(Originally reported in Hurriyat Daily on October 30, 2024)

The airport has logged over 2.1 million flights by 101 airlines, transporting around 1.4 million tons of cargo. It offers flights to more than 120 countries, with 322 destinations.

According to Eurocontrol, the airport had the most flights to Europe in 2022-23, outpacing other major European capitals.

Since its opening, IGA Istanbul Airport has earned multiple awards, including “Best International Airport” from “Condé Nast Traveler” in 2022 and 2023, second place on Travel and Leisure Magazine’s “World’s Top 10 Airports” list in 2021, and recognition from Skytrax as one of the world’s top 10 airports in 2024.

From January to September, Istanbul Airport served 61 million passengers, marking a 13 percent increase from a year ago.

The international passenger tally rose 8 percent year-on-year to 47.4 million, and domestic passengers fell 5 percent to 13.3 million.

The airport covers an area of 76.5 square kilometers (29.5 square miles). It opened officially on Oct. 29, 2018.