Istanbul Airport Aims for 90 Million Passengers by 2026
Istanbul Airport Aims for Nearly 90 Million Passengers in 2026
Istanbul Airport has set an ambitious target to serve close to 90 million passengers in 2026, according to Selahattin Bilgen, CEO of İGA, the airport's operating company.
Strong Growth Momentum in 2025
The airport is building on a robust performance in the current year. Data from the General Directorate of State Airports Authority (DHMİ) shows passenger traffic from January to November 2025 reached 77.5 million, marking a 4 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
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Strategy for 2026: Network and Frequency Expansion
To achieve its 2026 goal, Istanbul Airport will focus on strategic network growth. Selahattin Bilgen outlined the plan:
"In 2026, the focus will be on adding six to seven new carriers and increasing flight frequencies on existing routes, as well as expanding the destination network."
This expansion builds on an already strong foundation, with 116 airlines currently operating scheduled flights at the airport.
Leading Position in European Aviation
Istanbul Airport continues to solidify its status as a major European hub:
- Flight Movements: It maintains the lead in Europe for daily flight operations.
- Cargo Leadership: In 2025, the airport's cargo operations surpassed 2 million tons, securing first place in Europe for air freight.
Major Infrastructure Investments Underway
Significant capital projects are in progress to support this growth and enhance capacity:
- Fourth Runway: The construction of a new fourth main runway is on schedule for completion by the end of August 2026.
- Long-Term Capacity: Future plans include a terminal expansion project designed to increase annual passenger capacity to 120 million.
Through a combination of airline network growth, frequency increases, and critical infrastructure development, Istanbul Airport is strategically positioning itself to handle nearly 90 million passengers in 2026 and beyond, reinforcing its role as a global aviation crossroads.
