Istanbul Airport has been named the best airport in Europe, according to a recent study by a prominent holiday rental booking portal. The study, which evaluated Google Review ratings, assessed airports across Europe to highlight both top and underperforming hubs.
With an impressive average rating of 4.4, Istanbul Airport surpassed major competitors, including Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto, Portugal, and Athens International Airport in Greece, which ranked second and third.
Holidu emphasised the importance of airports in improving the overall travel experience. “Although the end of summer is marked by a massive influx of travellers returning from their holidays, the airport experience remains an essential part of any trip,” the company noted.
To help travellers plan more effectively, the study analysed data from Google Maps to create a comprehensive list of the best and worst European airports for 2024.
This marks the second consecutive year that Istanbul Airport has taken the top spot. “With a remarkable score of 4.4 from over 101,956 reviews, Istanbul Airport continues to earn the admiration of travellers worldwide,” Holidu stated.
The airport was particularly praised for its efficiency, comfort, and top-tier services, further cementing Türkiye’s reputation for world-class infrastructure.
Since its full operation began in April 2019, Istanbul Airport has grown into the busiest airport in Europe. It regularly handles between 1,400 and 1,500 flights per day, according to Eurocontrol. During the week of 26th August to 1st September 2023, it managed an average of 1,494 daily flights.
In August 2023 alone, the airport welcomed 7.7 million passengers and oversaw 46,933 flights, highlighting its critical role in international air travel.
While Istanbul Airport tops the rankings, Heraklion International Airport in Greece ranked as the worst, with an average rating of 2.6. Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport in France and Manchester Airport in the U.K. followed closely behind.
Istanbul Airport's continued rise in international rankings emphasises its importance as a global aviation hub. Its commitment to quality, service, and efficiency ensures that it remains a top choice for millions of travellers worldwide.