Number of international flight passengers in Turkey 2008-2023

The number of air passengers traveling internationally fluctuated in Turkey from 2008 to 2023. In 2023, the record number of passengers was recorded at over 123 million. On the other hand, due to the restrictions introduced because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the number of passengers showed a serious decline in 2020. However, in the subsequent years, these figures started rebounding again.

About Istanbul Airport

Istanbul International Airport was opened in October 2018 as a replacement for Istanbul Atatürk Airport, which was insufficient to cope with growing air passenger demand. As of the year 2023, the airport ranked as the second-busiest airport in Europe, following London Heathrow Airport, with a passenger count of 76.03 million. Istanbul Airport was also the eighth-busiest airport worldwide based on aircraft movements. 

Other Turkish Airports

Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport was Turkey's second most popular airport in 2023, with 36.8 million passengers. Sabiha Gökçen Airport was named after the world's first female combat pilot and Turkey's first female pilot, Sabiha Gökçen. Moreover, Antalya Airport was the third-busiest airport in Turkey. It handled 35.7 million passengers that year. Antalya is a prominent destination for Turkish tourism, attracting a significant number of tourists annually.