President of the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB) Haluk Görgün announced that Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport’s passenger capacity will exceed 50 million following the completion of the Terminal 1 Renovation Project.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the first phase of the Sabiha Gökçen Airport Terminal 1 Renovation Project, Görgün said the project, implemented with an investment of approximately €70 million, will add an annual capacity of 5.5 million passengers and elevate the airport to a terminal campus capable of serving more than 50 million passengers per year.
The ceremony was attended by Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, SSB President Haluk Görgün, Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, HEAŞ General Manager Faruk Kacır, and Managing Director of Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), the operator of Sabiha Gökçen Airport, Dato’ Izani.
Part of a Strategic Vision
In his speech, Görgün stated that Sabiha Gökçen International Airport was planned as the first step of the “Advanced Technology Industrial Park and Airport Project (İTEP),” led by the Presidency of Defence Industries. The project aims to develop aviation, defense, and advanced technology ecosystems in an integrated manner.
He noted that the foundations of this vision were laid in 1987 with a decision of the Defense Industry Executive Committee to establish an Advanced Technology Industrial Park and Aviation Center in the Pendik Kurtköy area. Sabiha Gökçen Airport was realized as the first concrete step of the İTEP Project.
48 Million Passengers Expected by Year-End
Görgün highlighted that Sabiha Gökçen currently provides direct connections to 154 destinations—39 domestic and 115 international—in 54 countries with 23 airlines, making it one of Türkiye’s most strategic aviation hubs.
“In the first 11 months of 2025, our airport successfully served over 245,000 flights and more than 44 million passengers. By the end of the year, passenger numbers are expected to exceed 48 million,” he said.
He emphasized that growing passenger traffic requires the holistic development of both airside infrastructure and terminal facilities. Within this framework, Terminal 1—previously used for different purposes after long years of service—has been re-evaluated and integrated into operations through the “Terminal 2 – Terminal 1 Integration Project,” led by the SSB in cooperation with HEAŞ and the terminal operator.
Terminal 1 Reintegrated as a Satellite Terminal
Providing details on Terminal 1, Görgün said the building, constructed by the SSB in 2000 and used as the international terminal until 2009, has been repurposed to strategically support the airport’s growth vision.
With a footprint of approximately 18,000 square meters, Terminal 1 now functions as a satellite terminal that supports the main terminal, balances operational load, and enhances passenger comfort. A fully enclosed, climate-controlled 240-meter-long bridge connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, allowing passengers to move comfortably between terminals via moving walkways and elevators without going outdoors.
Phased Project Implementation
Görgün stated that the Terminal 1 project has been planned in three phases. Under the first phase, which officially opened today, a remote aircraft waiting lounge with five departure gates capable of serving 10 aircraft simultaneously has been completed. The phase also includes duty-free areas, food and beverage units, children’s play areas, and all necessary passenger support facilities.
Under the ongoing second phase, baggage claim systems, integrated arrival halls, new passport control points, and expanded transit and transfer areas are being developed with a focus on passenger comfort.
“With this €70 million investment, our project will add an annual 5.5 million passengers to the airport’s capacity and transform Sabiha Gökçen into a terminal campus capable of serving over 50 million passengers,” Görgün said.
Long-Term Growth Plans
Görgün added that HEAŞ’s efforts go beyond increasing existing capacity. Projects such as Terminal 3 and its auxiliary facilities, as well as the Northern Airspace Development Project, are being planned to meet the airport’s long-term needs.
He also noted that holistic parking arrangements, a 13-stop intercity transportation area integrated with the metro exit, and landside access projects are strengthening the airport’s connectivity with the city.
“At the center of this comprehensive approach, HEAŞ continues its work with a public-interest-oriented and sustainable management understanding, addressing today’s needs while anticipating future growth scenarios,” Görgün concluded.
Source: Anadolu Ajansı/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök