According to EUROCONTROL’s November report, Istanbul Airport, which welcomes more than 80 million passengers annually, ranks as Europe’s busiest hub in terms of daily flights. Selected as the world’s most connected airport in the 2025 analysis by the Airports Council International (ACI Europe), Istanbul Airport offers direct flights to approximately 340 destinations.
Selahattin Bilgen, CEO of İGA and the figure behind the airport’s global success, shared striking statements about his work pace, leadership philosophy, and the daily implications of managing such a massive structure.
“The Last 10 Years of My Life Have Been 90% Work”
Bilgen described the intensity of managing an international hub as follows:
“My typical day starts with waking up and checking my messages and emails. The last 10 years of my life can be described as 90% work.”
Despite his demanding schedule, Bilgen emphasised that his family is an important balancing factor, noting that the time spent in the mornings with his spouse and children is the most precious part of his day.
Leadership: Open-Door Policy and Visibility
The CEO stated that his workday begins around 09:30 in the office and summarised his leadership approach as follows:
“I believe in the importance of direct communication. I maintain an open-door policy at the highest possible level. Being in direct contact with my colleagues at the office is very important to me.”
Throughout the day, Bilgen attends meetings, stakeholder consultations, and operational evaluations. After a busy workday, he tries to leave the office between 20:30 and 21:00 to return home before his children go to bed.
“I can’t sleep without completing what needs to be done that day,” Bilgen said, noting that he often works until 01:00–02:00 at night.
Managing Not an Airport, but a City
Bilgen described the scale of Istanbul Airport as “like a city”:
“We have our baggage system, recycling facility, operations centre, fire department, electricity department, and a massive solar power plant. Observing and managing such a huge structure is both challenging and exciting.”
He mentioned that he even walks around the terminal on weekends to monitor operations, saying that “seeing tangible results of the efforts” is a source of motivation for him.
Unforgettable Moments: VIP Requests and the ‘Bag of Ashes’ Incident
Bilgen noted that the intense operations occasionally produce unusual moments, sharing that they frequently receive requests from CEOs and senior figures to hold planes:
“One day, the energy minister of a country called and requested special treatment.”
One of the most interesting incidents, according to Bilgen, involved “a bag full of human ashes” found in the terminal 10 months ago. The owner has still not been found, and the belongings are being carefully preserved.
“My Work Is Not Separate from My Life”
Emphasising that managing the airport is more of a passion than a profession for him, Bilgen said:
“I don’t see my work as separate from my life; my work is my life. It is a role that suits me perfectly.”
After years of rapid growth, his current goal is to stabilise operations within a more institutional structure. He added that with 11,000 employees, they aim to create a more balanced work culture.
Concluding with the words, “If I were born again, I would choose the same path,” Bilgen painted a reassuring picture of the airport’s future.
