The European Union is home to some of the busiest airports in the world. In total, there are over 500 airports in the EU that handle more than 1 million passengers each year. If you’re planning a trip to Europe, chances are you’ll be flying into one of these major airports.
The Top 10 Major Airports in The EU
So which major airports should you know about? Here’s a list of the busiest airports in the EU, along with some information about each one:
1. London Heathrow Airport (UK) – 78 million passengers
2. Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (France) – 69 million passengers
3. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (Netherlands) – 68 million passengers
4. Frankfurt Airport (Germany) – 64 million passengers
5. Istanbul Ataturk Airport (Turkey) – 63 million passengers
6. Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (Spain) – 53 million passengers
7. Barcelona-El Prat Airport (Spain) – 47 million passengers
8. Gatwick Airport (UK) – 45 million passengers
9. Munich Airport (Germany) – 44 million passengers
10. Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (Italy) – 42 million passengers
1. London Heathrow Airport
Located in the United Kingdom, Heathrow is the busiest and considered the most stressful airport in the EU with over 75 million passengers each year. Its 5 terminals handle flights to 185 destinations in 84 countries operated by 90 different airlines.
2. Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport
Charles de Gaulle airport is located in France and it is the 2nd busiest airport not only in the EU but also in the whole world. It is also the biggest airport in Europe, with a total area of 3500 hectares. The airport has 3 terminals and serves almost 70 million passengers annually from all around the globe.
3. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Schiphol airport is located in the Netherlands and it ranks 3rd among the busiest airports in the EU. The airport has 5 main buildings namely- Plaza, Departure Halls 1 and 2, the new Pier H and E, and also a transit hall. It serves close to 63 million passengers every year. It handles flights to more than 315 destinations in 104 countries.
4. Frankfurt Airport
Frankfurt airport is located in Germany and it handles more than 60 million passengers per year. The airport has 2 main passenger terminals- Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. It also has a cargo terminal. The airport serves more than 300 destinations in 100 different countries.
5. Istanbul Ataturk Airport
Istanbul Ataturk airport is located in Turkey and it is the 5th busiest airport in the EU. The airport has 2 terminals- Domestic and International. It serves more than 60 million passengers annually and offers flights to more than 250 destinations in 100 different countries.
6. Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport
Located in Spain, Madrid-Barajas airport is the 6th busiest airport in the EU. The airport has 4 terminals- T1, T2, T3, and T4. It serves more than 50 million passengers annually and offers flights to more than 90 different countries. It is also listed as one of the most beautiful airports in the world.
7. Barcelona-El Prat Airport
El Prat airport is located in Spain and it is the 7th busiest airport in the EU. The airport has 2 terminals- T1 and T2. It serves more than 46 million passengers every year and offers flights to more than 204 destinations in 59 different countries.
8. Gatwick Airport
Gatwick airport is located in the United Kingdom and it is the 8th busiest airport in the EU. The airport has 2 terminals- North Terminal and South Terminal. It serves more than 43 million passengers every year and offers flights to more than 200 destinations in 90 different countries.
9. Munich Airport
Munich airport is located in Germany and it is the 9th busiest airport in the EU. The airport has 2 terminals- Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. It serves more than 42 million passengers every year and offers flights to more than 228 destinations in 67 different countries.
10. Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport
Located in Italy, Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport is the 10th busiest airport in the EU. The airport has 4 terminals- T1, T2, T3, and T5. It serves more than 41 million passengers per year and offers flights to more than 230 destinations in 60 different countries.
Flying into one of these major airports will give you plenty of options for onward travel within the European Union. So if you’re planning a business trip or a vacation, be sure to check out the flight schedules for these airports to find the best option for your travel needs.
Which 5 European Countries Don’t Have Airports?
There are a handful of countries in Europe that don’t have airports. Monaco, San Marino, Andorra, Liechtenstein, and the Vatican are all landlocked countries with no airports. These countries are all small in size, so it’s not surprising that they don’t have airports.
If you’re planning to visit any of these countries, you’ll need to fly into the nearest airport and then take a connecting flight or use ground transportation to get to your final destination. For example, if you’re flying to Monaco, you can fly into Nice Airport in France and then take a train, bus, or taxi into Monaco.
But don’t let the lack of airports deter you from visiting these beautiful countries. They may not have airports, but they offer plenty of other attractions and activities that are worth checking out.
Final Word
The amount of airports within the European Union is overwhelming, and this list was compiled with only the busiest airports in mind. However, there are many other airports that service smaller areas or have fewer flights. When planning your next trip, be sure to check all airport options to find the best one for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About European Airports
Which European Airport is Considered the Most Stressful?
Heathrow Airport in London has been voted the most stressful airport in Europe. The airport is notoriously busy, with a large number of flights and passengers passing through every day. It’s also located in a densely populated area, which can make it challenging to get to and from the airport.
If you’re flying into Heathrow, be sure to allow plenty of time to get to and from the airport. And if you’re looking for a less stressful airport experience, there are plenty of other options to choose from.
What is The Prettiest Airport in Europe?
There are a number of beautiful airports in Europe, but the one that is considered the prettiest is Barcelona-El Prat Airport. The airport is located in Spain and it features a unique design that makes it stand out from other airports. Their airport’s design is a testament to the city’s culture and history. If you’re looking for a beautiful airport to fly into, be sure to check out Barcelona-El Prat Airport.
What is the Friendliest Airport in Europe?
Brussels Airport in Belgium has been voted as the friendliest airport in Europe. The airport staff is known for being helpful and friendly, and they go out of their way to make sure that passengers have a positive experience. If you’re looking for an airport with great customer service, be sure to check out Brussels Airport.
What is The Smallest Airport in Europe?
The smallest airport in Europe is Barra Airport, which is located in Scotland. The airport only has one runway and it only serves a small number of flights each day. But don’t let the size of the airport fool you- it’s still a fully functioning airport that can get you to your destination.
Which European City Has The Most Airports?
The city with the most airports in Europe is London. The city has a total of six airports- Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, City, and Southend. With so many airports to choose from, you’re sure to find one that’s convenient for your travel needs.
