Istanbul Airport Expansion and Its Long-Term Development Plan

Construction Review
20 Apr 2026

The Istanbul Airport project is a record-breaking aviation expansion set to define the future of European and global air transport by growing its capacity from current operations to a full potential of up to 200 million passengers per year once all phases are complete.

This expansion builds on the success of the airport since its official opening in 2018, when it replaced the older Atatürk Airport as Istanbul’s primary international gateway.

As of recent years, the airport serves tens of millions annually and ranks among Europe’s busiest hubs.

Expansion is progressing through a multi-phase master plan that will add runways, terminal buildings and support infrastructure, including remote aprons, satellite terminals, parking facilities and auxiliary services, to support vastly increased traffic and operations.

This long-term growth strategy mirrors other major airport modernisation efforts in Europe, including Greece’s Athens Airport Expansion Project, which is advancing a €1.3 billion programme to increase terminal capacity and improve passenger handling as demand rises across the region.

At full build-out, the Istanbul facility will incorporate six runway systems, multiple terminal complexes connected by internal transport links, and extensive cargo, logistics and passenger amenities...

Istanbul Airport Expansion and Its Long-Term Development Plan - Construction Review - 20 Apr 2026