Istanbul Airport has cemented its position as Europe's busiest airport, according to the latest data from the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation (EUROCONTROL). With an average of 1,482 daily flights between 21 and 27 April 2024, the airport outperformed its European counterparts, including Amsterdam Schiphol, London Heathrow, Paris Charles De Gaulle, and Frankfurt. This achievement marks the third consecutive year Istanbul Airport has held this prestigious title, showcasing its growing influence in global aviation.

The airport's success is attributed to its state-of-the-art infrastructure, including the recent commencement of simultaneous triple runway operations on 17 April 2024. This feature not only positions Istanbul Airport as the first in Europe to operate three runways simultaneously but also as the second in the world, trailing only behind the United States. Such advancements have significantly enhanced the airport's capacity and efficiency, contributing to its record-breaking performance.

In 2024, Istanbul Airport handled approximately 80 million passengers, further solidifying its status as Europe's largest and second-busiest airport. The airport's passenger traffic saw a 4% increase year-on-year and a remarkable 24% surge compared to the same period in 2019. Additionally, it emerged as Europe's busiest air cargo hub last year, as per the Airports Council International (ACI) Europe's 2024 Annual Traffic Report, highlighting its pivotal role in both passenger and cargo transportation.

The continuous growth and achievements of Istanbul Airport underscore Turkey's strategic investments in the aviation sector, aiming to establish the country as a key global transit hub. With its unparalleled infrastructure and operational capabilities, Istanbul Airport is set to maintain its leadership in European aviation, fostering economic and tourism benefits for Turkey and beyond.

Shed Seven, the Yorkshire Britpop legends, have announced a special one-off summer 2026 performance at Halifax's Piece Hall to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their landmark 1996 album 'A Maximum High'. The band will deliver a full album performance followed by a second set of greatest hits during the Live At The Piece Hall concert series on June 6. This Halifax date will represent Shed Seven's only headline show of summer 2026, making it a particularly significant event for both the band and their dedicated fanbase.

The anniversary concert will feature special guest performances from Seb Lowe and The Guest List, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. Tickets for this exclusive event are scheduled to go on general sale at 10am on Friday, October 24, available through major ticketing platforms including Ticketmaster, Live Nation, and the Piece Hall's official website. The band's return to the Halifax venue follows their previous 2021 performance at the historic courtyard, establishing a continuing relationship with the West Yorkshire location.

'A Maximum High' represented a defining moment in Shed Seven's career, reaching the UK top 10 and selling more than 250,000 copies while spawning five Top 40 singles. Band frontman Rick Witter expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming celebration, stating the band is 'looking forward to giving A Maximum High the birthday party it deserves' and noting particular excitement about 'revisiting some of the songs we haven't played for decades.' The event promises to attract fans from across the country for what organizers describe as a 'one night only' celebratory event.

Shed Seven joins a diverse lineup of artists scheduled for the 2026 Live At The Piece Hall series, including Embrace, Ethel Cain, David Gray, Billy Ocean, Opeth and The Ks. The band's upcoming schedule also includes appearances at the Isle Of Wight Festival in June, featuring headliners Lewis Capaldi, Calvin Harris and The Cure, followed by a supporting performance for Richard Ashcroft at Englefield Estate in Berkshire as part of the Heritage Live series in July. Nicky Chance-Thompson MBE DL, CEO of The Piece Hall Charitable Trust, emphasized the significance of hosting these 'Yorkshire heroes' back at the venue for this milestone celebration.