Turkey expands aviation infrastructure with new runways and airport projects

Turkey is advancing several major aviation infrastructure projects across the country.

At Istanbul Airport, a new 2,820-meter-long east-west runway is scheduled to begin service on September 18. Operated by İGA, the fourth main runway aims to increase operational capacity, reduce taxiing times, and support future independent four-runway operations.

In Sivas, construction is underway for a new 3,780-meter runway at Nuri Demirağ Airport. The project, which includes terminal renovations, is expected to be completed by September 4, 2027, to coincide with the 108th anniversary of the Sivas Congress. The new runway will allow the airport to remain operational during construction.

Additionally, the Trabzon New Airport project has received environmental approval. This massive undertaking, estimated to cost 45.65 billion lira, involves 97 million tons of sea reclamation to create a new facility with a 10 million passenger capacity. Construction is slated to begin in 2026, with the airport expected to enter service in 2033.