European air connectivity is still 9% lower than in 2019, with Istanbul hub ranking first in the world
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Civil Aviation Resources Network, June 19, 2025: On June 18, the Airport Industry Connectivity Report 2025 released by the European Branch of the Airport Council International (ACI Europe) on the eve of its 35th Annual Conference showed that although Europe's air connectivity in 2025 increased by 7% over last year, it was still 9% lower than the 2019 level. This is in stark contrast to passenger volume, which has fully recovered in 2024 and is still growing in 2025. Data shows that consumers now face fewer travel options and often higher prices.
The report highlights how non-supportive policies, changes in market structure and geopolitical tensions affect the connectivity patterns and performance of national markets and airports.
Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI Europe, said: "The data we present today is crystal clear: Europe is in urgent need of a strategic policy reset that places air connectivity as a key pillar of its competitiveness, cohesion and strategic autonomy agenda." He added: "Every 10% increase in direct air connectivity translates into a 0.5% increase in GDP per capita."
Divergence in national trends and geopolitical influences
Connectivity recovered more in the EU+ market (down 8% from 2019) than in non-EU+ markets (down 12%). The biggest losses came from airports in Ukraine (complete loss of connectivity), Russia (down 43%), Belarus (down 70%) and Israel (down 21%), mainly due to the ongoing conflict.
Within the EU+, countries such as Greece (up 35%), Portugal (up 10%) and Cyprus (up 8%) led the growth. Meanwhile, 13 EU+ countries experienced double-digit declines, including Sweden (down 33%), Finland (down 30%), the Czech Republic (down 22%), Austria and Germany (both down 21%). National aviation taxes and geopolitics are major factors.
Among the larger EU+ markets, only Spain exceeded 2019 levels (up 3%). The UK (down 7%), France (down 14%) and Germany were all below 2019 levels. The decline in France is expected to widen further due to recent increases in aviation taxes.
Outside the EU+, top performers included Uzbekistan (up 73%), Albania (up 56%), Bosnia and Herzegovina (up 40%), Armenia and Turkey (both up 36%).
Istanbul leads Europe in direct connectivity
Istanbul Airport (up 13% from 2019) moved up to first place in Europe in direct connectivity, up from fifth in 2019. Istanbul Airport has the best direct connectivity in Europe to the Middle East, and also has good connectivity to Asia Pacific and Africa and Europe.
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (down 4%) ranked second, mainly due to strong intra-European connectivity. However, its future is uncertain due to planned capacity cuts. London Heathrow (down 2%) follows closely in third place, retaining its position as the most connected to North America, with strong connectivity to the Middle East.
Frankfurt (down 11%) overtook Paris Charles de Gaulle (down 7%) to take fourth place, helped by a 17% increase in its Asia-Pacific routes. Paris remains globally competitive, with strong connectivity to Africa, Latin America and North America.
Several leisure-oriented airports exceeded 2019 connectivity levels, including Antalya (up 29%), Athens (up 24%), Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (up 14%), Palma de Mallorca (up 11%), Dublin (up 8%), Lisbon (up 4%), Rome Fiumicino (up 3%) and Barcelona (up 1%). This reflects the growing impact of leisure/visiting demand and the expansion of low-cost carriers (LCCs).
Since 2019, direct connectivity for LCCs has increased by 19%, while full service carriers (FSCs) have decreased by 15%, highlighting the market's shift towards direct point-to-point routes.
Hub Connectivity: Istanbul Now Ranks First Globally
Istanbul ranks first globally for hub connectivity, up 59% since 2019, surpassing Frankfurt (down 21%). Dallas Fort Worth (up 5%) ranks second, with Frankfurt in third. Istanbul's position is attributed to Turkish Airlines' growth, geographic advantages and supportive policies.
Globally, Europe's hub connectivity remains 12% below 2019 levels, consistently lagging behind direct connectivity (down 5%). Structural changes in the aviation industry, including the retreat of FSCs and LCCs bypassing traditional hubs, are key factors in this situation.
Eight European airports remain in the top 20 global hub connectivity, with eight in North America and four in Asia Pacific and the Middle East. Tokyo Haneda Airport (up 51%) and Doha (up 43%) were among the highest growth rates in the world. Meanwhile, major Western European hubs were below 2019 levels, constrained by weak economic conditions and policy pressures.