TAV Airports CEO Serkan Kaptan stated that they are preparing to close 2025 with a strong performance, noting that they expect the total number of passengers by year-end to be in the range of 110–120 million, at approximately 120 million. Kaptan emphasized that inorganic growth will be a priority in the company’s growth strategy in the coming period.
Assessing 2025 performance and 2026 targets, Kaptan said that all key indicators promised to investors have been achieved, adding that TAV Airports’ balanced portfolio structure played a decisive role in these results.
6 Percent Growth in Total Passengers
Recalling that they operate 15 airports—5 in Türkiye and 10 abroad—Kaptan summarized the 2025 growth performance as follows:
“We have a balanced portfolio structure. A traffic decline in one market can be offset by strong performance in other markets. This year, we are recording approximately 6 percent growth in total passenger numbers. We expect international passenger numbers to increase by 5 percent. We believe we will achieve the previously announced total passenger target of 110–120 million.”
Emphasizing the strategic importance of international passenger traffic, Kaptan stated that they also expect to meet the international passenger target of 75–83 million.
Geopolitical Risks and Tourism Balance
Pointing out that the aviation sector reacts quickly to geopolitical and economic developments, Kaptan said that the Iran–Israel tension experienced in June had a short-term impact on tourism in Antalya. Noting that tourism across Türkiye has remained slightly below expectations this year, Kaptan made the following assessment:
“International passenger traffic in Antalya grew by approximately 1 percent. However, we achieved growth of 5 percent in İzmir and 13 percent in Ankara. This strong performance ensured the overall balance.”
Kaptan stated that high accommodation costs had a limiting effect on demand, especially in Antalya, and that the impact of measures taken by sector stakeholders would be felt more clearly in the coming period.
Aircraft Deliveries to Ease in 2026
Kaptan noted that delays in aircraft deliveries and technical issues have limited seat capacity, adding that a gradual improvement has been observed toward the end of the year. He said that 2026 will be a better year than 2025 in terms of seat capacity and aircraft deliveries.
2026 Outlook: Double-Digit Growth Potential
Stating that planning is being carried out on the assumption that the Russia–Ukraine war will maintain its current course, Kaptan noted that the loss in the Russian market has largely been offset by European passengers. He said that a possible ceasefire would contribute positively to Turkish tourism and that there is double-digit growth potential in some markets.
€2.5 Billion Investment Program Completed
Announcing that the €2.5 billion investment program covering the 2022–2025 period has been completed, Kaptan stated that new facilities have been commissioned at Almaty Airport and that a new €315 million investment program has been launched there. This investment is planned to continue until the end of 2027.
Kaptan also said that investments at Antalya and Ankara airports have been completed, noting that these projects will enable a stronger start to 2026.
Inorganic Growth Takes Priority
Clearly outlining the strategy for the coming period, Kaptan used the following statements:
“In the new period, our focus will primarily be on inorganic growth. Within this scope, we will closely monitor new airport projects and potential operating opportunities that may arise for our service companies.”
Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence Investments
Stating that they attach great importance to digitalisation through TAV Technologies, a wholly owned subsidiary of TAV Airports, Kaptan said that they optimise passenger flows with artificial intelligence-based solutions and increase operational efficiency and commercial revenues.
“We See 2026 as a Year of Acceleration”
Noting that the new concession period in Antalya will begin in 2026 and that the full-year impact of investments will be seen, Kaptan summarised the year as follows:
“By increasing our terminal capacity, we have reached a capacity of 65 million passengers in Antalya. We have strengthened airside capacity with new apron areas. 2026 will be a year in which growth will be felt more clearly.”
