Daily Sabah
Esra Karatas Alpay
11 October 2025
Istanbul Airport soars as Europe’s busiest, eco-friendly hub, driving Turkiye’s $44 billion economy
In just six years since its inauguration, Istanbul Airport (IGA) has emerged as one of the world’s most influential aviation hubs, transforming not only how the world connects but also redefining Turkiye’s economic and strategic role in global mobility. Today, the airport stands as a world-class brand, breaking records in passenger traffic, operational efficiency, and sustainability while earning a series of prestigious international awards that place it among the finest airports globally.
According to data and insights provided by IGA’s Corporate Communications Directorate and the findings of the IGA Istanbul Airport Economic Impact Analysis (2023) report, Istanbul Airport plays a truly transformative role in shaping Turkiye’s economy. In 2023 alone, the airport contributed an impressive $24.2 billion (TL 10.12 trillion) to the nation’s gross domestic product, accounting for approximately 2.2% of the entire national output. This significant economic contribution highlights Istanbul Airport’s position not merely as an aviation hub but as a powerful driver of growth and development on a national scale.
Istanbul Airport rises as a global aviation powerhouse | Opinion | Daily Sabah | 11 Oct 2025
