Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu announced that Istanbul Airport achieved the busiest daily air traffic in its history with 1,730 flight movements on May 31, 2026.
Türkiye’s rise in global aviation has once again been confirmed with a new record. Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu announced that Istanbul Airport reached the busiest daily air traffic level since the day it opened.
With a total of 1,730 flight movements recorded on May 31, 2026, Istanbul Airport reached this level for the first time in its history and achieved a new milestone. Drawing attention with its increasing passenger capacity, expanding flight network, and strategic location, the mega airport continues to be one of the most critical hubs in global aviation.
Istanbul Airport Breaks Another Record
In his statement, Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu emphasized that Istanbul Airport has become not only one of Türkiye’s most important transit centers, but also one of the world’s leading aviation hubs.
Uraloğlu stated:
“With Istanbul Airport, Türkiye’s gateway to the world, we have reached another milestone. On May 31, 2026, we achieved the busiest daily air traffic since the airport opened, setting a new record with 1,730 flight movements.”
The New Power Center of Global Aviation
Uraloğlu stated that Istanbul Airport has become a strategic air bridge between East and West, adding that the airport continues to attract global attention with its growing capacity.
“It Continues to Pioneer New Records in Global Aviation”
Continuing his remarks, Minister Uraloğlu said:
“With its increasing capacity and strong connectivity network, the meeting point of East and West in the skies continues to pioneer new records in global aviation.”
Among Europe’s Busiest Airports
In recent years, Istanbul Airport has ranked among Europe’s busiest airports in terms of passenger and flight traffic. It serves as an operational hub for many international airlines, especially Turkish Airlines.
Operating under the mega hub model, the airport stands out as a critical transfer point between Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
The Next Goal: Greater Capacity
According to experts, the new record at Istanbul Airport is considered a direct result of increasing international demand and rising transit passenger traffic during the summer season.
In the coming period, Istanbul Airport aims to climb even higher in global competition through new runway investments, expanded terminal capacity, and operational growth initiatives.
