European airport passenger traffic increased by 4.6% in January 2026 compared to January 2025, according to ACI Europe data covering over 450 airports and 95% of the network. International demand drove the growth at 5.5%, while domestic traffic rose 1.8% but remained 8.1% below 2019 levels.
Non-EU+ airports outperformed with 8.8% growth, compared to 3.6% in EU+ markets. Slovakia led EU+ gains at 98%, followed by Slovenia at 20.8%, Malta at 17.2%, Ireland at 13.8%, Czechia at 13.5%, Cyprus at 13.3%, Bulgaria at 12.6%, and Poland at 11.8%. Declines occurred in the Netherlands at 7.3% due to weather disruptions, Iceland at 4.3%, and Latvia at 3.2% from airline capacity cuts.
Among major markets, Italy grew 4.1%, Germany 3.5%, Spain 2.6%, France 2.1%, and the United Kingdom 2%. Non-EU+ standouts included Moldova at 35.4%, North Macedonia at 31%, Israel at 24.4%, Uzbekistan at 23.9%, Georgia at 16%, Armenia at 10.3%, and Türkiye at 9.4%.
Istanbul Airport handled 6.9 million passengers, surpassing London Heathrow’s 6.5 million to become Europe’s busiest. Madrid ranked third ahead of Paris Charles de Gaulle, while Amsterdam Schiphol fell 9.1% from weather issues. Freight traffic rose 6.4%, with Liège up 18.1%, Istanbul 17.1%, and Paris-CDG 12.5%.