Atatürk Airport is an aviation hub located on the European side of Istanbul, in the Yeşilköy neighborhood of the Bakırköy district. Serving for many years as Türkiye's largest and busiest airport, it played a central role in the country's civil aviation. Originally established as a military airfield, it gradually evolved into a key center for civilian air traffic. In 2019, following the opening of Istanbul Airport, Atatürk Airport ceased all scheduled passenger flights. Nevertheless, it has continued to operate in other capacities, including cargo transport, private aviation, and official state receptions.

^{Atatürk Airport (İmar İstanbul)}

History

The origins of Atatürk Airport date back to 1912, when the Ottoman Empire established a military airfield in the Yeşilköy district of Istanbul. In the post-World War II era, in line with the global expansion of civil aviation and under the provisions of the 1944 Chicago Convention, it was decided to construct an international civil airport in Istanbul. As part of this initiative, a contract was signed in 1947 with the American firms Westinghouse Electric International Company and IG White Engineering Corporation. Construction began in 1949 and was completed in 1953. The airport was officially inaugurated under the name Yeşilköy Airport on August 1 of the same year.

In its early years, the airport featured Runway 05/23, a 10,000-square-meter passenger terminal, maintenance hangars, radio transmitters, and a backup power plant. Due to the rapid increase in air traffic, the airport was soon expanded. The construction of Runway 17/35, which began in 1968, was completed in 1972, providing the facility with a second runway.

A comprehensive development plan was initiated in 1971 to increase the airport’s capacity. Designed by architect Hayati Tabanlıoğlu, the master plan included the construction of an air traffic control tower, cargo facilities, technical blocks, fuel systems, and new terminal buildings. As part of this modernization effort, the International Terminal opened on October 29, 1983. In 1985, the airport was renamed Atatürk Airport in honor of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye.

During the 1990s, rising demand for passenger and cargo services led to the opening of the Cargo Terminal in 1993, followed by the C Terminal in 1995, which was designated for charter flights and luggage trade operations. In 2000, C Terminal was closed to passenger use and, as of 2002, repurposed for private cargo operations.

A new international terminal, constructed under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, was inaugurated on January 10, 2000. With an annual capacity of 20 million passengers, this facility stood out as one of the most modern terminals of its time. Through additional investments, the airport's total annual capacity was eventually increased to over 38 million passengers.

^{Atatürk Airport (Anadolu Agency)}

Passenger Capacity of Atatürk Airport

In response to the increasing demand for air travel, a capacity expansion initiative was undertaken at Atatürk Airport. As part of this effort, it was decided to construct a new international terminal under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model. The terminal design was selected through a competition, and the construction tender was subsequently awarded under the same model. The new international terminal, inaugurated on January 10, 2000, was built with an annual passenger capacity of 20 million.

Following subsequent expansion and renovation efforts, the airport’s total annual capacity was increased to 38,200,000 passengers. Of this total, 25,500,000 passengers were allocated to international flights and 12,800,000 to domestic routes. However, by 2015, Atatürk Airport had significantly exceeded its projected capacity, serving a total of 67,377,247 passengers.

Due to the high volume of passenger traffic and the resulting capacity constraints, a new airport—İstanbul Airport—was constructed to meet Istanbul’s long-term air transportation needs. It became operational in 2019. As a result, Atatürk Airport’s domestic and international terminals were closed to scheduled passenger flights, and only the General Aviation Terminal, serving cargo operations and private flights, has remained active.

Transportation

Atatürk Airport was connected to the city center via the M1A Yenikapı–Atatürk Airport metro line, which was the first rail transit system in Istanbul. This line played a significant role in facilitating urban transportation and greatly enhanced accessibility to the airport.

^{M1A Metro Line's Stations (Metro İstanbul)}

Awards and International Recognition

Atatürk Airport has received numerous international awards for both its infrastructure and passenger satisfaction. In 2010, it was named the “Best Airport in Southern Europe” by Skytrax, ranking ahead of major hubs such as Barcelona and Madrid. During the 2009/2010 period, the international lifestyle magazine Monocle described the airport as a “Transit Hub of Attraction.”

In 2015, Atatürk Airport earned the title of “Airport with the Most New Long-Haul Routes in Europe” at the Euro Annies Awards organized by anna.aero. That same year, it handled 422,000 flights and served 57 million passengers, ranking 4th in Europe and 13th worldwide. With 128 airlines operating flights to 276 destinations, Atatürk Airport emerged as one of Europe’s most significant air transportation hubs during this period.

Role During the July 15, 2016 Coup Attempt

During the military coup attempt that took place across Türkiye on July 15, 2016, Atatürk Airport was identified by the coup plotters as one of the key strategic targets. Due to its status as a major hub for controlling Istanbul’s air traffic and its position along President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s return route to the city, the airport played a critical role during the events of that night.

^{Atatürk Airport on the Night of July 15 (TRT Haber)}

At approximately 11:00 p.m., coup-affiliated soldiers blocked the entrances and exits of Atatürk Airport using armored vehicles. At 11:35 p.m., the coup plotters stormed the airport's Air Traffic Control Tower in an attempt to seize control of the airspace. Around the same time, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made a live statement, calling on citizens to take to the streets in resistance. Following this call, thousands of people rushed to Atatürk Airport in protest.

Reports indicate that the coup soldiers were caught off guard by the intensity of public resistance. As gunfire was opened from military vehicles, several individuals were injured. Seventeen-year-old Mahir Ayabak and Zekeriya Bitmez lost their lives during the confrontation. According to air traffic controller Enver Yavuz, civilians managed to reach the apron, actively attempting to prevent the occupation of the airport.

During these critical hours, President Erdoğan departed from Marmaris and headed to Istanbul. To avoid detection by the coup forces, the pilot of the presidential aircraft, ATA, used an official Turkish Airlines flight code. This maneuver allowed the aircraft to fly through airspace controlled by the coup plotters and land safely at Atatürk Airport. By the time of Erdoğan’s arrival, large crowds had gathered on the apron to welcome him. A proposal was made to escort the president to a shelter, but Erdoğan declined. Instead, he moved to the state guesthouse at the airport, where he made frequent appearances outside to address the public and urged them to continue occupying public squares.

The air traffic control tower, which had been seized by the coup forces, was retaken by special operations police units, restoring control over the airspace. The airport’s main central hall was used as a command center for crisis management and also accommodated President Erdoğan’s family members.

The official announcement of the coup attempt's failure was made from Atatürk Airport. Acting Chief of General Staff General Ümit Dündar, in a press statement delivered at the airport, declared: “Türkiye has exhibited a historic example of national solidarity and has thwarted this coup attempt. Our nation can rest assured that the era of military coups and juntas in Türkiye is now closed for good.”

^{Atatürk Airport on the Night of July 15 (TRT Haber)}

Following the failed coup attempt, judicial proceedings were initiated. In the case concerning the occupation of Atatürk Airport, the court sentenced 10 defendants to aggravated life imprisonment and 43 others to life imprisonment.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in a statement following his landing at the airport, revealed that the presidential aircraft ATA was targeted and attempted to be isolated by F-16 fighter jets under the control of the coup plotters, but the attempt was unsuccessful. Emphasizing the illegitimacy of the coup forces, Erdoğan declared that the country would never be surrendered to them. Once the airport was secured, it was announced that all scheduled Turkish Airlines flights would resume normal operations as of 6:00 a.m. on July 16.

In the aftermath of these events, Atatürk Airport became one of the symbolic sites of the July 15 resistance. Commemorative ceremonies were held to honor those who lost their lives at the airport, and it gained prominence in the public consciousness as a national symbol.

As part of the broader judicial process regarding the coup attempt, the individuals involved in the occupation of Atatürk Airport were handed severe sentences.

In 2019, on the third anniversary of the attempted coup, Atatürk Airport hosted the official July 15 Commemoration Ceremony, attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

^{Atatürk Airport on the Night of July 15 (TRT Haber)}

Closure Process

While Atatürk Airport held a central position in Istanbul’s air transportation network for many years, its operations also gave rise to several environmental and urban challenges. The heavy road traffic congestion caused by the airport’s high activity, increasing air pollution, and elevated noise levels in the surrounding area adversely affected the quality of life for millions of local residents. These issues sparked prolonged public debate and prompted efforts to find solutions, particularly from environmental and urban planning perspectives.

With the opening of Istanbul Airport in 2019, the domestic and international passenger terminals at Atatürk Airport were closed to scheduled passenger flights. However, cargo operations and private flights continued to be conducted through the cargo and general aviation terminals. Additionally, the state guesthouse, maintenance hangars, and catering facilities remained in service at the site for a period of time. The approach control center—an important component of Turkish airspace management—also remained temporarily based at Atatürk Airport during this transition.

Atatürk Airport National Garden

Atatürk Airport Millet Garden is an extensive green space project established on the former grounds of Atatürk Airport in the Bakırköy district of Istanbul. It aims to become Türkiye’s largest urban park and one of the world’s notable city parks. Spanning approximately 2 million square meters, the project serves multiple functions related to environmental sustainability, urban quality of life, and disaster preparedness. The first phase of the project was inaugurated in 2023 during the “Great Istanbul Rally,” attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Purpose and Scope of the Project

Atatürk Airport Millet Garden is designed to provide Istanbul residents with opportunities for socialization, relaxation, and connection with nature. Once completed, it is intended to serve as a “green corridor” stretching along the city’s north-south axis, significantly contributing to Istanbul’s ecological fabric. Additionally, the park has been planned to function as an assembly area in case of potential disasters.

Landscape and Vegetation

One of the project’s most notable features is its rich diversity of plant life. A total of 145,300 trees will be planted in the garden to symbolize Istanbul’s conquest. Among these trees are 350-year-old olive trees as well as 50 to 60-year-old species such as linden and plane trees. The presence of both coniferous and deciduous trees is intended to keep the area green throughout all four seasons. In the initial phase, 10,081 trees and 41,000 plants have already been planted, with ongoing greening efforts.

Physical Structures and Social Facilities

Atatürk Airport Millet Garden is planned not only as a green space but also as a hub for social and cultural life. Within its 70,000-square-meter covered area, the project includes the following social amenities:

• An event area with a capacity of 8,000 people
• Sports facilities, children’s playgrounds, walking and cycling paths
• Walking trails extending 13,000 meters in length
• 110 gazebos
• Various sports courts, such as volleyball and basketball
• A library, exhibition halls, public reading rooms (millet kıraathaneleri), and soup kitchens
• Parking facilities for 1,300 vehicles
• An event meadow designed for theater, concerts, and other performances
• Commercial spaces and natural product sales points

Water Features and Ecological Structure

A man-made stream extending approximately 2.5 kilometers along the south-north axis of the Millet Garden is named the “Ab-ı Hayat Suyu” (Water of Life). It serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. Along the banks of the stream, there are viewing terraces, resting areas, and stepped structures designed to allow children to interact safely with the water.

Use in Disaster Situations

The project is designed not only for recreational purposes but also serves a strategic role in disaster management. The garden is planned to accommodate the setup of 40,000 tents and provide shelter for up to 165,000 people in the event of an emergency. In this respect, Atatürk Airport Millet Garden is considered a vital component of Istanbul’s disaster preparedness infrastructure.

^{Atatürk Airport National Garden (Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change)}

Cultural and Strategic Significance

Atatürk Airport holds importance not only as a transportation hub but also as a symbolic landmark embedded in Istanbul’s urban memory. It has played a central role in the development of civil aviation in Türkiye and the strengthening of international connections. Although it is currently closed to scheduled passenger flights, the airport continues to maintain its significance through its logistics operations, government services, and its historic identity.