ISTANBUL— President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has described Istanbul Airport (IST) as a global aviation leader after inaugurating its fourth main runway on September 18, 2026.
He said the latest infrastructure investment would strengthen the hub’s international connectivity while improving operational efficiency, safety and service standards.
The new runway measures 2,820 meters (9,252 feet) in length and 45 meters (148 feet) in width, becoming Istanbul Airport’s first runway aligned on an east-west axis.
Its opening increases the airport’s total runway count from five to six, with officials expecting shorter taxiing and waiting times, particularly for domestic and eastbound flights.
Istanbul Airport Opens 4th Main Runway
Erdoğan said the €890 million ($1.01 billion) runway investment would help reduce fuel consumption, flight-related waiting and emissions.
Its location near the airport’s hangar areas is also expected to accelerate general aviation operations and provide greater flexibility when weather conditions affect normal traffic flows.
Türkiye’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation completed the licensing process for the runway on September 17, adding it to Istanbul Airport’s operating license before its inauguration.
The regulator said the project is intended to increase operational capacity and flexibility while reducing taxi times on selected routes.
The airport already connects Türkiye with more than 340 destinations through cooperation with over 110 airlines, according to Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu.
The new east-west runway adds another operating configuration to a hub that previously had three main north-south runways and two reserve runways.
Erdoğan Highlights Investment
Erdoğan said the Turkish government has invested 2.12 trillion Turkish liras ($43.5 billion) in transportation and infrastructure in Istanbul at current prices.
Of that amount, 604.4 billion liras ($12.4 billion) went toward aviation infrastructure, according to figures he presented at the ceremony.
He also pointed to Türkiye’s broader air transport growth, saying passenger traffic across the country exceeded 167.5 million during the first eight months of 2026.
Erdoğan said the country had expanded its active airport network from 26 airports in 2002 to 58.
Future Aviation Growth
Erdoğan said activities associated with Istanbul Airport currently contribute around 2.2% of Türkiye’s gross domestic product, or about $24.2 billion.
He added that the airport is projected to support 472,000 jobs and generate $44 billion in revenue by 2030, Hurriyet Daily News flagged.
The president also linked the airport’s future growth to regional stability, saying its position could become even more significant if conflicts in the surrounding region end and conditions become more peaceful.
He pledged further investment to maintain Istanbul Airport’s position as a major international aviation hub.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
