Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu spoke at the opening ceremony of the JETEX-IGA General Aviation Terminal Building. Minister Uraloğlu said, “This achievement will make Istanbul one of the world’s leading hubs for private jet traffic as well.”

Minister Uraloğlu also added that they were proud to add a brand-new and highly meaningful link to the vision of Turkish aviation at Istanbul Airport. Uraloğlu said, “With this strategic investment, we are crowning our country’s leading position in the global aviation ecosystem in the field of private aviation as well.”

“Airports Function Almost Like the Heart of the Modern World”

In his speech, Minister Uraloğlu stated that transportation does not only mean moving from one point to another; it also means using time in the most efficient way, accelerating the economy, strengthening cultural ties, and spreading development. He continued as follows:

“While modern societies build their lives on speed and connectivity, air transport has emerged as the strongest instrument of this demand and vision. Aircraft have gone beyond shortening distances, building invisible bridges between societies and becoming a force that fuels economic development. In short, in this age where the pulse of global relations beats, airports function almost like the heart of the modern world.”

The Number of Airports Will Reach 60

Uraloğlu said that Turkey has a unique position at the exact intersection of Asia, Europe, and Africa, within a 4-hour flight radius, reaching 1.5 billion people across 67 countries. He added, “Our advantageous geographical location has made Turkey highly suitable to become one of the world’s leading transit hubs in aviation.”

Uraloğlu stated that by correctly recognizing this advantage and with the bold and visionary policies implemented under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan over the past 24 years, Turkey has become the shining star of global aviation. Minister Uraloğlu said, “By liberalizing domestic flights, we ignited competition and launched a period of rapid growth in aviation. We increased the number of active airports from 26 in 2002 to 58 by renovating airports that were inactive and building new ones. With the Yozgat and Bayburt-Gümüşhane Airports currently under construction, we will raise this number to 60.”

Target of 270 Million Passengers

Uraloğlu said that while the number of passengers traveling on domestic and international flights was around 34.5 million in 2002, it rose to 247 million in 2025, including transit passengers, setting a new record in the history of the Republic. Uraloğlu emphasized that this achievement placed Turkey 3rd in Europe and 7th in the world.

Pointing out that Istanbul Airport alone served approximately 84.5 million passengers in 2025, welcoming a passenger volume close to the population of Turkey, Minister Uraloğlu continued as follows:

“This giant project, competing for the top spot among Europe’s busiest airports and rising to a leading position in cargo transport, has become our country’s showcase on the global stage. We expect passenger numbers to increase further this year; we project that we will carry approximately 270 million passengers across Turkey, and that Istanbul Airport alone will exceed 90 million passengers. In the first three months of this year, the number of passengers traveling by air across our country reached approximately 49 million. That number was about 45 million in the same period last year. At Istanbul Airport, we are also seeing a 6 percent increase, from approximately 18 million to 19.1 million passengers over the same period.”

Uraloğlu said they have also reinforced this infrastructure strength in aviation with diplomatic achievements, adding, “We have increased the number of Air Transport Agreements from just 81 in 2003 to 175 today. While flights were operating to 60 points in 50 countries abroad, today we fly to 356 points in 133 countries.”

“Our Global Aviation Hub Is Gaining a New Dimension in General Aviation”

Minister Uraloğlu said that with the IGA General Aviation Terminal, they are crowning Istanbul Airport’s magnificence in private aviation as well, further extending Turkey’s vision beyond its borders. He included the following statements in his remarks:

“As is known, our Istanbul Airport, which achieved a first in Europe with the simultaneous triple independent runway operations launched on April 17, 2025, is now further increasing its attractiveness in international aviation with this general aviation terminal. Through the JETEX-IGA partnership, Istanbul is steadily advancing toward becoming a key global stop in luxury travel and business traffic as well. Our global aviation hub, which provides access to more than 340 destinations, is gaining a new dimension in general aviation too. This facility, where JETEX’s international experience in world cities such as Dubai, Paris, Singapore, and Marrakech meets IGA’s operational strength and Turkish hospitality, will make Istanbul one of the world’s leading centers for private jet traffic as well. It will serve a highly distinguished guest profile, ranging from heads of state and international business leaders to investors and prominent figures from the arts and business worlds.”

Strategic Investment in Private Aviation

Stating that this terminal is not an ordinary facility but a strategic investment that will transform Istanbul Airport into a global hub in private aviation as well, Uraloğlu said, “It will significantly enhance our airport’s global connectivity strength in the private aviation segment.”

Uraloğlu added, “Our terminal was designed with an architectural approach unique to Istanbul, inspired by the nazende flower, one of the city’s symbols, and features natural stone, wood, and custom-made surfaces. The suites include private seating and lounge areas, dining sections, personal care facilities, premium waiting lounges, and fast passport-security processing points. In short, beyond being an ordinary transit point, it will offer a seamless travel experience before and after the flight with the atmosphere of a private members’ club, and both private jet passengers and our passengers seeking comfort on commercial flights will be able to benefit from this high-level service by making a reservation.”

Uraloğlu said that at a time when the global aviation sector is facing challenges and uncertainty is increasing, this investment once again declared Turkey’s position as a “safe haven” to the whole world. He said, “It is a concrete reflection of the trust placed in our country despite the pandemic, conflicts, and geopolitical risks. In fact, all these achievements are the result of the ‘Türkiye Century’ vision carried out under the leadership of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The will that transforms idle land into global aviation hubs is now opening new horizons in private aviation as well. Istanbul Airport will continue to be the shining star of the world in general aviation.”