Istanbul Airport’s Five Year Rise to Europe’s Busiest Hub

From Zero to Global Leader: The Unpacking of Istanbul Airport’s Five-Year Rise

In the world of global aviation, building a reputation takes decades. Yet, Istanbul Airport (IST) has defied that convention, transforming from a brand-new facility into a globally recognized leader in just five years. Its rapid ascent is not a matter of chance but a case study in strategic planning, operational excellence, and ambitious vision. Located at the natural crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, the airport was designed from the ground up to be more than just a transit point; it was envisioned as a dominant global hub.

The story begins with one of the most impressive logistical feats in modern aviation history. In April 2019, the aging Atatürk Airport was closed, and all operations were transferred to the new Istanbul Airport in a mere 33 hours. This seamless transition marked the start of a new era. The project, developed under a public-private partnership led by the İGA consortium, was completed in a record 42 months, signaling the scale and determination behind the endeavor. This swift and decisive launch set the tone for the airport’s meteoric trajectory, quickly positioning it as a formidable player on the world stage.

Understanding how Istanbul Airport achieved this requires a breakdown of its core strategies. From its innovative operational model to its leadership’s unique “startup” mentality, every element was aligned toward a single goal: efficiency and growth. We will analyze the key data points, expert insights from its leadership, and the foundational pillars that allowed IST to not only become Europe’s busiest airport but also a benchmark for the industry worldwide.

The Blueprint for Success: Strategy and Operations

The foundation of Istanbul Airport’s success lies in a meticulously planned and executed strategy that began long before its doors opened. The project’s scale was immense, but its execution was defined by speed and precision. The ability to complete the initial construction phase in just 42 months and execute a flawless 33-hour operational transfer from a long-established airport is a testament to the project’s management and the collaborative effort of all stakeholders involved.

An Unprecedented Transition and Ambitious Build

The transition from Atatürk Airport was a critical first test. Shifting the entire operational infrastructure of one of the region’s busiest airports to a new location without significant disruption is a monumental task. The success of this “Great Move” immediately established a high level of confidence in the new airport’s capabilities. This was not just about moving equipment; it was about transferring an entire ecosystem of airlines, ground services, and personnel seamlessly.

The public-private partnership model was instrumental in financing and driving the project forward with the necessary agility. The İGA consortium’s commitment was to build and operate a facility that could handle massive passenger volumes from day one. This forward-thinking approach ensured that the infrastructure was not just modern but also scalable, ready to accommodate the aggressive growth targets set by its operators and the Turkish government.

This rapid development and launch allowed IST to immediately capitalize on its strategic geographic location. It quickly began to attract airlines and passengers, leveraging its position as a convenient one-stop hub connecting continents. The initial passenger traffic figures confirmed the strategy’s effectiveness, with over 52 million passengers served in just the first nine months of operation in 2019.

Operational Excellence and Technological Edge

Sustained growth is impossible without a backbone of operational efficiency. Istanbul Airport has consistently proven its capacity to handle immense traffic, growing from 76 million passengers in 2023 to a projected figure exceeding 85 million in 2025. On July 27th, 2025, it set a new European record by handling 272,132 passengers in a single day, demonstrating its ability to manage peak demand without compromising service.

A key technological advantage is the implementation of simultaneous triple independent runway operations. As the first airport in Europe to adopt this system, IST significantly increased its hourly flight capacity, allowing for more takeoffs and landings than its competitors. This technical capability reduces delays, improves on-time performance for airlines, and allows the airport to function as a highly efficient, non-congested hub, which is a major draw for both airlines and travelers.

The leadership’s philosophy underscores the importance of unity in a complex environment. As former CEO Kadri Samsunlu stated, “We don’t do things without cooperating with our stakeholders.” This collaborative approach has been vital to navigating the challenges of rapid growth.

This operational prowess is directly reflected in its accolades. For three consecutive years, 2022, 2023, and 2024, Istanbul Airport was named Europe’s busiest international airport. Furthermore, its commitment to quality and service has been recognized by the Air Transport Awards, which named it the “World’s Best Airport” for four years in a row, reinforcing that its success is a balance of both volume and quality.

The Human Element: Leadership and Customer Focus

While infrastructure and technology are critical, the human and cultural elements at Istanbul Airport have been equally important drivers of its success. The leadership team fostered a unique corporate culture that blended the agility of a startup with the ambition of a global enterprise, all while keeping the passenger experience at the core of its mission.

A Startup Mentality on a Mega Scale

Despite its massive scale, the airport was initially managed with what its former CEO, Kadri Samsunlu, described as a “startup company” mindset. This approach encouraged a hands-on, agile, and non-bureaucratic management style, allowing for quick decision-making and adaptation. This culture was crucial in the early years, enabling the team to overcome unforeseen challenges and seize opportunities without the inertia that can plague large organizations.

This philosophy extended to team building. The leadership made a conscious decision to recruit talent from diverse sectors, not just aviation. This brought fresh perspectives and a wide range of skills to the table, fostering an environment of innovation. Current CEO Selahattin Bilgen has continued this focus, highlighting the blend of seasoned industry professionals and energetic young talent as a key ingredient in the airport’s dynamic and forward-looking culture.

Financially, the airport has pursued a savvy strategy of diversifying its revenue streams. A key goal has been to increase the share of non-aeronautical revenues, such as retail, dining, and other commercial services, to approach 50% of the total. This strategy reduces reliance on airline fees and creates a more resilient and profitable business model, allowing for continuous reinvestment into the facility and services.

Putting the Passenger First

Ultimately, an airport’s reputation is built on the experience it provides to its passengers. Istanbul Airport’s consistent top rankings in reader surveys from prestigious publications like Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler are a direct result of its customer-centric approach. The airport was designed to provide a seamless, comfortable, and enjoyable journey, a factor that resonates strongly with modern travelers.

From its spacious and architecturally significant terminals to its efficient processes, every touchpoint is considered part of the overall passenger experience. While the provided sources do not detail specific amenities, the consistent high praise from travelers points to a successful implementation of this customer-first philosophy. This focus is not just about comfort but also about efficiency, ensuring passengers can navigate the large facility with ease.

As Istanbul Airport matures, its leadership is focused on the next phase of its evolution. The goal is to transition from a fast-growing startup into a mature, fully-fledged company with robust corporate governance and business processes. This includes a continued commitment to investing in new technologies and further enhancing the customer experience, ensuring that the airport not only maintains its current standing but continues to set new benchmarks for the industry.

Conclusion: The Future Trajectory of a Global Hub

The story of Istanbul Airport’s first five years is a powerful illustration of how a clear vision, combined with relentless execution, can redefine industry standards. Its success is not attributable to a single factor but to a convergence of strategic location, state-of-the-art infrastructure, technological innovation, and a dynamic leadership culture. By mastering the logistical challenge of its launch and consistently optimizing its operations, IST has firmly established itself as a critical node in the global aviation network.

Looking ahead, Istanbul Airport shows no signs of slowing down. With plans for further capacity expansions, it is actively working towards its goal of becoming the world’s busiest airport. Its journey from a greenfield project to a global powerhouse serves as a blueprint for future aviation developments worldwide, proving that with the right strategy and a dedicated team, even the most ambitious goals are within reach. The focus on maturing its business processes while retaining its innovative spirit will be key to cementing its legacy for decades to come.

FAQ

Question: When did Istanbul Airport (IST) officially open?
Answer: Istanbul Airport began full-capacity operations in April 2019, following a rapid 33-hour transition from the former Atatürk Airport.

Question: What makes Istanbul Airport’s runway system unique in Europe?
Answer: It was the first airport in Europe to implement simultaneous triple independent runway operations, a technology that significantly increases its hourly flight capacity and operational efficiency.

Question: According to its leadership, what was a key part of the airport’s management philosophy?
Answer: The leadership team adopted a “startup company” mentality, which fostered agility, a hands-on approach, and quick decision-making. This was combined with building a diverse team from various sectors and maintaining strong cooperation with all stakeholders.

Sources

• Business Insider