Istanbul is the World’s Most Connected Airport – New York and Tokyo Miss the Top 20

It’s official. Global air traffic has not only reached pre-pandemic levels but is now tracking above 2019 figures. With more passengers flying, many airlines have restored their international route network to full strength. 

Relative stabilization after almost four years of Covid-related fluctuations offers the chance to find out which airports are the best connected in this new era.

Fresh data from aviation analytics firm Cirium examines the number of unique nonstop destinations served from each airport in the first six months of 2024 – and there are a few surprises. For example, Denver International Airport soars above many larger world cities.

Of the global top 20, half are in Europe, the United States and China each have four airports, and two are in the Middle East. But where came out on top?

Istanbul is