Speaking at the Phase 1 Opening Ceremony of the Sabiha Gökçen Airport Terminal 1 Renovation Project, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu drew attention to record-breaking passenger traffic at the airport and ongoing infrastructure investments. Uraloğlu stated that as of mid-December 2023, the number of passengers had exceeded 46 million, and that the target is to close the year at around 48 million by year-end.
Sabiha Gökçen Keeps Breaking Records
Minister Uraloğlu noted that Sabiha Gökçen Airport surpassed its 2024 passenger record of 41 million 449 thousand within just 11 months, emphasising Türkiye’s geopolitical advantage:
“Our country is located at the intersection of Asia, Europe and Africa. Within a four-hour flight distance, we have access to 1.5 billion people and 67 countries.”
Number of Active Airports to Increase to 60
Referring to airport investments across Türkiye, Uraloğlu said that the number of active airports, which stood at 26 in 2002, has been increased to 58, and that with the opening of Yozgat Airport and the Bayburt-Gümüşhane Regional Airport, this number will reach 60.
Europe’s Fastest-Growing Airport
Emphasising that Sabiha Gökçen Airport is the fastest-growing airport in Europe in the “Major Airports” category, Uraloğlu stated that the passenger number reached 33 million 716 thousand in 2023, and that the 2024 target is to increase this figure by 31 per cent to 44 million 217 thousand.
An Additional 5.5 Million Passenger Capacity with the Terminal 1 Renovation Project
Uraloğlu noted that upon completion of the Terminal 1 Renovation Project, an additional 5.5 million passengers will be added to the airport’s annual passenger capacity, adding that the project has been implemented with a focus on modern technology, sustainable infrastructure and high passenger comfort.
Uninterrupted Passenger Flow and New Transport Arrangements
Uraloğlu stated that thanks to the special connection bridge built between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, passenger flow has been made uninterrupted, and that car park arrangements and intercity bus transfer areas have also been put into operation to improve the passenger experience.
High-Level Participation at the Opening Ceremony
The Phase 1 Opening Ceremony of the Sabiha Gökçen Airport Terminal 1 Renovation Project was attended by;
Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, Head of the Defence Industry Haluk Görgün, Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, and MAHB Managing Director Dato Izani, the operator of Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
Minister Uraloğlu concluded his speech with a message of condolence for the three police officers martyred in a counter-terrorism operation in Yalova, and then conducted inspections at the renovated terminal building.
