Istanbul Airport is gearing up for an exciting year ahead, unveiling a robust set of targets for 2024 that signal its ambitious growth trajectory. Building on the momentum of previous years, the airport aims to achieve significant milestones, including a substantial increase in passenger numbers and flight operations.
Having already welcomed an impressive 76 million passengers in 2023, Istanbul Airport is setting its sights even higher for the current year, aiming to reach a remarkable 85 million passengers. This ambitious goal reflects the airport’s position as a key player in the global aviation landscape and underscores its commitment to providing world-class services to travelers from around the globe.
In addition to boosting passenger numbers, Istanbul Airport is also focusing on enhancing its flight operations, with a target of 532,000 flights scheduled for 2024. This represents a notable increase from the 505,968 flights recorded the previous year, highlighting the airport’s growing importance as a vital hub for air travel.
In 2023, Istanbul Airport secured its position as the second busiest European airport in terms of passenger numbers, trailing only behind London Heathrow. Notably, it also claimed the top spot as the busiest airport in Europe based on the number of flights. These achievements underscore Istanbul Airport’s status as a major player in the global aviation industry, with its strategic location serving as a gateway between East and West.
To support its ambitious growth plans, Istanbul Airport is committed to substantial investments totaling €656.5 million in 2024. A significant portion of this investment, amounting to €331.2 million, will be allocated to the construction of the East-West and back-up North-South runways, enhancing the airport’s capacity and operational efficiency.
Furthermore, Istanbul Airport is prioritizing sustainability with a groundbreaking solar power project, investing €146.4 million to ensure that the airport becomes the first in the world to meet all of its electricity needs through renewable energy sources. Scheduled for completion in 2024, this initiative underscores Istanbul Airport’s commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation.
In addition to infrastructure enhancements, Istanbul Airport is also focused on enhancing passenger experience with the completion of the General Aviation Terminal, with an investment of €35 million. This state-of-the-art facility will cater to the needs of private and business aviation travelers, further cementing Istanbul Airport’s reputation as a premier travel hub.
Rounding out its ambitious plans for the year, Istanbul Airport is investing €26.6 million in the construction of the Hilton Istanbul Airport, slated for completion in the first quarter of 2025. This development is part of a broader strategy to enhance airport amenities and accommodate the growing demand for quality accommodations in Istanbul.
With its bold vision and strategic investments, Istanbul Airport is poised to continue its ascent as a global aviation powerhouse, offering unparalleled connectivity, efficiency, and sustainability for travelers worldwide. As the gateway to Turkey and beyond, Istanbul Airport remains at the forefront of innovation, setting new standards for excellence in the aviation industry.