BREAKING: Heathrow Airport (LHR) has been confirmed as the world’s most connected airport for the third consecutive year, according to the latest OAG Megahubs 2025 report released on September 24, 2025. This ranking highlights the airport’s vital role in global travel, boasting a remarkable 24% increase in international destinations served over the past decade.
The OAG Megahubs report, marking its tenth anniversary, analyzed scheduled connections and destinations served at the world’s busiest airports. London Heathrow continues to dominate, outperforming its competitors and solidifying its status as a crucial hub for international travelers.
UPDATE: Istanbul Airport (IST) has surged to the second position, climbing six places from last year thanks to a 25% increase in potential connections, primarily driven by Turkish Airlines, which operates 79% of flights from there. Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) rounds out the all-European top three, moving up one spot as well.
In a notable achievement for Asia, Kuala Lumpur Airport (KUL) ranks fourth globally, marking it as the highest-ranked Asian airport in terms of low-cost connectivity, where AirAsia accounts for 36% of flights. Frankfurt Airport (FRA) shares the fourth position after climbing from tenth last year.
In the United States, Chicago O’Hare (ORD) has emerged as the top international hub, while New York’s JFK Airport has seen a sharp decline, dropping from sixth to 14th. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) is closely behind ORD at 8th.
Three Middle Eastern airports made it into the global top 50: Dubai International (DXB) ranks highest at 15th, while Riyadh (RUH) and Doha (DOH) also feature, with RUH jumping an impressive eleven places year-on-year.
“Heathrow’s sustained dominance as a Megahub reflects its vital role in global travel, while Istanbul’s rapid rise shows that hubs are evolving to meet demand,” stated John Grant, OAG’s Chief Analyst.
Ross Baker, Chief Customer Officer at Heathrow, expressed pride in the achievement, emphasizing that it highlights the airport’s global reach and strong airline partnerships. “With our future plans for expansion, we will be able to offer even more opportunities to discover new destinations and connect with the world through Heathrow,” he said.
The OAG Megahubs ranking is based on flight data from the world’s largest airports, measured against the busiest day in global aviation on August 1, 2025. This comprehensive analysis showcases how established gateways and ambitious challengers are shaping the future of international air travel.
Travelers and industry stakeholders are encouraged to stay tuned for further developments from OAG, as the landscape of global travel continues to evolve rapidly.
