Airports of Europe

Airports of Europe: A Comprehensive Guide

Europe boasts an extensive network of international airports, offering travelers efficient and well-connected gateways to the continent and beyond. With over 500 airports spread across 44 countries, Europe’s airports serve as hubs of commerce, culture, and global movement. On an average day, European airports collectively welcome and manage the transit of nearly 2 million passengers, connecting people across vast distances and creating a dynamic flow of travel.

Among these airports, the largest and busiest is London Heathrow Airport (LHR), with a staggering 80 million passengers annually. Close behind are Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), both of which handle over 70 million passengers per year. On the other end of the spectrum, there are smaller airports like Kastelorizo Island Public Airport in Greece, serving just a few hundred passengers monthly—a stark contrast highlighting the range of airport sizes across the continent.

Europe’s oldest continually operating airport is Hamburg Airport (HAM) in Germany, which opened its doors in 1911 and has undergone multiple modernizations while retaining its historical roots. In contrast, the continent’s most technologically advanced airport, Istanbul Airport (IST), opened in 2018, designed with cutting-edge features like biometric check-ins, advanced security systems, and AI-driven facilities, making it one of the most futuristic travel hubs in the world.

In this guide, we have gathered practical information on European airports, from details on accessibility and amenities to transportation options and key tips for travelers. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or embarking on your first European journey, this guide will serve as a helpful resource for navigating the continent’s vast airport network.