Istanbul Airport has been named the world’s most connected airport for 2026, according to the UK-based travel data provider OAG’s Megahubs 2026 report. This ranking is based on the number of possible connections between inbound and outbound flights within a six-hour window.
Istanbul leads with 337 global destinations, despite being the eighth-busiest airport in the world in capacity terms. London Heathrow, previously ranked first, fell to second place due to a 6% decrease in potential connections caused by disruptions in Middle East flights.
The Asia-Pacific region has emerged as a major player, with eight airports in the top 20 ranking. Kuala Lumpur International Airport retained its fourth position, while Tokyo Haneda, Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou’s Baiyun International, and Hong Kong International all moved up the ranking.
The report suggests that China may have “finally shaken off the residual effects of the pandemic” with three Chinese hubs in the top 20. The Asia-Pacific region’s strong showing is further emphasized in the low-cost carrier ranking, where it has 16 airports out of the top 25, including eight in Southeast Asia.
In the low-cost hub ranking, Singapore’s Changi Airport moved up to fifth place from 10th, thanks to an increase in destinations served and potential connections. Hanoi International Airport saw the highest capacity growth among its peers, with an increase of 11.8%.
The top 20 features airports from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, North America, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific, highlighting the interconnected nature of the global air travel industry.