infrastructure continues to adapt to accommodate growing demand, with ongoing investments in terminal upgrades and sustainability initiatives.
2. Istanbul Airport (IST) – 79.9 Million Passengers
Istanbul Airport solidified its status as a global transit hub, welcoming 79.9 million passengers in 2024, a 5% increase from the previous year. Positioned as a bridge between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, the airport’s strategic location has fueled its rapid growth since opening in 2018. Turkish Airlines, the primary carrier, operates an extensive network, contributing to the airport’s high passenger volume.
In August 2025, Istanbul was reported as Europe’s busiest airport by seat capacity (4.76 million seats), reflecting its dynamic growth. However, rapid expansion has led to occasional congestion and delays during peak hours. The airport is still under development, with plans to handle over 200 million passengers annually upon completion, potentially making it the world’s largest.
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3. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) – 67 Million Passengers
Paris Charles de Gaulle, France’s largest international airport, serviced 67 million passengers in 2024, maintaining its position as the busiest airport in the Schengen area. As the main hub for Air France, CDG offers flights to over 320 destinations across more than 120 countries. The airport’s steady passenger traffic, even post-COVID, underscores its resilience and importance as a global hub.
In 2024, it handled 42 million seats, placing it third in Europe by seat capacity. CDG’s extensive airline network, including low-cost carriers like EasyJet and Vueling, enhances its accessibility. However, its complex terminal layout can challenge transit passengers, necessitating efficient navigation systems.
4. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) – 62 Million Passengers
Amsterdam Schiphol, located four meters below sea level in Haarlemmermeer, Netherlands, welcomed 62 million passengers in 2024. As a major hub for KLM and a gateway to the Netherlands, Belgium, and northern Germany, Schiphol connects to over 300 destinations across 100 countries. With 39.6 million seats in 2024, it ranked fourth in Europe by seat capacity.
The airport faces stiff competition from other major hubs but maintains its edge through efficient operations and passenger-friendly amenities. Schiphol’s ongoing challenge is managing capacity constraints while adhering to environmental regulations, particularly noise reduction measures.
5. Madrid Adolfo Suárez-Barajas Airport (MAD) – 60 Million Passengers
Madrid’s primary airport, Adolfo Suárez-Barajas, handled 60 million passengers in 2024, serving as Spain’s most important international gateway. Named after Spain’s first democratically elected prime minister, the airport is a vital link between Europe and Latin America, with Iberia as its dominant carrier.
Its four terminals, including the award-winning Terminal 4, managed 38.1 million seats in 2024, placing it sixth by seat capacity. Madrid-Barajas benefits from its extensive connectivity but faces challenges with congestion during peak travel seasons, necessitating continuous infrastructure improvements.
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6. Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA) – 61.6 Million Passengers
Frankfurt Airport, Germany’s largest, processed 61.6 million passengers in 2024, ranking fifth by seat capacity with 39.6 million seats. As the primary hub for Lufthansa, FRA connects to destinations across Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Its role in both passenger and cargo traffic underscores its importance to Germany’s trade and tourism sectors. However, frequent staff strikes post-COVID have disrupted operations, highlighting the need for better labor agreements to ensure reliability.
7. Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) – 55 Million Passengers
Barcelona-El Prat, Spain’s second-busiest airport, welcomed 55 million passengers in 2024, handling 31.8 million seats. Located in Catalonia, it serves as a major hub for Iberia and Vueling, connecting Europe to Latin America, North America, and Asia.
The airport’s accolades in 2024, including ACI’s “Best Airport in Europe with over 40 million passengers,” reflect its superior shopping, dining, and entertainment offerings. Despite its success, BCN struggles with capacity during peak tourist seasons, requiring strategic planning to minimize delays.
8. Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) – 30.5 Million Seats
Rome Fiumicino, Italy’s busiest airport, handled 30.5 million seats in 2024, a 21% increase from 2023, securing its place as the eighth-busiest airport in Europe. As a key hub for ITA Airways, FCO connects to numerous international destinations. Its significant capacity growth reflects Italy’s tourism boom, but the airport must address congestion issues to maintain passenger satisfaction.
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9. Munich Airport (MUC) – 26.7 Million Seats
Munich Airport, Germany’s second entry in the top 10, managed 26.7 million seats in 2024, ranking ninth. As a hub for Lufthansa and other Star Alliance carriers, MUC offers robust connectivity across Europe and beyond. Its efficient operations and modern facilities make it a traveler favorite, though it faces challenges in scaling capacity to meet growing demand.
10. London Gatwick Airport (LGW) – 25.5 Million Seats
London Gatwick, the UK’s second-busiest airport, rounded out the top 10 with 25.5 million seats in 2024. Serving as a key hub for low-cost carriers like EasyJet, Gatwick connects to a wide range of European and international destinations. Its single-runway operation limits capacity compared to Heathrow, but ongoing investments aim to enhance efficiency and passenger experience.
Conclusion
The top 10 busiest airports in Europe for 2024 reflect the continent’s dynamic aviation landscape, driven by strong recovery and growing global connectivity. These airports face common challenges, including congestion, labor disputes, and environmental pressures, but their strategic importance ensures continued investment in infrastructure and technology. Travelers can expect enhanced services and connectivity, though planning for potential delays during peak periods remains essential.
Image Credits- Heathrow London Airport