Turkish Airlines Ushers In A New Era Of Aviation Excellence With Flawless 33-Hour Move To Istanbul’s IGA Airport, Setting A Global Benchmark – Travel And Tour World

Turkish Airlines has successfully completed the largest airport relocation in aviation history, transitioning seamlessly from Atatürk Airport to Istanbul’s new state-of-the-art Istanbul Grand Airport (IGA) in just 33 hours. This monumental move not only marks a significant milestone for the airline but also sets a new global benchmark in operational efficiency and aviation excellence. The transition highlights Turkish Airlines’ commitment to enhancing its global reach and operational capacity while paving the way for the next era of modern aviation infrastructure.

Turkish Airlines’ historic move from Atatürk Airport to the state-of-the-art Istanbul Airport (IGA) in just 33 hours marked a milestone in aviation history. But the true significance of this transition became clear only after the dust had settled. This monumental shift, orchestrated seamlessly, was more than a logistical feat; it represented the dawn of a new era for Turkish Airlines. The transition to IGA, a cutting-edge airport created through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), laid the foundation for a significant leap in the airline’s global prominence and established new standards of operational excellence in the industry.

For years, Turkish Airlines faced significant challenges due to the constraints of Atatürk Airport. The airport’s overcrowding, insufficient runway capacity, and escalating congestion were increasingly at odds with the airline’s aspirations for global expansion. The answer to these limitations came with the launch of Istanbul Airport — a state-of-the-art aviation facility built through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative and managed by IGA (Istanbul Grand Airport).

Positioned at the intersection of Europe, Asia, and Africa, Istanbul Airport has rapidly established itself as one of the most significant aviation hubs globally since its opening in 2018. Once all phases are completed, it is expected to accommodate more than 200 million passengers annually. Currently, the airport hosts over 100 airlines, offering flights to more than 300 destinations across the globe. With three active runways and a vast terminal designed to handle 90 million passengers, Istanbul Airport has significantly enhanced Turkish Airlines’ operational reach and efficiency.

The figures speak volumes. Aircraft movement capacity has increased from 70 per hour at Atatürk Airport to 120 per hour at Istanbul Airport (IGA) due to the addition of a third runway. Aircraft wait times have dropped significantly, from 5% to under 1%, leading to better fuel efficiency and punctuality. Turkish Airlines has maximized the expanded ground infrastructure by doubling the size of its CIP lounges, increasing check-in area space, and improving passenger flow with upgraded boarding facilities.

Revolutionizing Passenger Experience

A key factor behind Istanbul Airport’s success is its focus on a digital-first approach. With AI-powered customer service tools, biometric boarding systems, contactless check-ins, and real-time decision-making at its Airport Operations Centre (APOC), IGA is transforming the airport experience. By utilizing big data and location-based services, the airport enhances operations, including baggage handling and air traffic management, to ensure efficiency.

The Surge in Cargo Operations

Turkish Airlines has experienced extraordinary growth in its cargo operations since its relocation to Istanbul Airport (IGA). Cargo capacity has skyrocketed from 1.2 million tonnes at Atatürk Airport to 2.5 million tonnes at IGA, with projections indicating a future capacity of 5 to 6 million tonnes annually. At the heart of this remarkable increase is SmartIST, the airline’s state-of-the-art, proprietary cargo facility. Recognized as one of Europe’s most sophisticated cargo terminals, SmartIST integrates advanced automation, robotics, and real-time tracking technologies to enhance efficiency and ensure reliability.

Overcoming an Operational Feat

The transition from Atatürk Airport to IGA is regarded as one of aviation’s most impressive operational feats. Spanning 46 kilometers, the move saw 1,056 trucks transport more than 47,000 tonnes of equipment within a mere 33-hour window, all without a single workplace injury or significant disruption to services. This meticulous planning and execution stand as a testament to Turkish Airlines’ operational excellence.

Strategic Independence Amidst a PPP Framework

While the airport’s core infrastructure, including runways, terminals, and control towers, was funded through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, Turkish Airlines chose to independently invest in its own facilities. This includes the creation of SmartIST, custom-designed lounges, upgraded check-in areas, crew accommodations, and a tailored ground services infrastructure.

This strategic independence is a crucial element of Turkish Airlines’ growth strategy. The geographical advantage of Istanbul allows the airline to serve 78 cities in 41 countries within a three-hour flight, and more than 140 cities within five hours. This positioning enables Turkish Airlines to provide high-frequency, cost-efficient services across the globe.

Turkish Airlines has set a global benchmark with the flawless 33-hour relocation from Atatürk Airport to Istanbul’s new Istanbul Grand Airport (IGA). This historic move underscores the airline’s commitment to operational excellence and strengthens its position as a leading international carrier.

Realizing IGA’s Full Potential

Despite significant achievements, Turkish Airlines is far from done with its ambitious growth plan. Istanbul Airport is expected to reach its full capacity by 2028, and Turkish Airlines is preparing for this expansion. By 2033, the airline aims to operate a fleet of 813 aircraft, fly to 400 destinations, and serve 171 million passengers annually, generating an estimated $52 billion in revenue.