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Turkish Airlines plans further growth

1 July 2025

This package on UAE-Turkiye relations also includes:

> UAE-Turkiye trade gains momentum
> Turkiye’s Kalyon goes global
> UAE-Turkiye financial links strengthen

 

With a network covering 30 more countries than its closest competitor, Turkish Airlines has been recognised by Guinness World Records for the most countries flown to by an airline since 2012. “Over the past two decades, Turkish Airlines has experienced rapid expansion, becoming one of the world’s most recognised airlines and the largest carrier in terms of destinations served,” says Erol Senol, vice-president of sales at Turkish Airlines.

The airline’s growth has meant it has become a competitor for the major Gulf carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad. Senol says the growing aviation market offers opportunities for all carriers. 

“The global centre of aviation is moving from the west to the east,” he says. 

“This change is advantageous for all regions and carriers, provided there is the commitment to serve more effectively.”

Extending reach

Like the airlines in the Gulf, Turkish Airlines is based in a strategically important geographic location. “Istanbul is within a three-hour flight distance to 78 cities in 41 countries, making it a central hub for connections between Europe, Asia and Africa,” says Senol. 

Since 2019, the airline has also been based at one of the world’s largest airports, Istanbul Grand airport (IGA), which has enabled it to continue growing. 

“The transition to Istanbul Grand airport has marked a new era for Turkish Airlines, enabling the company to sustain its ambitious growth trajectory,” says Senol. 

“Approximately 80% of its capacity is dedicated to Turkish Airlines, offering the airline the operational flexibility and technological support required to manage large-scale passenger and cargo flows.” 

The congestion and capacity limitations that previously constrained operations at Ataturk airport were effectively resolved through this relocation. 

“Aircraft movement capacity increased from 70 per hour at Ataturk to 80 at the initial stage of Istanbul airport, eventually reaching 120 movements an hour with the commissioning of the third runway. This has significantly reduced aircraft waiting times from 5% to below 1%, improving both punctuality and fuel efficiency,” he adds.

IGA’s larger footprint, which Senol says is “seven times larger than Ataturk airport” has also enhanced passenger services and facilities, helping to improve customer satisfaction and streamline operations.

Turkish Airlines has also increased its annual cargo handling capacity from 1.2 million tons at Ataturk to 2.5 million tonnes at IGA, with projections of reaching 5-6 million tonnes as the airport develops further. “Turkish Airlines has advanced from ninth place in 2018 to third place in 2025 in global air cargo traffic rankings,” says Senol.

Supporting the cargo business is Turkish Cargo’s airport facility, SmartIST, which began operations in February 2022. In 2024, cargo volumes at SmartIST increased by 20% compared to 2023, reaching 1.99 million tonnes. Based on freight tonne kilometres, Turkish Cargo says its market share has reached 5.7%, ranking it third globally. Market share rose to 5.8% in the first quarter of 2025. 

A second phase of expansion will further enhance Turkish Cargo’s operations capacity, allowing it to handle up to 4.5 million tonnes annually. The long-term target is to reach 3.9 million tonnes of cargo by 2033.

The relocation of Turkish Airlines’ operations to IGA presented many challenges. 

“The relocation project involved extensive pre-planning and meticulous attention to detail,” says Senol. 

One of the key challenges was maintaining uninterrupted flight operations during the transition. With real-time monitoring and contingency planning, Turkish Airlines completed the transfer within 33 hours.

The transition to Istanbul Grand airport has marked a new era for Turkish Airlines, enabling the company to sustain its ambitious growth trajectory
Erol Senol, Turkish Airlines

Future growth

With major airport projects planned at other hubs, Senol offers some advice on how to ensure a seamless transition of operations. “Airlines should invest in full-scale simulations and contingency rehearsals well before the actual move, including load testing IT systems, coordinating logistics and stress-testing operational workflows,” he says.

“Success hinges on strong coordination across departments – operations, IT, cargo, ground services, human resources, safety and more. Turkish Airlines created interdisciplinary task forces and embedded decisionmakers in each operational unit to allow for real-time problem solving during the transition. 

“A relocation isn’t just physical – it’s digital,” he notes. “Turkish Airlines used the move to accelerate digital transformation: implementing contactless systems, integrating cargo automation and upgrading passenger services. Airlines should use relocation as a catalyst to modernise infrastructure and adopt scalable technologies.”

Another factor is having room to grow. “Airlines should ensure their new base is not just sufficient, but expandable,” Senol adds.

By 2033, Turkish Airlines aims to serve 171 million passengers across 400 destinations with a fleet of 813 aircraft. “Our strategic plan is built on an annual average growth rate of 7.6%,” he says.

Turkish Airlines currently operates 481 aircraft, comprising 134 wide-body and 347 narrow-body planes. The airline has also placed orders for 355 new Airbus aircraft – 250 A321 Neos and 105 A350s – to support its growth strategy. 

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Colin Foreman

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