Istanbul Airports Passengers Surpass Türkiye’s Population in 2025

(MENAFN) In the first eight months of 2025, the number of passengers traveling through Istanbul's airports surpassed Türkiye’s total population, reaching a record 86.4 million, according to data released by the State Airports Authority General Directorate (DHMI). This figure represents a 6% year-on-year increase.

IGA Istanbul Airport saw 55.2 million passengers between January and August, with 11.8 million flying on domestic routes and 43.4 million on international flights. This marks a 3% annual growth in passenger traffic.

Meanwhile, Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport, located on the Anatolian side of the city, recorded a total of 31.2 million passengers during the same period. Of this, 13.8 million traveled domestically, while 17.3 million took international flights, reflecting a 13.4% rise compared to the previous year.

As of July 1, Türkiye's population stood at 85.8 million, according to official figures from the country’s statistical agency TurkStat.

In terms of flights, Istanbul’s airports facilitated 559,811 operations from January to August, a 7% increase year-over-year. IGA Istanbul Airport handled 346,644 flights—82,933 domestic and 279,136 international—up 4.4% from the previous year.

Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport recorded 178,296 flights in total, with 75,742 on domestic routes and 102,554 on international routes, marking an 11% rise in traffic.

Additionally, Istanbul Ataturk Airport, which remains a key executive air hub, conducted 19,446 flights, comprising 10,863 domestic and 8,583 international services, a 4% increase on an annual basis.

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