iGA Istanbul Airport named world’s most connected hub, overtaking Frankfurt in global rankings
Posted: 19 June 2025 | Gabriel Higgins | No comments yet
iGA Istanbul Airport leads globally in connectivity, topping ACI EUROPE’s 2025 report and retaining Europe’s top direct connection spot.
iGA Istanbul Airport (IST) has topped the 2025 Airport Industry Connectivity Report by ACI EUROPE, overtaking Frankfurt to become the world’s most connected global hub. The report, developed with SEO Amsterdam Economics, reveals that iGA has increased its global hub connectivity by 59% since 2019, while Frankfurt has seen a 21% drop. Dallas Fort Worth ranks second, with Frankfurt now third.
Boost in global rankings highlights Istanbul Airport’s connectivity and its growing role in international air travel
The report credits iGA’s rise to Turkish Airlines’ expansive network, Istanbul’s strategic location between continents, strong operational capacity, and supportive aviation policies from the Turkish government.
iGA has also retained its title as Europe’s most directly connected airport for a second consecutive year. Since 2019, the airport has boosted its direct air connections by 13%, climbing from fifth place to the top spot in Europe.
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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.”
The 2025 report marks a significant achievement for iGA, cementing its status as a leader in global aviation connectivity.
Read the full report here.
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