Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (ISG), strategically located on the Asian side of Istanbul, has set a new passenger record driven by the summer travel season and a national holiday. On Saturday, 12 July 2025, the airport reached the highest single-day passenger count in its history, serving 147,781 people.
The four-day holiday, created by combining the weekend with the 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day, significantly contributed to the surge. With 65,552 domestic and 82,229 international passengers, ISG further solidified its place not just among Turkey’s busiest airports, but also among Europe’s leading hubs.
New Peak in International Arrivals
On the same day, the number of international arrivals also reached a remarkable level. With 232 international flights, 42,434 passengers arrived in Istanbul — surpassing the previous record of 41,959 set on 4 June 2025. The record for international flights also rose from 231 to 232.
Europe’s Fastest Growing Major Airport
ISG stands out not only in terms of passenger numbers but also growth rate. According to the May 2025 Air Traffic Report by Airports Council International Europe (ACI Europe), ISG recorded a 14.9% growth rate — making it the fastest-growing airport in Europe among those serving over 40 million passengers annually. In May alone, ISG welcomed around 3.94 million passengers.
Infrastructure Investments Laid the Groundwork for Success
Launched in 2024, the “Passenger Flow Improvement Project” played a major role in this achievement by maximising operational efficiency even during peak periods. With a €34 million investment, terminal capacity was expanded and passenger traffic became more streamlined.
A Gateway to the World: Flights to 148 Destinations
As of today, ISG offers direct flights to 148 destinations — 39 domestic and 109 international. With a network spanning 53 countries, ISG functions as a major hub at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
© AeroHaber.com / Mevlüt Zor – mevlutzorr@gmail.com
