The world's busiest airport is now...

[offshore171]

The world's busiest international airport is no longer Heathrow, or Dubai for that matter.

"SEOUL – Incheon Airport overtook London Heathrow and Singapore Changi to become the world’s busiest international passenger hub in the first half of 2026, reaching No. 1 just 25 years after its opening, latest data showed on Aug 13."

Incheon Airport becomes world’s busiest international hub

Incheon Airport became the world’s busiest international hub in 2026, surpassing Heathrow with 38.39 million passengers and leading in service quality. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

www.straitstimes.com

Singapore also doing big numbers

Dubai has dropped a few places this year, for obvious reasons.

 

[drron]

A lot to do with European transit passengers up. 63.2%. Not surprising.

 

[moa999]

How much did SIN airport lose from 3K's closure.
9 aircraft * 6 flights / day * 365 * 186 with say 90% LF

 

[offshore171]

A lot to do with European transit passengers up. 63.2%. Not surprising.

Polar routes getting some love?

 

[clifford]

The world's busiest international airport is no longer Heathrow, or Dubai for that matter.

"SEOUL – Incheon Airport overtook London Heathrow and Singapore Changi to become the world’s busiest international passenger hub in the first half of 2026, reaching No. 1 just 25 years after its opening, latest data showed on Aug 13."

Well, that may be so, but I know where I'd rather be (hint: not SEL).

"Inbound visitors have also poured into South Korea, led largely by tourists from China and Japan.".

 

[offshore171]

Well, that may be so, but I know where I'd rather be (hint: not SEL).

A prior bad experience there?

 

[clifford]

Well, too many pax, and generally not pax friendly. And the lounges (when you get to them) aren't that great. But, what's not to like?

If you want somewhere much nicer, try TPE.

 

[markis10]

If you want somewhere much nicer, try TPE.

Long walks, poor signage, average lounges, place hasn’t changed in 25 years, your kidding!