Air connectivity plays a crucial role in today’s global economy. It enables people to explore new countries, relax on tropical beaches, build business relationships, and visit friends and family.
Airports serve as vital hubs in this network, connecting cities and countries. The number of nonstop destinations an airport offers is a key measure of its connectivity. Airports with a higher number of direct flights provide travelers with more options, reduce travel times, and facilitate smoother journeys.
These highly connected airports are often found in cities that act as major international gateways, supporting both tourism and business travel. For instance, Istanbul Airport serves 309 unique nonstop destinations, making it the world’s most connected airport.
In the following sections, we’ll explore the top 10 most connected cities in 2025, highlighting how their airports’ extensive networks benefit travelers and contribute to global commerce.
Top 10 Most Connected Cities in 2025
#1. Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul Airport (IST) has solidified its position as a premier global aviation hub. In 2024, it handled nearly 80 million passengers, marking a 4.9% increase from the previous year.
The airport’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia enhances its connectivity. Turkish Airlines, the airport’s flagship carrier, continues to expand its network, introducing new routes to destinations such as Damascus, Minneapolis, and Auckland in 2025.
Beyond its extensive flight network, Istanbul Airport offers state-of-the-art facilities. Amenities include a museum showcasing Turkish art and culture, a library, themed children’s play areas, a youth lounge, and an on-site spa. The airport also houses one of the world’s largest airport hotels, the Yotel, with 451 rooms.
Looking ahead, Istanbul Airport has ambitious expansion plans. The ongoing four-phase development aims to increase its capacity to accommodate up to 200 million passengers annually by 2028. This initiative reflects the airport’s commitment to meeting growing global travel demands and maintaining its status as a leading aviation hub.
#2. Frankfurt, Germany
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is Germany’s busiest airport and a major European hub, offering flights to 243 destinations in 93 countries as of the winter 2024/2025 schedule. In 2024, FRA welcomed approximately 61.6 million passengers, marking a 3.7% increase compared to 2023. The airport serves as the primary hub for Lufthansa, Germany’s largest airline, and its subsidiary, Discover Airlines.
In 2025, Lufthansa introduced new routes from Frankfurt to Lamezia Terme in Italy and Figari in Corsica, enhancing connectivity to Southern Europe. Discover Airlines expanded its network by adding Ålesund in Norway, appealing to nature enthusiasts interested in the region’s fjords. Additionally, Discover Airlines launched long-haul flights from Frankfurt to Windhoek (Namibia), Calgary (Canada), and Orlando (USA), providing travelers with more intercontinental options.
Frankfurt Airport boasts four runways and two passenger terminals, facilitating efficient operations and a high frequency of flights. The airport’s central location in Europe makes it a crucial hub for both passenger and cargo traffic, reinforcing its status as a key player in global aviation.
#3. Paris, France
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is one of Europe’s busiest and most connected airports. In 2024, it handled approximately 70.3 million passengers, making it the world’s ninth busiest airport and Europe’s third busiest, following Istanbul and Heathrow. The airport serves as the principal hub for Air France and operates as a key gateway for international travel between Europe and other continents.
Air France continues to expand its network from CDG. Starting May 21, 2025, the airline will launch a new nonstop flight to Orlando International Airport (MCO) in Florida. This service will operate four times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, marking Air France’s return to Orlando after a previous cessation of service in 2012.
Additionally, Air France plans to extend flights to Denver and Phoenix, with three flights a week from Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG).
CDG boasts four runways and multiple passenger terminals, facilitating efficient operations and a high frequency of flights. The airport’s extensive network and continuous route expansions solidify its role as a major global aviation hub, providing travelers with numerous options for international travel.
#4. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is a major European hub, serving 66.8 million passengers in 2024, an 8% increase from the previous year. The airport offers flights to 270 destinations, reflecting its extensive European and intercontinental connections.
In 2025, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is expanding its network from Schiphol with five new destinations:
- San Diego, USA: Starting May 8, 2025, KLM will operate three weekly direct flights to San Diego, marking its 22nd North American route.
- Georgetown, Guyana: From June 4, 2025, KLM will offer two weekly flights to Georgetown, its 10th destination in South America.
- Hyderabad, India: Beginning September 2, 2025, KLM will launch three weekly direct flights to Hyderabad, enhancing access to the Indian subcontinent.
- Biarritz, France: Seasonal flights to Biarritz will commence on April 19, 2025, operating on weekends and daily during peak season.
- Exeter, United Kingdom: Daily year-round service to Exeter will start on March 30, 2025, strengthening connections to the UK.
Schiphol Airport is undergoing significant enhancements, with a €6 billion investment planned by 2029 to boost capacity and service quality. The airport features a single-terminal design, facilitating efficient passenger flow and transfers. Amenities include a wide range of shops, restaurants, and leisure facilities, contributing to a pleasant travel experience.
#5. Chicago, USA
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is a major North American hub, offering extensive domestic and international connectivity. As of January 2025, ORD operates approximately 830 daily direct flights to 169 U.S. cities and about 102 daily direct flights to 61 international destinations.
In 2025, American Airlines significantly expanded its operations at O’Hare:
- Increased Operations: The airline now operates up to 480 daily flights from ORD, marking a 22% increase from 2024, with 25% more seats available.
- New International Routes: American Airlines introduced nonstop flights to Naples, Italy (starting May 6, 2025), Madrid, Spain (beginning March 30, 2025), and Halifax, Canada (commencing June 21, 2025).
- New Domestic Routes: The airline also launched flights to Bismarck, North Dakota; Boise, Idaho; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Honolulu, Hawaii; Hyannis, Massachusetts; and Spokane, Washington, with services starting between June and October 2025.
United Airlines also expanded its network from O’Hare:
- New Routes: The airline introduced flights to Billings, Montana; Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Ontario, California, starting in May 2025.
O’Hare features four terminals and multiple runways, facilitating efficient operations and a high frequency of flights.
#6. Dubai, UAE
Dubai International Airport (DXB) stands as a pivotal hub connecting the East and West, offering flights to 276 destinations across 105 countries. In 2024, DXB achieved a historic milestone by handling 92.3 million passengers, surpassing its previous peak in 2018.
DXB’s strategic position in the Middle East facilitates seamless connections between Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. This central location has been instrumental in establishing Dubai as a global aviation hub. The airport serves as the primary base for Emirates Airline, which operates flights to 136 destinations from Dubai, further enhancing the city’s connectivity.
In 2025, Emirates is set to expand its network by introducing new routes:
- Shenzhen, China: Daily services to Shenzhen using Boeing 777-300ER aircraft are planned, strengthening ties with one of China’s major tech hubs.
- Da Nang, Vietnam, and Siem Reap, Cambodia: Flights to these destinations will commence in July 2025, marking Emirates’ efforts to tap into growing markets and bolster its presence in the Asia-Pacific region.
DXB boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including Terminal 3, which was built at a cost of US$4.5 billion exclusively for Emirates and has a capacity of 65 million passengers. The terminal includes 20 Airbus A380 gates at Concourse A and offers amenities such as first and business class lounges, restaurants, and extensive shopping facilities.
Additionally, the airport has implemented advanced technologies like smart gates for facial recognition to streamline passenger processing and enhance the travel experience.
#7. Dallas/Fort Worth, USA
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is a major hub for both domestic and international flights in the United States. As of 2024, DFW offers flights to 260 destinations, including 193 domestic and 67 international locations. In 2024, DFW handled approximately 87.8 million passengers, marking a significant increase from previous years.
DFW serves as the largest hub for American Airlines, which operates the majority of flights from the airport. In 2024, American Airlines accounted for approximately 68.7% of the total passenger traffic at DFW, highlighting the airline’s significant presence.
To accommodate growing passenger numbers and enhance services, DFW has initiated several expansion projects:
- Terminal F Construction: In 2024, DFW commenced the construction of Terminal F, the first new terminal in nearly two decades. This $1.6 billion project will initially include 15 gates, with plans for future expansion, and is expected to be completed by 2027.
- Terminal Renovations: Alongside the new terminal, DFW is also renovating Terminals A and C to modernize facilities and improve the passenger experience. These renovations will add a total of 24 new gates, further increasing the airport’s capacity.
DFW’s extensive network includes numerous international routes. The busiest international destinations from DFW in 2024 included Cancún, London-Heathrow, and Mexico City.
#8. Shanghai, China
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) serves as a pivotal hub in global aviation, reflecting China’s expanding role in the industry. As of early 2025, PVG offers direct flights to 226 destinations across 43 countries and 12 U.S. states, facilitated by approximately 80 airlines.
The airport’s growth aligns with China’s broader aviation ambitions. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has set a target to transport 780 million passengers in 2025. This goal is supported by infrastructure developments, including plans to increase the number of airports to 400 by 2035.
#9. Atlanta, USA
As of early 2025, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) offers non-stop passenger flights to 245 destinations across 49 countries, underscoring its extensive connectivity.
Delta Air Lines, headquartered in Atlanta, has significantly expanded its operations at ATL. In the summer of 2025, Delta plans to offer 1.1 million weekly seats, 968 daily flights, and service to 215 destinations, marking its largest schedule ever from Atlanta. This expansion includes new international routes to cities such as Naples and Brussels, as well as increased flights to Rome, Zurich, Barcelona, Athens, Cancun, and Toronto.
Frontier Airlines is also enhancing its presence at ATL by adding nine new routes between May and June 2025, including international destinations like Oranjestad, Aruba, and San Pedro Sula, Honduras. This expansion represents a 40% increase in departures compared to the previous year, positioning Frontier as the third-largest airline in Atlanta.
#10. Rome, Italy
Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is Italy’s largest airport and a major hub for both domestic and international flights. In 2024, FCO handled approximately 49.2 million passengers, marking a significant increase from previous years.
FCO serves as the primary hub for ITA Airways, Italy’s flag carrier, which operates a substantial number of flights from the airport. In 2024, ITA Airways expanded its services, including the launch of new routes to destinations such as Accra and Dakar.
To accommodate growing passenger numbers and enhance services, FCO has initiated several expansion projects:
- Airport Expansion Plan: Plans include the construction of a new terminal with higher service standards, two new runways, new aircraft aprons, and a new system of taxiways to ensure smooth and efficient air traffic flow.
- Sustainability Initiatives: In January 2025, FCO inaugurated a solar farm developed by Enel and Circet to reduce its CO₂ emissions by over 11,000 tons annually. This facility represents the largest self-consumption photovoltaic system in any European airport and one of the largest globally.
FCO’s extensive network includes numerous international routes. The busiest international destinations from FCO in 2024 included New York-JFK, Dubai, and London-Heathrow, reflecting the airport’s role in connecting Europe to key global markets.
Conclusion
The aviation landscape is dynamic, with cities continually evolving in their connectivity rankings. Factors such as economic shifts, infrastructure developments, and unforeseen events like pandemics can significantly alter these standings.
For instance, London, once the world’s most connected city by air in September 2019, experienced a 67% decline in connectivity by September 2020, dropping to the eighth position.
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