(MENAFN) Istanbul Airport, hailed as Türkiye's primary international gateway, has been honored with the prestigious "Best Airport" award by the Airports Council International (ACI) Europe in the category for air hubs accommodating more than 40 million passengers annually. Sharing the accolade with Rome Fiumicino Airport, which also achieved the same score as last year's winner, Istanbul Airport received recognition for its exceptional operational standards and passenger services.

CEO Selahattin Bilgen expressed pride in the airport's commitment to exceeding guest expectations through innovations in sustainability, accessibility, and technological advancements. Istanbul Airport notably served over 76 million passengers last year, marking an 18 percent increase from the previous year and underscoring its role as a pivotal hub connecting Europe and Asia.

ACI Europe highlighted Istanbul Airport's strategic focus on sustainability, noting plans for a solar power plant aimed at meeting all its electricity needs. The judges commended the airport's robust growth trajectory and operational excellence, emphasizing its significant investments in cutting-edge infrastructure and strong government support as key factors in its success. These initiatives have positioned Istanbul Airport as a globally competitive hub, adept at attracting airlines and enhancing passenger experiences.

In a separate category for airports accommodating between 25 to 40 million passengers annually, Oslo Airport was recognized as the best in Europe, lauded for its operational efficiency and punctuality performance. The awards underscore the critical role of airports in driving economic growth and connectivity, while also setting benchmarks for service excellence and sustainable practices across the aviation industry.

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