Istanbul Airport (IST) is targeting underserved long-haul markets, building on a strong run of network growth in 2025.
“We are particularly focused on expanding connectivity to underserved regions in North America, South America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and secondary cities in Asia,” aviation development senior analyst Gorkem Erem told Routes.
“By working closely with carriers on business cases, providing flexible slot solutions, and highlighting the robust inbound tourism potential, we create a compelling proposition for airlines considering new routes.”
The strategy builds on a year of ongoing network expansion, with IST adding seven new year-round passenger carriers. These include All Nippon Airways from Tokyo Haneda, Air Europa from Madrid, and Icelandair’s inaugural service from Reykjavík. Additionally, flag carrier Turkish Airlines has expanded with several new destinations including Port Sudan, Misurata, Seville and Entebbe.
Further growth is scheduled before year-end: Romania’s AnimaWings will launch flights from five cities—Bucharest, Iași, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara and Craiova—in October, while Air Transat will open a Toronto route in December, its farthest service and most easterly destination.
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Erem said existing partners are also strengthening their presence in Istanbul. “Several airlines have upgraded aircraft types on key markets, indicating the confidence in the strength of Istanbul as a connecting hub,” he added.
IST handled 39 million travelers in the first half of 2025, up 1.9% year-on-year, with international traffic increasing 3% to 30.9 million.
Earlier this month, OAG’s latest Megahubs Index showed that IST surged from eighth to second place worldwide year-on-year, thanks to a 25% increase in potential connections. Turkish Airlines, which accounts for 79% of flights at IST, remains the dominant driver of connectivity. Only London Heathrow ranks higher, celebrating three consecutive years as the world’s top megahub, while Amsterdam Schiphol placed third.
“The primary opportunity lies in IST’s continued role as a mega-hub connecting two continents and offering airlines unmatched transfer potential,” Erem said. “The ongoing growth of Turkey’s tourism, in addition to the rising outbound demand, provides fertile ground for further network expansion. Cargo and e-commerce logistics also remain strong growth areas, with Istanbul ideally positioned as a central distribution point.”
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