The Largest Airports in Europe – Where Do Most Tourists Land?

08/05/2025 by Animawings / General

In the heart of Europe, airports are more than just gateways — they are miniature metropolises, buzzing with life and connecting millions of travelers every year. Each terminal becomes a meeting point of cultures, a place where travel stories begin or come to an end.

Today, we’re exploring the largest and busiest airports in Europe, uncovering not only impressive statistics but also the stories behind these aviation giants. And since AnimaWings is committed to offering its passengers fast, safe, and comfortable connections to Europe’s key destinations, we’ll also highlight the direct routes we operate to some of these essential air travel hubs.

The Busiest Airports in Europe

Europe is home to some of the world’s most impressive airports, both in terms of size and passenger volume. Each one is a true hub connecting continents, while also showcasing modern technology and logistical efficiency. Here are the 10 largest airports in Europe — and what makes each one stand out:

1. Heathrow Airport (London, United Kingdom)

Heathrow remains Europe’s undisputed leader, with over 83 million passengers annually. The airport impresses not only with its size, but also with its vast route network, connecting London to the world’s major cities. With modern terminals and premium services, Heathrow is a symbol of British efficiency and adaptability in handling heavy traffic.

2. Istanbul Airport (Turkey)

Istanbul Airport is a gem of modern infrastructure and a strategic gateway between Europe, Asia, and Africa. Handling nearly 80 million passengers annually, its global significance is undeniable. With stunning architecture, state-of-the-art facilities, and an ideal location, it has become one of the world’s most dynamic air hubs.

3. Charles de Gaulle Airport (Paris, France)

Located northeast of Paris, Charles de Gaulle is a giant in European air traffic, serving over 70 million passengers per year. It offers an extensive network of international and regional flights. Its architectural design, luxury services, and fast connections to the city make it a favorite among travelers. Book your flight to Paris via Charles de Gaulle Airport here.

4. Schiphol Airport (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

Schiphol stands out for its flawless organization and the smooth, pleasant experience it offers passengers. With nearly 67 million travelers annually, the airport is renowned for its efficient baggage handling, single-terminal layout, and premium facilities. It’s an excellent choice for quick European connections or intercontinental flights.

5. Madrid-Barajas Airport (Spain)

Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport impresses with its vast surface area and steady flow of nearly 66 million passengers. Constantly modernized, the airport offers top-tier services, extensive shopping and dining options, and plays a key role in connecting Europe with Latin America.

6. Frankfurt Airport (Germany)

With over 61 million passengers annually, Frankfurt is Germany’s largest air hub and a crucial gateway to destinations around the world. The airport is known for its German-level organization, modern facilities for both business and leisure, and globally recognized logistical efficiency.

7. Barcelona-El Prat Airport (Spain)

Located near Barcelona, El Prat Airport welcomes over 55 million passengers each year. Modern and easy to navigate, it blends functionality with Mediterranean aesthetics. Its excellent connections to the city and across Europe make it a vital node for tourism and business alike. Still, if you're dreaming of a true Spanish getaway, we recommend Ibiza — one of the most desired relaxation spots. Book your flights to Ibiza here.

8. Fiumicino Airport (Rome, Italy)

Leonardo da Vinci – Fiumicino Airport in Rome is Italy’s main gateway, handling around 49 million passengers annually. With its refined design, constantly upgraded facilities, and proximity to the cultural capital of the world, it’s a favorite for both tourists and business travelers.

9. Sheremetyevo Airport (Moscow, Russia)

Although traffic patterns have shifted in recent years, Sheremetyevo remains one of Europe’s largest airports, serving over 43 million passengers. Its fast services, modern terminals, and wide range of international connections keep it a key hub in Eastern Europe.

10. Gatwick Airport (London, United Kingdom)

Gatwick, London’s second-largest airport by traffic volume, handles more than 43 million passengers annually. It's appreciated for its wide range of European and international routes, modern terminals, and excellent accessibility to the British capital. Gatwick succeeds in combining high traffic with a well-organized travel experience.

Connecting Romania to Europe’s Major Hubs

AnimaWings brings Europe closer through a network of direct flights between Romania and some of the continent’s most important urban and economic centers. With a clear commitment to passenger comfort and accessibility, we take pride in turning every journey into a fast and efficient experience, no matter the destination.

Departing from Romania’s major cities, we successfully connect the country to key European hubs such as:

  • Paris – The capital of romance and the arts, ideal for elegant strolls, cultural visits, and exceptional culinary experiences.
  • Nice – The gem of the French Riviera, perfect for beachside relaxation, promenade walks, and refined French charm.
  • Stockholm – A model of balance between nature and innovation, ideal for lovers of green cities and advanced technologies.
  • Dublin – A vibrant city full of tradition and live music, renowned for its warm hospitality and authentic atmosphere.
  • Ibiza – The perfect destination for a lively nightlife, as well as secluded coves and breathtaking natural scenery.
  • Larnaca – A charming tourist destination offering sunny beaches, historical landmarks, and a relaxed Mediterranean vibe.

Thanks to the strategic location of our destination airports, you can easily continue your journey to other corners of the world — turning every flight into a gateway for new adventures and unforgettable experiences.
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Choose AnimaWings for a flight experience taken to the next level

AnimaWings’ modern fleet ensures comfortable and enjoyable journeys, no matter the distance. Our continuously updated route network, tailored to meet the fluctuations in travel demand, reflects AnimaWings’ strong commitment to offering direct connections to Europe’s most dynamic and sought-after destinations (and beyond).

With every flight, we actively contribute to integrating Romania into international business and tourism networks, providing easy access to personal and professional development opportunities. Each takeoff becomes a bridge between Romania and Europe’s major scenes, supporting mobility, cultural exchange, and economic growth.

Enhanced Comfort Onboard Modern Aircraft

One more reason to choose us: the comfort you’ll experience on board our aircraft. Our fleet consists of modern planes, Airbus A320 and Airbus A220, designed to provide a relaxing and enjoyable flight experience. Generous legroom, impeccable cleanliness, and thoughtfully designed interiors turn every journey into a moment of ease.

We currently operate two Airbus A220 aircraft—the first of their kind in the fleet of a Romanian scheduled airline. Not only are they modern and spacious, but they also follow eco-friendly standards. These aircraft are configured with five seats per row, offering more legroom and increased luggage space. And we’re excited to share that by the end of 2026, we plan to expand our A220 fleet by 10 more aircraft, ensuring top-tier flight conditions for all our passengers.

Travel Tip: Upgrade to Ultimate Comfort

Our A220 aircraft are equipped with a dedicated Business Class, offering a full premium service package: hot meals, beverages, a dedicated cabin crew, and priority services.
Upgrade to ultimate luxury every time you fly by choosing a Business Class ticket.

Flexibility and Exclusive Benefits for Passengers

No matter the reason for your trip, we offer flexible packages and affordable fares tailored to every budget. As a smart-cost airline, we provide a range of exclusive passenger benefits, such as:

  • A personal item and cabin baggage (up to 8 kg) included in the base fare, along with free seat selection during booking
  • Free online and airport check-in
  • Convenient flight schedules that ensure easy airport access, we avoid night flights except in exceptional cases

Onboard Catering Curated by Chef Alex Petricean

As a smart-cost airline, AnimaWings is dedicated to offering maximum onboard comfort on our own fleet of aircraft. One of our standout premium features is hot catering service, featuring dishes designed by Chef Alex Petricean. These delicious menus are available in both Business and Economy Class: Business passengers enjoy complimentary meals, while Economy passengers can pre-order their preferred dishes at least 24 hours before the flight.

If you're flying Economy, you can choose and pay for your favorite meal easily through multiple options:

  • During your ticket booking
  • After booking, through the “My Booking” section, up to 24 hours before departure
  • Via Call Center or through your travel agency, up to 24 hours before takeoff

Business Class passengers are kindly asked to contact us to select their preferred meal option, included in all Business packages, at least 24 hours before the flight.

Menus are available only on scheduled flights longer than 1 hour and operated by AnimaWings.

A Full-Service Airline

As a full-service airline, we ensure dedicated support for our passengers. In special situations or emergencies, you won’t have to rely on a call center thousands of kilometers away or pay extra for assistance. Our team communicates in both Romanian and English.

What’s more, booking your flight is simple and intuitive, whether you're using our mobile app or visiting our website. Everything becomes faster and more convenient, giving you more time to focus on what truly matters: your travel experience.

Whether you're flying to Europe’s busiest airports or discovering its hidden corners, the adventure begins in the air — especially when you’re flying with AnimaWings, a carrier ready to take you to storybook destinations.
Europe is waiting. All you have to do is choose your seat on one of our aircraft!