In a year marked by record-breaking numbers and strategic developments, Turkey’s aviation sector is soaring to new heights, cementing its status as a global and regional powerhouse. From Istanbul’s airports dominating European traffic rankings to major investments in technical infrastructure and expanding international partnerships, the country’s aviation industry is making headlines for all the right reasons.
According to figures reported by Anadolu and cited by the Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Gunyol, IGA Istanbul Airport operated an average of 1,491 flights per day in 2025, maintaining its top position as Europe’s busiest airport for the fourth consecutive year. The minister noted, “Türkiye has grown into a regional and global hub, with the average number of flights per day rising 20% versus the pre-pandemic levels.” In total, the European Organization for the Safety of Air Navigation (Eurocontrol) region saw approximately 11.1 million flights in 2025, a 4.1% increase from the previous year. The single busiest day was July 18, 2025, when 37,034 flights crisscrossed European skies.
Turkey’s impressive aviation footprint extends beyond just one airport. The country ranked sixth among European nations for air traffic volume, averaging 3,355 flights per day throughout 2025. Istanbul’s dominance was clear: after IGA Istanbul Airport, the continent’s next busiest hubs were Amsterdam Airport (1,351 flights), London Heathrow (1,315), Paris-Charles de Gaulle (1,314), and Frankfurt Airport (1,261). Notably, Athens International Airport entered the top 10, while London Gatwick slipped to the 13th spot, reflecting shifting dynamics in Europe’s air travel scene.
But it’s not just passenger numbers and takeoffs that are making headlines. Turkish airlines and airports are investing heavily in infrastructure, digitalization, and sustainability to future-proof their operations. One of the most significant recent developments is the opening of Pegasus Airlines’ new aircraft maintenance centre at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Completed within a year after construction began in January 2025, the centre represents an initial investment of approximately USD 40 million and stands as a testament to the airline’s commitment to operational excellence and sustainable growth.
The facility boasts two maintenance hangars and a dedicated paint hangar, enabling simultaneous maintenance for up to five narrow-body aircraft in its first phase. With an enclosed area of 18,000 square meters and a 25,000 square meter apron, the centre is strategically located at the transition point between Sabiha Gökçen’s two runways. Its technical capabilities are extensive, supporting both line and base maintenance, engine and landing gear replacements, avionics and structural modifications, full aircraft painting and livery application, component maintenance, and even training activities.
Plans for expansion are already underway. By the last quarter of 2026, a second phase will add another hangar, providing base maintenance for five more narrow-body jets. Looking further ahead, a third phase—slated to begin within four to five years—will expand capacity to accommodate ten narrow-body aircraft, marking the full realization of the maintenance centre’s vision.
Pegasus Airlines CEO Güliz Öztürk underscored the strategic importance of the project, stating, “Every investment we make in technical infrastructure takes our operational strength one step further. Our aircraft maintenance centre investment at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport is a strategic milestone in Pegasus’ sustainable growth journey. Our new hangars will not only enable us to manage the maintenance needs of our growing fleet more effectively, but also accelerate our transformation focused on digitalisation and efficiency. By managing our aircraft maintenance processes more quickly and in a more optimised way, we aim to provide our guests with an ever more seamless travel experience.”
The centre’s design embodies Pegasus’ vision for digitalization and sustainability. Maintenance operations are streamlined through paperless processes, a digital warehouse and tool management system, unmanned Personal Protective Equipment dispensers, and AI-supported occupational health solutions. The use of preventive maintenance activities and data analytics allows the airline to anticipate technical needs, reducing downtime and ensuring uninterrupted operations. In terms of environmental responsibility, the facility incorporates energy-efficient infrastructure and robust waste management systems. The opening of the centre is also expected to create around 200 new jobs, further boosting the local economy.
Not to be outdone, Turkish Airlines has also been busy strengthening its international ties. By February 18, 2026, the national carrier entered into a codeshare partnership with Air Montenegro. This agreement allows both airlines to mutually place their flight codes on Turkey–Montenegro routes operated by either carrier. Additionally, Turkish Airlines will add Air Montenegro’s flight code to its routes from Istanbul to Montenegro, Dubai, and Baku—moves aimed at enhancing connectivity via Istanbul and offering travelers more seamless options across the region. Such partnerships are vital in an increasingly interconnected world, where travelers expect flexibility and efficiency.
These developments come at a time when the broader European aviation industry is experiencing both growth and transformation. The 4.1% increase in flights across the Eurocontrol region in 2025 signals a robust recovery and expansion following the disruptions of the pandemic years. Turkey’s 20% jump in average daily flights compared to pre-pandemic levels is particularly notable, reflecting not just a rebound but a leap forward in capacity and ambition.
Of course, competition remains fierce among Europe’s major airports. While IGA Istanbul Airport continues to lead the pack, airports in Amsterdam, London, Paris, and Frankfurt are close behind, each vying for a larger share of the continent’s air traffic. Meanwhile, shifts in the rankings—like Athens International Airport’s rise and London Gatwick’s fall—highlight the dynamic nature of the industry, where infrastructure investments, airline strategies, and passenger demand can quickly reshape the landscape.
For Turkey, the convergence of high passenger volumes, state-of-the-art maintenance facilities, and strategic international partnerships paints a picture of an industry on the rise. The country’s airports are not just gateways for millions of travelers; they are engines of economic growth, innovation, and global connectivity. As airlines like Pegasus and Turkish Airlines continue to invest in technology, sustainability, and customer service, the future of Turkish aviation looks brighter than ever. The sky, it seems, is not the limit—it’s just the beginning.