2026-10-03
Image: A.Savin / Wikimedia Commons · FAL 1.3
Istanbul Airport has taken first place in OAG's 2026 Megahubs ranking, moving ahead of London Heathrow. OAG says Istanbul offers connections to 337 destinations worldwide, while Turkish Airlines accounts for around 80% of flights at the airport.
The ranking does not simply measure passenger numbers. It compares the number of possible international connections within a six-hour window with the number of destinations served, so it is a useful indicator of how efficiently a large airport works as a transfer hub.
For European travellers, the result reinforces Istanbul's role as a gateway between Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. A strong hub can create more one-stop options to destinations that would otherwise require more complicated routings.
The practical lesson is still to compare total journey time, connection length, baggage rules and ticket conditions. A highly connected airport offers choice, but the best itinerary is the one that balances price, transfer time and reliability for your particular trip.
