Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu spoke at the Türkiye-Africa International Civil Aviation Cooperation Panel, held as part of the 5th Türkiye-Africa Economy and Business Forum. Emphasising that Türkiye serves as a natural aviation hub thanks to its geostrategic location, Minister Uraloğlu highlighted Africa’s growing geopolitical importance and its critical role in global trade and transport networks.
In his speech at the panel, Minister Uraloğlu stated that the relationship between Türkiye and Africa has evolved into not only a commercial partnership but also a strategic and cultural one. Stressing their strong support for the “African Solutions to African Problems” approach, Uraloğlu noted that Türkiye has been deepening its trade, investment, and diplomatic relations with the continent within the framework of the Türkiye-Africa Partnership Policy.
Minister Uraloğlu pointed out that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan holds the distinction of being the leader who has visited the most African countries, with more than 50 visits across the continent, and that these intense diplomatic relations have been reflected in the civil aviation and transport sectors.
THY Flies to 53 Destinations in 39 African Countries
Minister Uraloğlu stated that Turkish Airlines (THY), AJet, Pegasus, and SunExpress operate regular flights to the African continent. “THY is the non-African airline with the most extensive flight network across Africa. THY currently operates flights to 53 destinations in 39 countries. When including African national carriers, THY ranks as the second airline to serve the most African countries and destinations, after Ethiopian Airlines,” he said.
Uraloğlu emphasised that THY’s broad flight network significantly contributes to the development of commercial, touristic, and cultural relations. “THY’s presence in Africa is not limited to passenger transport; through its cargo operations, it also supports the strengthening of trade and logistics flows across the continent,” he added.
“We Have Invested 25 Billion Dollars in the Aviation Sector”
Minister Uraloğlu noted that Türkiye has undergone a major transformation in aviation over the past 23 years. “Since 2002, we have made investments amounting to approximately 25 billion dollars. Today, we have 58 operational airports, with two more currently under construction,” he said.
Highlighting Türkiye’s unique geographical advantage, located at the intersection of Asia, Europe, and Africa and providing access to 67 countries within a 4-hour flight radius that houses 1.5 billion people, Minister Uraloğlu stated that this potential is being utilised to the fullest.
Uraloğlu also pointed out that Istanbul Airport ranked second in Europe and seventh in the world in terms of passenger numbers in 2024 and surpassed Frankfurt to become Europe’s leader in cargo transportation.
A New Era in Transport Connectivity with African Countries
Minister Uraloğlu announced that diplomatic and technical efforts continue to strengthen transport connections between Türkiye and African countries. “During the Global Transport Connectivity Forum held in Istanbul in June, we organised a special session dedicated to Africa. Within this framework, we signed Memorandums of Understanding on Cooperation in Strengthening Transport Connectivity with Mauritania, Somalia, the Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Liberia, Guinea, and Ghana,” he said.
Minister Uraloğlu emphasised that these agreements will further strengthen economic ties between Türkiye and Africa by increasing cooperation opportunities in maritime, air, and land transport infrastructure.
