Having opened to millions of passengers just last year following the big shift from Atatürk to Istanbul, Turkey’s newest national airport has made many strides.

As one of the largest projects in Turkey, executed on a global scale, the contributions it has made since its construction to the Turkish economy have benefitted many industries, including aviation, tourism, logistics, and retail.

An average of 210,000 passengers transit through Istanbul Airport each day, tallying to a whopping 41 million travellers on 256,521 flights over the first year since the airport’s opening on 29 October 2018.

Reaching full operational capacity on 6 April 2019, Istanbul Airport serves 130 destinations in over 60 countries, realising its slogan of “Turkey’s Gateway to World”. Some 70 carriers operate in and out of the airport, including a number of notable international airlines.

Istanbul Airport’s duty-free shopping area has also reached an impressive 90% occupancy, with many global brands represented. Nine of the world’s most recognisable luxe retail brands such as Bvlgari, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Celine, Fendi, Hermès, and Salvatore Ferragamo join 22 domestic brands, giving visitors a wide range of traditional flavours and modern trends in 63 outlets across 54,000 sqm of retail area.

Not only that, YOTEL, the world’s largest terminal hotel, has also reached a 100% occupancy rate since opening in Istanbul Airport, with many passengers appreciating high-quality accommodation during long layovers.

Turkey’s aviation sector has truly reached top league with these achievements, and continues to serve as an exemplary, successful airport business model to the world.