Istanbul Airport, opened in 2018, is the largest airport in Türkiye and one of the largest in the world. The airport operates under civil status with ICAO code LTFM and IATA code IST.
- Location: It is situated at coordinates 41°1631"N - 28°4507"E.
- Traffic Type: It serves both domestic and international flights.
- First Phase Opening: The opening took place on 29 October 2018.
- Commissioning Process: The inauguration was conducted by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, with over 50 senior officials from around the world attending the ceremony.
Construction and Structure
Istanbul Airport has been planned in four phases. The first phase was completed with 3 independent runways and a terminal building with a capacity of 90 million passengers. When all phases are completed, it will reach an annual capacity of 200 million passengers and serve over 300 destinations.
Main structures and systems include:
- Air Traffic Control Tower: Designed with inspiration from the tulip, one of Türkiye’s most important cultural symbols. Designed by Pininfarina, known for Ferrari’s designs, and AECOM, it has a covered area of 5000 m² and a height of 90 metres.
- Electronic Systems: The airport is equipped with CNS (Communications, Navigations, Surveillance) systems, including VCS, VHF/UHF, PSR, SSR-S, ADSB, ILS, VOR, DME and NDB systems.
- Flight Operations: Istanbul Airport covers an area with a radius of 8 Nautical Miles (NM) and manages air traffic up to an altitude of 1500 feet. It provides air traffic control and advisory services to both civil and military aircraft.
Operation and Management
Istanbul Airport is operated by IGA (Istanbul Grand Airport) company. IGA was established in 2013 by the Cengiz-MAPA-Limak-Kolin-Kalyon common consortium and as of 2022 is managed under a partnership structure of 55% Kalyon Holding and 45% Cengiz Holding.
- Annual Passenger Volume: Since its opening, the airport has welcomed over 250 million passengers and provides flights to 315 destinations worldwide.
- Employment Contribution: The airport provides employment to tens of thousands of people, strengthening Türkiye’s global role in the aviation sector.
Financing and Tender Process
The airport project was implemented under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model. In the tender held on 13 May 2013, a 25-year lease fee of €22.152 billion was offered, rising to €26.142 billion when VAT was included.
- Financing: A total of €6 billion was spent on the first phase. IGA, the implementing entity, secured an initial financing package of €4.5 billion in credit and obtained an additional €1 billion in funding.
- DHMİ Passenger Guarantee: A total passenger revenue guarantee of €6.3 billion has been provided for 12 years. If passenger numbers fall below the targeted level, the state is obligated to compensate IGA for the difference.
Environmental and Social Impacts
The area where Istanbul Airport was built covers 76.5 square kilometres and previously consisted of forest and mining lands. Numerous discussion have occurred regarding the environmental impacts of the project.
- Extensive earthworks were carried out during construction, with a total of 800 million cubic metres of excavation and 350 million cubic metres of fill material used.
- The airport is located on migratory bird routes, posing a risk to flight safety. Audible and visual warning systems have been installed to deter birds.
- Worker Rights and Safety: Serious criticisms were raised regarding working conditions and occupational safety during construction. At least 38 workers are reported to have lost their lives, and police intervened in worker protests.
Global Significance of Istanbul Airport
Istanbul Airport has become a major hub in international aviation and has received numerous awards:
- Digital Transformation Award (awarded by ACI Europe).
- 5-Star Airport designation by Skytrax.
- 5-Star COVID-19 Prepared Airport award for its pandemic response measures.
- Top ranking in Condé Nast Traveler’s list of World’s Best Airports.
Future Plans and Expansion
The airport’s complete capacity will be achieved by 2028, with full capacity expected upon completion of the sixth runway in 2028.
