Quantcast

London Heathrow remains top global megahub as Istanbul rises in OAG’s 2025 index

Travelers are taking extreme measures and using hacks to avoid airline baggage fees
Wizz Air becomes first airline to operate P&W-powered Airbus A321XLR jet
Hawaiian Airlines’ new ‘no show’ policy may make travel more expensive
BLIMP-SE OF THE FUTURE Luxury zeppelins of the future from ‘flying bum’ world’s largest aircraft to Google billionaire’s ‘impossible’ airship
Swiss Startup SmartFlyer Develops Hybrid-Electric Trainer
San Francisco-based entrepreneur takes a trip on India's worst-rated airline, his reaction will surprise you
First-Time Flyer at 81: A Grandmother's Memorable Journey
Ryanair forecasts fare rebound as consumers recover from interest-rate hit
Global Airlines Launches Inaugural Flight, Aiming to Revive 'Golden Age of Travel'
Winning routes: American Airlines adds more than 22,000 seats for football fans following release of 2025–2026 pro schedule
Boeing scores Middle East plane deal during Trump visit
Air travel will be ‘worse’ this summer, lawmakers warn — as FAA gives infuriating update on system fixes, staffing issues
United Airlines CEO Reassures Passengers About Newark Airport Safety
American Testing Tech to Help Passengers Make Connecting Flights
British Airways to use AI in efforts to improve operations
American Airlines Tests New Tech to Help Passengers With Tight Connections During Summer Rush
Flight Diverted After Pregnant Woman on Board Goes into Labor and Delivers Her Baby: Report
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby says "this is the most optimistic I've been in my entire career about finally getting the FAA fixed"
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Unveils Plan to Build Brand New, State-of-the-Art Air Traffic Control System
Passenger rushing for next flight can't believe what woman next to her does
Why fuel price crash won’t make flying cheaper
Kristi Noem says travelers without Real ID will still be able to fly after deadline
Frontier Airlines Announces New Routes Launching This Summer, Connecting Baltimore With Chicago O’Hare and Trenton, N.J. With Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Airlines in North America prioritize investments in cyber, AI
The evolution of the airline uniform — a cross check
Global Airlines & HiFly Operate 1st Passenger Airbus A380 Flight Between Barcelona And Berlin
American Airlines unveils ritzy new plane suites launching this summer
Airline Stocks To Keep An Eye On - April 28th
Gatwick Airport Faces Potential Strikes
50 New Routes Starting In May 2025
London Heathrow remains top global megahub as Istanbul rises in OAG’s 2025 index
Policy
Webp pat
Patrick Shanahan, President and CEO of Spirit AeroSystems | Simple Flying

Airports around the world are competing to offer the highest level of connectivity, according to the latest OAG Megahubs Index for 2025. The annual ranking evaluates airports based on the number of possible connections between inbound and outbound flights within a six-hour window, highlighting their role in global travel and commerce.

London Heathrow Airport (LHR) has maintained its position as the world’s most connected airport for the third year in a row. On August 1st, 2025, Heathrow offered more than 59,000 possible flight connections within six hours, serving 226 destinations across six continents. British Airways is the dominant carrier at Heathrow, accounting for over half of all flights. Despite challenges such as slot limits and construction delays, Heathrow continues to lead due to efficient management and strong airline partnerships. The airport is also investing in sustainability initiatives and digital passenger processing.

Istanbul Airport (IST) has risen rapidly in the rankings, moving from eighth place in 2024 to second in 2025. Turkish Airlines, which operates nearly 80% of flights at IST, has expanded its network to more than 340 destinations in over 120 countries. Since opening in 2019, Istanbul Airport has become a major transfer point between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, reflecting broader shifts in global aviation trends.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) is ranked third globally, up from fourth last year. With KLM operating about 55% of flights, Schiphol provides connections to 275 destinations. Its single-terminal design allows for efficient transfers between continents. Despite environmental restrictions and slot limitations, Schiphol remains a key hub due to its strong alliances with airlines such as Delta Air Lines and Air France.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) shares fourth place with Frankfurt International Airport (FRA). Kuala Lumpur stands out for its combination of full-service and low-cost carriers, notably AirAsia, which operates 36% of flights at the airport. This hybrid model supports affordable access to a wide range of destinations, especially within Southeast Asia.

Frankfurt International Airport has climbed from tenth place in 2024 to tie for fourth in 2025. Lufthansa is the leading carrier at FRA, responsible for more than half of all flights. Frankfurt’s extensive Star Alliance network and new terminal expansion have contributed to its improved ranking and capacity for international transfers.

Other airports in the top ten include Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN), Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Atlanta Hartsfield–Jackson International Airport (ATL), Tokyo International Airport (HND), and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG).

The report notes that these rankings reflect not only operational efficiency but also broader trends in trade, tourism, and geopolitical shifts. As air travel demand grows in regions such as Asia and the Middle East, new hubs like Istanbul are challenging established leaders in Europe and North America.

The index also highlights the growing role of low-cost carriers in expanding airport connectivity. For example, Kuala Lumpur leads the list of low-cost carrier megahubs, with AirAsia providing significant regional and international connections.

The OAG Megahubs Index suggests that future airport success will depend on balancing growth with sustainability and adopting new technologies to improve passenger experience and operational efficiency. As airports adapt to changing travel patterns and industry demands, their ability to connect people and places remains central to global mobility.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Flying Food Group, Inc. has announced the recipients of its 2025 scholarships, with all five applicants receiving awards this year.

Oct 23, 2025

Dnata, a global provider of air and travel services, has entered into a joint venture with Azerbaijan’s Silk Way Group to launch ground handling and cargo operations at Alat International Airport, located in the Alat Free Economic Zone in Baku.

Oct 22, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced the release of version 7.5 of its mobile app, introducing new features aimed at making travel planning and management easier for customers during the holiday season.

Oct 22, 2025

The Fair Work Commission has ruled that a former employee of dnata Airport Services was unfairly dismissed and awarded $36,468.39 in compensation.

Oct 22, 2025

The 13th Annual Breast Care International Walk for the Cure took place in Kumasi, Ghana, drawing around 30,000 participants, including survivors, healthcare professionals, students, traditional leaders, and advocates.

Oct 22, 2025

The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has announced the closure of Terminal 5 to allow for a significant redevelopment.

Oct 22, 2025