Istanbul Atatürk Airport ranks 11th among world’s busiest airports

ISTANBUL

REUTERS photo

Istanbul Atatürk Airport, which is operated by TAV Airports, became in 2015the 11th largest airport worldwide by providing service to 61.8 million passengers over the course of the year, the company said in a written statement on April 6. 

“Maintaining its rapid growth, the Atatürk Airport provided service to 61.8 million passengers in 2015 and improved its position as one of the world’s most significant transfer hubs,” said TAV Istanbul General Manager Kemal Ünlü.

According to the statement of Airports Council International (ACI), the global platform of international airport operators, Atatürk Airport has now surpassed Jakarta and Frankfurt airports and increased its passenger numbers by 9.2 percent. Atatürk Airport is listed as the third busiest airport in Europe as well, according to the statement. 

“Today, 129 airline companies launch flights to 276 domestic and international destinations from Atatürk Airport. As soon as the expansion project of Atatürk Airport’s international terminal is completed, the airport will be ready to serve 75 million to 80 million passengers annually. Together with all stakeholders, particularly the DHMİ [General Directorate of State Airports Authority], SHGM [Civil Aviation General Directorate] and Turkish Airlines, TAV will continue to provide safe, rapid and comfortable travel to all our passengers,” Ünlü said.

According to ACI data covering 1,144 airports worldwide, Atlanta and Beijing airports maintained their positions in the top two in 2015. Dubai moved into third spot after increasing its passenger numbers by 10.7 percent.