Transportation, Maritime Affairs and Communications Minister Binali Yildrim said that Turkeys’s aim by the end of this year is to see 200 million passengers pass through Turkey’s airports doors.
Last year 180 million passengers used Turkey’s 55 airports and figures from the first quarter of 2016 showed this would be surpassed. Yildrim has stated “We are starting to reap the fruits of our investments.”
Turkey’s airports serve 416,000 passengers, but target is to reach 200 million passengers. Millions of people who have never flown before will now be able to make all their trips via plane.
According to Dogan News Agencey, it has been reported that a new record has been set for Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport as it reached all-time high numbers with a total of 1,500 takeoffs and landings on Sept. 18.
According to a statement by the General Directorate of State Airports Authority (DHM?), 236 planes took off and 245 planes landed at the airport on domestic flights on Sept. 18.
Some 513 planes took off and 506 planes landed at the airport on international flights.
The airport also provided service to a total of 156,941 passengers on the same day, as the number increased to 210,572 with transit passengers.
Sept. 18 marked the last day of the nine-day Eid al-Adha holiday, a time when thousands of Turks traditionally travel to their hometowns to spend time with their families.
The latest record at the airport for total takeoffs and landings was set on Sept. 9, with 1,478 takeoffs and landings.
Istanbul’s new airport is due to come into service in February 2018.
“I believe the third airport in Istanbul will provide the service needs of Asia and Africa, as well as Istanbul, and carry Istanbul to the position in the aviation market which it deserves,” Yildrim said.
