OAG Megahubs 2026: Istanbul Airport Tops Global Connectivity Ranking for First Time
OAG published Megahubs 2026, ranking the world's most internationally connected airports. Istanbul Airport (IST) takes first place globally for the first time, with connections to 337 destinations; Turkish Airlines operates 80% of flights there. London Heathrow (LHR) moves into second place, though potential connections on the busiest day fell 6% year-on-year, partly reflecting ongoing Middle East schedule disruption. Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) holds third, and Kuala Lumpur (KUL) retains fourth and remains Asia's most connected airport, with destinations rising to 154. Chicago O'Hare (ORD) rises to fifth, with potential connections up 9.8% and destinations expanding from 297 to 308. Asia Paci…
Impact and considerations
The connectivity ranking offers business travel planners a reference for hub selection and network shifts. Istanbul's rise reflects Turkish Airlines' network strength and its east-west connecting position, while the full recovery of Chinese airports suggests the post-pandemic adjustment is complete, potentially affect…
Key points
- Istanbul Airport (IST) takes first place globally in OAG Megahubs 2026 for the first time, with connections to 337 destinations; Turkish Airlines operates 80% of flights there.
- London Heathrow (LHR) moves into second place, though potential connections on the busiest day fell 6% year-on-year, partly reflecting ongoing Middle East schedule disruption.
- Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) holds third, and Kuala Lumpur (KUL) retains fourth and remains Asia's most connected airport, with destinations rising to 154.
- Chicago O'Hare (ORD) rises to fifth, with potential connections up 9.8% and destinations expanding from 297 to 308, giving it the third-widest international reach globally.
- Asia Pacific accounts for eight of the top 20, with Chinese airports staging a notable recovery: Shanghai Pudong rises from 19th to 14th, Baiyun International from 36th to 19th, and Hong Kong from 22nd to 20th.
- In the LCC index, Kuala Lumpur ranks first with nearly 15,000 possible low-cost connections; Asia Pacific accounts for 64% of the top 25 LCC airports.
Sources and time
- Primary source
- OAG
- Other sources
- 0
- First source publication
- 15 Jan 2026, 08:00
- Page published
- 16 Sept 2026, 21:38
- Last updated
- 15 Jan 2026, 08:00
- Original links
- OAG Pressroom：Istanbul is the Most Connected Airport in the World | OAG Megahubs 2026 (opens in a new tab)Primary source · en · Published 15 Jan 2026, 08:00