iGA Istanbul Airport has been ranked the world’s most connected global hub in the 2025 Airport Industry Connectivity Report by ACI EUROPE, displacing long-time leader Frankfurt Airport. The report, developed with SEO Amsterdam Economics, highlights a 59% increase in Istanbul’s global hub connectivity since 2019.
Dallas Fort Worth and Frankfurt airports now take second and third place, respectively. Frankfurt’s connectivity has dropped by 21%, contributing to the shift in rankings among global hubs.
ACI EUROPE attributes iGA’s rise to several key factors, including Turkish Airlines’ expansive global network, Istanbul’s geographic advantage as a natural crossroads between continents, the airport’s high operational capacity, and pro-growth aviation policies from the Turkish government.
The report also highlights iGA’s continued dominance in the Direct Connectivity category, where it retains the top spot in Europe for a second consecutive year. Compared to 2019, iGA has increased its number of direct air connections by 13%, having moved from fifth place before the pandemic to become Europe’s most directly connected airport.
Selahattin Bilgen, CEO of iGA Istanbul Airport, commented:
“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.”
