Istanbul Airport marks seventh year with over 400 million passengers

IGA Istanbul Airport has celebrated its seventh anniversary by surpassing 400 million total passengers, cementing its position as Türkiye's primary international gateway and Europe's busiest aviation facility. Since its grand opening on October 29, 2018, attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and numerous international dignitaries, the airport has transformed Istanbul into a global aviation crossroads through its extensive infrastructure and connectivity.

Operational Scale and Infrastructure

The massive 76.5 million square meter facility features a main terminal spanning 1.4 square kilometers with an annual capacity of 90 million passengers. The airport's comprehensive amenities include a 53,700 square meter duty-free area, 181 retail establishments, and 114 restaurants and cafes. At full operational capacity, the complex can accommodate 200 million annual passengers traveling to over 350 global destinations.

Global Connectivity and Cargo Operations

Currently serving 115 airlines flying to 330 destinations across 120 countries, Istanbul Airport has facilitated 2.6 million flights since its inauguration. The facility also maintains 100 cargo destinations with a current capacity of 4 million tons, projected to expand to 5.5 million tons upon completion of all infrastructure development phases, enhancing its role in global logistics networks.

Industry Recognition and Technical Achievements

The airport has maintained its status as Europe's busiest aviation hub for three consecutive years (2022-2024), outperforming major European competitors including Amsterdam, Paris, and London airports. This year, it became Europe's first and the world's second facility to operate triple independent runways simultaneously. The airport has received numerous accolades, including being named world's best airport by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure magazines in both 2024 and 2025.