# Turkish aviation infrastructure and market expansion

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkish-aviation-infrastructure-and-market-expansion
> Updated: 2026-10-27T09:19:56.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

Developments in the Turkish aviation sector involve both domestic infrastructure planning and international market growth.

In domestic operations, discussions have taken place regarding a proposed new airport project for Trabzon to support regional tourism and trade. Concurrently, Van Ferit Melen Airport reported significant growth between January and September 2026, with passenger numbers increasing by 32.75% and international passenger numbers rising by 91.94% compared to the previous year.

On the international front, Turkish Airlines is expanding its operations in Vietnam. Following an aviation memorandum signed in August 2026, the carrier plans to increase its weekly flights to 21 by January 2027. The airline reported a 92% average occupancy rate on these routes and aims to increase its cargo volume to 60,000 tons by the end of 2026.

## Claims

- Passenger numbers on Vietnam routes increased by 30% in 2025. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The airline projects 11% growth in the Vietnam market by the end of 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Turkish Airlines reported a 92% occupancy rate on its Vietnam routes. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Turkish Airlines plans to increase weekly flights to 21 in January 2027. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The cargo target for the end of 2026 is 60,000 tons. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- A memorandum signed on August 6, 2026, allows for up to 42 weekly passenger frequencies between the two countries. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The airline uses Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft for these routes. (single source)
- Approximately 53,000 tons of cargo were transported between the two countries in 2025. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-27: Turkish Airlines expands Vietnam operations with high occupancy rates

Turkish Airlines reports 92% occupancy on Vietnam routes, targeting 11% growth in 2026 and increasing weekly flights to 21 by January 2027.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkish-airlines-expands-vietnam-operations-with-high-occupancy-rates

### 2026-10-17: Turkish aviation: Trabzon airport project and Van passenger growth

Turkish aviation updates include discussions regarding a new airport project for Trabzon and a 32.75% increase in passenger numbers at Van Ferit Melen Airport during the first nine months of 2026.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkish-aviation-trabzon-airport-project-and-van-passenger-growth

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Cite as: Turkish aviation infrastructure and market expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkish-aviation-infrastructure-and-market-expansion