Opening of Çukurova International Airport: Turkey’s 58th Airport Begins Operation

Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu announced that the Çukurova International Airport will be inaugurated tomorrow with the participation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Uraloğlu emphasized that with the completion of the country’s 58th airport, Turkey is entering a new era in aviation.

Roads and Railways Connecting to Çukurova

Uraloğlu noted that connection roads were swiftly completed during the construction of Çukurova International Airport, saying, “We have opened a 15.9-kilometer-long, bituminous hot-mix divided road to service. The airport will be accessible both from the D-400 state highway and the highway.” He also added that the railway connection, which will integrate with the Mersin-Adana-Osmaniye-Gaziantep High-Speed Train Line, is expected to be completed by 2026.

Turkey on the Path to Becoming the World’s Flight Hub

Minister Uraloğlu highlighted that Turkey, serving as a strategic bridge between Asia and Europe, is within a 4-hour flight range to 67 countries. He stated that this geographical advantage has been supported by transportation policies implemented since 2002. “Turkey has become one of the countries with the world’s most extensive flight network,” he said.

Growth and Records in Aviation

Uraloğlu stated that the number of active airports has risen from 26 in 2002 to 58, with a target of increasing this number to 61 by 2053. He also mentioned that Turkey’s passenger numbers, which were 34.5 million in 2002, surpassed 214 million in 2023, and this figure is expected to exceed 230 million in 2024. He emphasized that Istanbul Airport maintained its position as Europe’s busiest airport in July and that Antalya Airport continues to break records.

Çukurova’s New Symbol: Regional Touches in Airport Architecture

Uraloğlu noted that the architecture of Çukurova International Airport reflects the cultural elements of the region. He explained that the air traffic control tower is designed in the shape of a tree, with its orange color inspired by Çukurova’s citrus fruits. “This airport has become a magnificent work that reflects the local culture of the Çukurova region,” he said.

Economic Contributions of Çukurova Airport

Uraloğlu stated that the airport, with its 3,500-meter-long and 60-meter-wide main runway, will be capable of serving even the largest aircraft. He mentioned that the project includes a comprehensive facility, with an apron covering 279,000 square meters and parking areas with a capacity of 48 aircraft. He added that the project is expected to generate 297.1 million euros in rental income over 25 years.

Çukurova Airport: The Engine of Regional Development

Uraloğlu emphasized that Çukurova International Airport will serve the provinces of Mersin, Adana, Osmaniye, and Niğde, and with an annual capacity of 9 million passengers, it will become one of the region’s most important air travel hubs. He also noted that the airport will enhance the international competitiveness of local businesses and ensure the fast and efficient transportation of agricultural products.

He highlighted that with the implementation of the Development Road Project, the importance of Çukurova International Airport will further increase, playing a critical role in the trade corridor extending from the Persian Gulf to Europe. Uraloğlu added that the airport would contribute to Turkey becoming an international transit hub in aviation.

In these remarks, Uraloğlu expressed his gratitude to all the workers who contributed to the completion of Çukurova International Airport and wished them continued success.

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