ForwardKeys reveals the world's busiest airports

05-10-23

The ranking of the 50 busiest airports by outbound international passenger traffic published by travel analytics firm ForwardKeys paints a dramatic picture compared to the pre-pandemic level. What differs substantially from 2019 is the significant movement between European and MENA airports.

In Europe, significant rankings gains for Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) and Antalya (AYT) Istanbul reflect the continued demand for 'sun and sand' destinations in Turkey as tourists seek better value for money, as well as the rise of Istanbul airport as a key global hub. Berlin Brandenburg (BER) enters the top 50 airports by international departures for the first time, after replacing Schönefeld and Tegel city airports, which closed in 2020.

Paris Orly (ORY) climbed 13 places compared to 2019, partly due to additional capacity added by the opening of the new Terminal 3 in April 2019.

Málaga-Costa del Sol (AGP) also enters the top 50, with seat capacity with international departures boosted by the opening of EasyJet's new seasonal base at the airport in 2021 and new connections to the United States and the Middle East.