Istanbul Airport’s fourth runway nears completion as passenger record tops 289,000

Istanbul Airport fourth runway capacity increase taxi time reduction passenger record

Turkey’s Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu announced that work on Istanbul Airport’s fourth main runway has entered its final stage. The 2,820‑metre, 45‑metre‑wide runway is slated to complete the temporary acceptance process in August, with technical tests and full operational launch expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. The new runway is projected to increase the airport’s operational capacity, shorten aircraft taxi times and support future four‑runway independent operations.

On 1 August 2026 the airport handled 289,260 passengers, setting a new daily record for both Turkey and Europe. The minister highlighted the milestone as evidence of Istanbul Airport’s growing role as a global hub and its contribution to the region’s aviation growth.

Entities

Abdulkadir Uraloğlu · Hulusi Acar · Istanbul Airport · MediaMarkt Turkey · Mehmet Fatih Kacır · Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure · Sivas · Terminal Istanbul · Turkey · fourth runway

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 7 SOURCES] The runway will enable future independent four‑runway operations. www.turkgun.com · www.benguturk.com · www.gzt.com · www.aksiyon.com.tr · finans.mynet.com · +1 more
[● 7 SOURCES] The new runway will increase Istanbul Airport's operational capacity. www.turkgun.com · www.benguturk.com · www.gzt.com · www.aksiyon.com.tr · finans.mynet.com · +1 more
[● 7 SOURCES] Temporary acceptance of the runway is scheduled for August. www.turkgun.com · www.benguturk.com · www.gzt.com · www.aksiyon.com.tr · finans.mynet.com · +1 more
[● 7 SOURCES] The fourth runway at Istanbul Airport is 2,820 metres long and 45 metres wide. www.turkgun.com · www.benguturk.com · www.gzt.com · www.aksiyon.com.tr · finans.mynet.com · +1 more
[● 7 SOURCES] The runway will reduce aircraft taxi times. www.turkgun.com · www.benguturk.com · www.gzt.com · www.aksiyon.com.tr · finans.mynet.com · +1 more
[● 7 SOURCES] Construction of the fourth runway is in its final stage. www.turkgun.com · www.benguturk.com · www.gzt.com · www.aksiyon.com.tr · finans.mynet.com · +1 more
[● 7 SOURCES] Technical tests will be completed and the runway will become operational in the fourth quarter of the year. www.turkgun.com · www.benguturk.com · www.gzt.com · www.aksiyon.com.tr · finans.mynet.com · +1 more
[● 7 SOURCES] Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu announced the runway details. www.turkgun.com · www.benguturk.com · www.gzt.com · www.aksiyon.com.tr · finans.mynet.com · +1 more