The Airports Council International Europe (ACI Europe) held its ’34th Annual Congress and General Assembly’ in Turkey for the first time, hosted by IGA. The event in Istanbul brought together CEOs and executives from leading airports across Europe, providing a platform for discussing significant developments in the aviation sector.
Opening Speech by Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu
The opening speech of the congress was delivered by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu. Uraloğlu emphasized the significance of hosting the International Airports Council’s annual general assembly, which represents 2,110 airports in 169 countries, in Istanbul this year. Highlighting Turkey’s strategic location, Uraloğlu stated, “Turkey is at the center of 67 countries where 1.4 billion people live within a four-hour flight time. We have added 286 new destinations to our international flight network, reaching 346 points in 131 countries.”
Goals and Achievements of Istanbul Airport
IGA Istanbul Airport CEO Selahattin Bilgen stated that Istanbul Airport currently hosts 106 airlines and aims to increase this number to 110 by the end of the year. Bilgen said, “By the end of the year, Istanbul Airport will host the most airlines. We will continue to break new ground with Europe’s first triple parallel runway operation.” Bilgen’s statements highlighted Istanbul Airport’s global ambitions and growth targets.
Global Success of Turkish Airlines
Speaking at the event, Turkish Airlines (THY) General Manager Bilal Ekşi mentioned that THY is the airline that flies to the most countries in the world. Ekşi said, “As Turkish Airlines, we fly to 346 destinations in 131 countries. This shows how extensive our network is on the global stage.”
Assessments by ACI Europe Director General Oliver Jankovec
ACI Europe Director General Oliver Jankovec emphasized Turkey’s strong performance in handling a large number of passengers post-pandemic. Jankovec said, “Istanbul Airport has greatly contributed to this success. Istanbul is on its way to becoming the best in the world, not just in Europe.” Jankovec also noted the shift of the global aviation sector from Europe to the East, stating, “Istanbul serves as a driving force for travel to the Gulf countries, India, China, and the Pacific regions.”
Importance and Future Vision of the Congress
The 34th Annual Congress and General Assembly of ACI Europe witnessed important discussions about the future of the aviation sector. Airport executives from across Europe and around the world addressed the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. This meeting once again underscored the growing importance of Istanbul and Turkey in the aviation sector.
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