KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 (Bernama) -- OAG, the intelligence partner for global travel, has ranked Istanbul Airport as the world’s most internationally connected airport in its Megahubs 2026 ranking, with connections to 337 destinations worldwide.
In a statement, OAG said Istanbul Airport rose from second place in 2025, with Turkish Airlines operating 80 per cent of flights at the airport.
OAG Chief Analyst, John Grant said Istanbul’s rise reflected the strength of Turkish Airlines’ network and the airport’s geographical position as a connecting hub between East and West.
Meanwhile, iGA Istanbul Airport Chief Executive Officer, Selahattin Bilgen said the recognition reflected the airport’s development, its breadth and the reach of Turkish Airlines’ network.
London Heathrow moved into second place, while Amsterdam Schiphol retained third position. Kuala Lumpur International Airport retained fourth place globally and remained the most connected airport in Asia, with the number of destinations served increasing to 154.
Chicago O’Hare rose to fifth place from seventh in 2025 and remained the most connected airport in the Americas, with potential connections increasing 9.8 per cent and destinations served rising from 297 to 308.
OAG said Asia-Pacific (APAC) accounted for eight of the global top 20 airports, while Chinese airports recorded notable gains, with Shanghai Pudong rising to 14th, Guangzhou Baiyun International to 19th and Hong Kong returning to the top 20 at 20th.
Grant added that the recovery of Chinese airports was also significant, with the data indicating that the post-pandemic adjustment in the market was complete.
In the Low-Cost Carrier (LCC) Megahubs Index, Kuala Lumpur ranked first globally with nearly 15,000 possible low-cost connections. APAC accounted for 64 per cent of the top 25 LCC airports, while LCCs represented 51 per cent of all seats across Southeast Asia, compared with a global average of 34 per cent.
-- BERNAMA