This article summarizes reporting by Daily Sabah.

Ankara Esenboğa Airport Unveils $346 Million Expansion and New Runway

On Monday, officials in Türkiye inaugurated a major infrastructure expansion at Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB), marking a significant step in the capital’s aviation development. According to reporting by Daily Sabah, the project includes a new third runway, a modernized air traffic control tower, and upgraded cargo facilities. The expansion represents a total investment of €298 million (approximately $346 million).

The ceremony was attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, alongside executives from the airport operator, TAV Airports. The project aims to elevate Ankara’s status from a domestic connector to a competitive international hub, increasing the airport’s annual passenger capacity from 20 million to 30 million immediately.

This development is part of a broader strategic vision often referred to as the “Century of Türkiye,” which prioritizes logistics and infrastructure to support economic growth. By enhancing the capacity of the capital’s airport, officials aim to reduce reliance on Istanbul’s hubs for international connectivity.

Financial Model: Public-Private Partnership

A central theme of the inauguration was the financial structure of the expansion. President Erdoğan highlighted that the substantial investment was achieved without direct public spending. The project utilized a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, wherein TAV Airports, a member of Groupe ADP, financed the construction.

In addition to covering the construction costs, the concession agreement ensures significant revenue for the state. TAV Airports secured the operating rights for Esenboğa Airport from 2025 through 2050. As part of this agreement, the operator is committed to paying the state a total of €560 million (including VAT) in rent over the 25-year lease period.

“We have implemented yet another one of the most successful examples of the public-private partnership model… without a single penny coming out of our state’s coffers.”

, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (via Anadolu Agency)

Technical Specifications and Capacity Upgrades

The centerpiece of the expansion is the new third runway. According to technical data cited in the research reports, the runway measures 3,750 meters in length and 60 meters in width. Its construction allows Esenboğa Airport to operate with a parallel runway configuration, enabling simultaneous independent operations. This upgrade is expected to significantly increase the hourly aircraft traffic capacity, reducing delays and accommodating future demand.

Alongside the runway, a new air traffic control tower has been constructed. Standing 77 meters tall, the tower is equipped with modern digital aviation technologies designed to manage the complex flow of increased air traffic. The expansion also includes:

• Cargo Apron: An 85,000-square-meter area with capacity for six aircraft.
• Technical Block: A 13,500-square-meter facility supporting airport operations.
• Fire Safety: A new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) station.
• Total Paved Area: Approximately 945,000 square meters of new infrastructure, including taxiways and service roads.

AirPro News Analysis: Strategic Implications for Ankara

While Istanbul has long served as the primary global gateway for Türkiye, anchored by the massive Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), this expansion signals a shift in strategy for the capital. Historically, Ankara Esenboğa has functioned largely as a domestic hub, feeding traffic into Istanbul for long-haul connections.

The introduction of a third runway and the capacity jump to 30 million passengers suggests a push to attract more direct international routes. With traffic projections estimating 23.1 million passengers by 2035, the infrastructure is now built ahead of demand, a move that could incentivize international carriers to consider Ankara as a viable secondary entry point into the country.

Future Phases and Long-Term Vision

The current inauguration marks the completion of Phase 1 of the expansion plan. TAV Airports and government authorities have outlined a roadmap for future development based on traffic triggers. A second phase is projected for realization by 2040, or sooner if passenger demand dictates.

Phase 2 plans include an expansion of the terminal building by at least 40,000 square meters and an additional 58,000 square meters of apron space. These future works would push the airport’s capacity even higher, aligning with long-term projections of 31.5 million passengers by 2045.

“Our airport will represent the gateway of our capital to the world in a stronger and more modern way.”

, Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu (via Anadolu Agency)

The aggressive expansion of Türkiye’s aviation sector has seen the number of active airports rise from 26 in 2002 to 58 today, with a target of reaching 60 in the near future. This project reinforces the government’s commitment to maintaining a robust construction pipeline in the transport sector.

Sources

Sources: Daily Sabah, Anadolu Agency, TAV Airports Investor Relations