İSTANBUL NEW AIRPORT opened at the end of October 2018. In a short time it has attracted global attention for its potential to become one of the world’s largest airports. Currently able to handle 90 million passengers annually, the airport’s full build-out will raise capacity to 200 million passengers per year.
Built with the labor of roughly 200,000 workers since 2013, İstanbul New Airport covers more than 823 million square feet. The facility’s first phase was inaugurated on the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkey. Construction used vast quantities of materials — reportedly enough to construct dozens of landmarks — while also incorporating measures intended to reduce environmental impact, such as efforts that cut an estimated 30.7 tons of CO2 emissions annually.
Located on the European side of İstanbul, the airport aims to excel beyond passenger throughput. Retail and dining amenities are expanding rapidly: when construction is complete the airport will offer approximately 344,000 square feet devoted to food and beverage outlets and about 592,000 square feet of retail space, providing a wide variety of shopping and dining choices for travelers.
Turkish Airlines served as the sole carrier operating from the new facility initially, launching flights to seven destinations. In the months following opening the airline expanded its route network from the airport, and additional destinations have been added progressively. The airport functions as a major hub for Turkish Airlines and began operations with two independently operable runways, immediately increasing operational flexibility and capacity.
Planned construction phases will further enhance performance. The second phase includes a third runway and two separate taxiways. The third phase will add a new passenger terminal, increasing capacity by an additional 30 million passengers per year. A fourth phase will bring another terminal and runway. Final completion of the master plan is expected by the end of 2028, after which the airport aims to serve more than 300 destinations worldwide.
On the international stage, İstanbul New Airport continues to define its role among major global hubs. Its scale and facilities give it significant potential across operations, retail, and connectivity. To encourage local travel and familiarize residents with the new facility, the airport has offered incentives such as complimentary parking during promotional periods.
İGA, the consortium responsible for constructing and operating İstanbul New Airport, was established in 2013 to deliver the project and holds the concession to operate the airport for a 25-year term.