Istanbul Airport is soaring to new heights—both literally and figuratively. As the world’s aviation industry rebounds and adapts to shifting travel trends, Istanbul’s flagship airport is emerging as a global leader, setting benchmarks for passenger experience, operational efficiency, and international collaboration.
According to data released by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of Turkiye and reported by Azernews on September 11, 2025, the number of passengers arriving at Istanbul Airport in August 2025 reached a staggering 55,250,785. That’s a 3% increase compared to the same period in 2024, underscoring the airport’s remarkable growth and resilience in the face of global challenges.
This surge in international arrivals is more than just a statistic—it’s a testament to Istanbul Airport’s strategic vision and its position as a critical gateway connecting Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East. Opened in 2019, iGA Istanbul Airport has rapidly become one of the world’s busiest and most connected airports, drawing praise from both industry insiders and travelers alike.
But the airport isn’t just resting on its laurels. In fact, it’s gearing up to host one of the aviation world’s most prestigious events: the 2026 ACI World Airport Experience Summit. Scheduled from August 31 to September 4, 2026, this summit will bring together global airport executives, experts, and service providers to explore the future of passenger and employee experiences at airports worldwide, as reported by Paramita Sarkar for iGA Istanbul Airport and Airports Council International (ACI) World.
The event, recognized as the premier global gathering focused on airport experience, will feature panel discussions, keynote sessions, networking opportunities, and the much-anticipated ACI ASQ Awards, which honor the world’s best airports for customer service excellence. The 2025 summit, held in Guangzhou, China, attracted more than 1,400 attendees—setting the stage for an even larger and more impactful event in Istanbul the following year.
Why Istanbul? The answer lies in its rapid ascent as a global aviation hub. Since its inauguration just six years ago, iGA Istanbul Airport has consistently ranked among the best-connected airports on the planet. Its strategic location at the crossroads of continents makes it an ideal venue for international summits, fostering collaboration and innovation within the airport industry.
“The 2026 ACI World Airport Experience Summit at iGA Istanbul Airport promises to be an event of global significance, bringing together aviation leaders to discuss the future of airport customer and employee experience,” the organizers noted. The summit’s agenda is ambitious, delving into digital transformation, operational resilience, efficiency, sustainability, and cutting-edge technologies—issues that are top of mind for airports striving to meet the evolving needs of travelers and staff alike.
One of the highlights on the horizon for iGA Istanbul Airport is the launch of its triple runway operations in 2025, a move designed to significantly boost the airport’s capacity and efficiency. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to operational excellence and innovation, positioning Istanbul as a model for airports worldwide.
Collaboration is another key theme. iGA Istanbul Airport has been forging partnerships with other leading airports, including Chicago O’Hare, to exchange expertise in operations and sustainability. Such alliances are vital for sharing best practices and advancing global airport standards—especially as the aviation sector faces mounting pressures to reduce its environmental impact while enhancing service quality.
During the summit, industry leaders will have the opportunity to exchange insights on shaping the future of the airport experience, with a particular focus on efficiency, sustainability, and the integration of new technologies. The event will also celebrate the achievements of airports that have excelled in customer service, shining a spotlight on those that have gone above and beyond to enhance the passenger journey.
For Istanbul, hosting the ACI World Airport Experience Summit is more than just a feather in its cap—it’s a chance to showcase its state-of-the-art facilities, innovative spirit, and commitment to excellence on the world stage. The airport’s ongoing development, including its groundbreaking triple runway project, demonstrates a forward-thinking approach that’s resonating across the industry.
“By bringing together airport executives, industry experts, and service providers, the summit aims to address current challenges and share solutions that enhance the experience for both passengers and airport employees,” the event organizers emphasized. This collaborative approach is essential as airports worldwide grapple with the demands of post-pandemic travel, shifting passenger expectations, and the imperative to operate more sustainably.
The summit’s program is packed with opportunities for learning and exchange. Attendees will participate in a wide range of sessions and discussions focusing on airport digital transformation, customer experience, and operational resilience. These conversations are expected to yield actionable insights that can shape the future of airport operations—not just in Istanbul, but around the globe.
Beyond the technical aspects, there’s a human dimension to Istanbul Airport’s success story. The focus on both passenger and employee satisfaction reflects a holistic understanding of what makes an airport truly world-class. From streamlined check-in processes to comfortable lounges and attentive service, every detail contributes to a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.
As air travel continues to rebound and evolve, Istanbul Airport’s trajectory offers valuable lessons for the industry. Its blend of strategic investment, international collaboration, and relentless pursuit of excellence has positioned it as a beacon for airports everywhere. The upcoming ACI World Airport Experience Summit will not only celebrate these achievements but also set the agenda for the next chapter in global aviation.
With its impressive growth, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and unwavering commitment to operational excellence, iGA Istanbul Airport is poised to play a central role in shaping the future of air travel. The world will be watching closely as industry leaders descend on Istanbul in 2026, eager to learn, collaborate, and chart a course toward a more innovative, efficient, and passenger-friendly future.
As Istanbul Airport continues to break records and set new standards, its story serves as a reminder of the power of vision, determination, and global cooperation in transforming the way we travel.