Çukurova International Airport (COV) has officially opened its doors, welcoming its first passenger flights on Sunday, August 11, 2024.
The new airport, celebrated for its distinctive design and symbolic motifs, aims to become a key hub in southern Turkey, connecting travelers to both domestic and international destinations.
Located in the heart of the Çukurova region, the new airport is expected to boost the area’s connectivity and economy. The architectural design of the airport, with its tree-shaped air traffic control tower and vibrant orange accents inspired by the region’s citrus groves, has already garnered attention.
The cotton motifs adorning the airport pay homage to one of Çukurova’s most famous agricultural products, further emphasizing the deep connection to local culture.
The airport’s first passenger flight, Turkish Airlines’ TK2462 from Istanbul, touched down at 11:43 AM, marking the official start of operations. This was quickly followed by a Pegasus Airlines flight from Izmir, celebrating the Republic of Turkey’s centenary with the aptly named aircraft “Cumhuriyet.”
Not long after, Turkish Airlines’ “Gölbaşı” aircraft became the first to depart from the new airport, returning to Istanbul. These inaugural flights symbolize not just the opening of a new facility but also the beginning of a new era for Çukurova’s connectivity.
The airport’s successful opening was the result of meticulous planning and execution. Over 250 pieces of equipment from the now-closed Adana Şakirpaşa Airport were transferred to Çukurova International Airport in a massive operation involving 80 trucks and 275 personnel. Remarkably, this entire process was completed in just four hours, well ahead of the planned 12-hour timeline, ensuring the new airport was ready for its first flights.
Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, Turkey’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, expressed optimism about the new airport’s impact, stating, “Çukurova International Airport will be a critical hub for both tourism and commerce in this region. We are proud to see the seamless transition and are excited for the future.”
With its state-of-the-art facilities and strategic location, Çukurova International Airport is poised to become a major player in the region’s aviation landscape. The airport is expected to serve millions of passengers annually, providing them with a gateway to the cultural and economic richness of southern Turkey. As operations ramp up, the airport will also begin to offer more routes, enhancing connectivity for the residents and businesses of Çukurova.
