Istanbul’s new airport opened on Monday, on the anniversary of Turkey’s independence 95 years ago.
Istanbul Airport will become one of the biggest air travel hubs in the world, with the annual passenger capacity projected at 200 million once fully functional in 2028.
The decision to build a new airport was welcomed in 2013 because Atatürk Airport, the city’s main airport (the other is Sabiha Gökçen International Airport), is currently operating at maximum passenger capacity at nearly 64 million per year, with not enough runways to accommodate its operational needs.
Istanbul Airport’s control tower is designed to look like a tulip — Turkey’s national flower. Image supplied by IGA.
The airport will also be home to national carrier, Turkish Airlines. The inauguration by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Monday marks the end of the first phase of construction. By the end of December, all operations will be moved over from Atatürk Airport.
The new hub will operate from one terminal and two parallel runways with a capacity of 90 million passengers a year until construction is complete.
What to expect from the new Istanbul Airport. Image supplied by IGA.
A dark cloud has hung over the new air travel hub’s construction as labour issues and environmental concerns abound. The controversial Erdoğan, the driver of this venture, wanted the initial opening to be on Republic Day, 29 October, as it marked 95 years since the nation was founded by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the outgoing airport’s namesake.
With the significance of this deadline, however, Erdoğan is alleged to have put extra pressure on the airport’s construction and Phase One’s completion, resulting in further labour-related issues.
There’ve already been about 30 reported deaths on site, although unions and protesters claim the actual figure is well over a hundred. Occupational health and safety hazards, housing conditions and food quality have been the main issues in this regard. There’s been outcry over the environmental impact.
View of Istanbul Airport. Image supplied by IGA.
Turkey is a popular destination for South Africans as the Turkish lira is favourable. South Africans also don’t pay for tourist visas, and can apply and obtain one in as little as 48 hours online.
