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.

In the aftermath of the devastating Southport knife attack that claimed the lives of three young girls and left yoga instructor Leanne Lucas critically injured, a new campaign is calling for a significant change in the design of kitchen knives. The Let's Be Blunt initiative, spearheaded by Lucas, advocates for the widespread adoption of blunt-ended knives as a measure to reduce the risk of serious injury or worse in similar incidents.

Leanne Lucas, who survived the attack while attempting to protect her students, has shared her ongoing struggles with the trauma of that day. Her campaign is not just about changing the tools in our kitchens but about sparking a broader cultural shift towards safety and prevention. The initiative encourages individuals to exchange their pointed knives for rounded alternatives, a small but meaningful step towards mitigating the potential for harm.

The emotional toll of the attack was palpable during Lucas's appearance on Good Morning Britain, where she discussed her recovery and the motivations behind her campaign. The segment highlighted the profound impact of the tragedy on Lucas and her determination to ensure that such an event does not happen again. Her message is clear: change is necessary to prevent future loss and suffering.

As the Let's Be Blunt campaign gains attention, it raises important questions about the balance between utility and safety in everyday objects. While the debate over the necessity of pointed kitchen knives continues, Lucas's story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of knife violence. Her advocacy for blunt-ended knives is a call to action for manufacturers, retailers, and the public to reconsider the tools we keep in our homes and the potential they have to cause harm.