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

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.