Turkey’s largest aviation hub, Istanbul Airport, served an impressive 5.69 million passengers in February 2025, reaffirming its status as one of the busiest airports in the world.
The latest data, released by the General Directorate of State Airports Authority (DHMİ), highlights the continued growth of Turkey’s air travel sector.
According to Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, the airport handled 36,824 flights last month, with 7,615 domestic flights and 29,209 international flights contributing to the soaring numbers. Passenger traffic on domestic routes reached 1.08 million, while international arrivals and departures totaled 4.6 million.
Turkey’s Air Travel Sees Unprecedented Growth
The overall performance of Turkey’s airports in the first two months of 2025 showcases remarkable resilience in the aviation sector. Between January and February, the total number of flights, including overflights, reached 323,986, while total passenger numbers soared to 30.45 million.
Domestic air travel remains strong, with 13.97 million passengers recorded in the first two months, while 16.46 million travelers used international routes. Turkey’s airports also handled an astonishing 694,727 tons of cargo during this period, reinforcing the country’s role as a key global logistics hub.
Sabiha Gökçen and Atatürk Airports Contribute to the Surge
Beyond Istanbul Airport, Sabiha Gökçen International Airport continues to be a major player in Turkey’s air travel expansion. In February alone, 3.22 million passengers traveled through its terminals, with 1.28 million on domestic flights and 1.93 million on international routes. The airport registered 18,259 total flights during the month.
Meanwhile, Atatürk Airport, which primarily serves cargo and private aviation, recorded 1,901 aircraft movements in February and 4,182 flights over the two-month period.
Tourism Hubs See Strong Passenger Demand
Turkey’s renowned tourist destinations are also experiencing a steady influx of travelers. In the first two months of 2025, key tourism airports collectively welcomed 3.95 million passengers:
- Antalya Airport – 1.94 million passengers
- Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport – 1.59 million passengers
- Muğla Dalaman Airport – 151,588 passengers
- Milas-Bodrum Airport – 188,569 passengers
- Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport – 71,012 passengers
These numbers reflect Turkey’s growing appeal as a global travel destination and its aviation sector’s ability to meet increasing demand.
