Which Are Türkiye’s Busiest Airports? A Comparison Based on 2026 Passenger Data
Air travel in Türkiye continues to maintain its strong momentum in 2026. Tourism, business travel, and international flight connections are among the main factors influencing passenger traffic at airports. According to the latest data published by the State Airports Authority (DHMİ) as of November 2, 2026, a total of 193,156,231 passengers, including direct transit passengers, were served at airports across Türkiye between January and September. This figure represents a 2.9% increase compared to the same period last year.
How Did Airport Passenger Traffic Change in Türkiye in 2026?
During the first nine months of 2026, 81.7 million passengers traveled on domestic flights, while 111.3 million passengers used international flights. Domestic passenger traffic increased by 6.7% compared to the same period last year, while international traffic recorded a growth of 0.5%. These figures show that domestic flights experienced faster growth during the first nine months of the year.
The tourism season also played a significant role in airport traffic. Passenger numbers increased particularly during the summer months at popular tourist destinations such as Antalya, İzmir, Dalaman, and Bodrum. In September alone, airports across Türkiye served 25.6 million passengers.
Which Are the Busiest Airports in Türkiye?
The busiest airports in Türkiye include Istanbul Airport, Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport, Antalya Airport, Ankara Esenboğa Airport, and İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport.
- Istanbul Airport: Continues to be Türkiye's largest air transportation hub thanks to its international flights and connecting routes.
- Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport: Serves passengers traveling on domestic and international routes, particularly those located on Istanbul's Asian side.
- Antalya Airport: Stands out with increased international tourist traffic during the tourism season.
- Ankara Esenboğa Airport: One of the main transportation hubs for business, government, and domestic travel in the capital.
- İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport: Plays an important role in domestic and international air transportation across the Aegean Region.
Comparing Airports by Passenger Numbers in 2026
According to DHMİ data, the five busiest airports in terms of passenger numbers between January and September 2026 were as follows:
| Airport | Passenger Numbers |
|---|---|
| Istanbul Airport | 64,502,869 |
| Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport | 37,948,837 |
| Antalya Airport | 30,144,861 |
| Ankara Esenboğa Airport | 11,313,547 |
| İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport | 10,266,205 |
Istanbul Airport ranked first with 64.5 million passengers, followed by Sabiha Gökçen Airport with 37.9 million. Antalya Airport served approximately 30.1 million passengers.
Compared to the same period last year, Ankara Esenboğa recorded an increase of 8.5%, İzmir Adnan Menderes grew by 7%, and Sabiha Gökçen increased its passenger traffic by 6.5%. Antalya Airport, on the other hand, experienced a 3.3% decline in passenger numbers.
Passenger Traffic at Regional Airports in Türkiye
Regional airports in Türkiye also play an important role in tourism and intercity transportation. Between January and September 2026, Muğla Dalaman Airport served 4.5 million passengers, while Milas-Bodrum Airport welcomed approximately 3.9 million.
Çukurova International Airport contributes to air transportation in surrounding provinces, particularly Adana and Mersin. Airports in Trabzon, Gaziantep, and Kayseri also maintain passenger traffic throughout the year thanks to tourism, business travel, and family visits.
Why Are Türkiye's Busiest Airports Handling So Many Passengers?
One of the most important factors affecting passenger numbers is the flight network. International transit hubs such as Istanbul Airport attract significant passenger traffic by providing convenient connections between different countries.
At tourism destinations such as Antalya, Dalaman, and Bodrum, international passenger traffic increases particularly during the summer season. Population, business travel, and economic activity also help keep airports in major cities busy throughout the year. The opening of new routes and increased flight frequencies by airlines further contribute to passenger growth.
What Can Passengers Expect at Busy Airports?
At busy airports, check-in, baggage drop-off, security checks, and passport control can take time. Passenger numbers tend to increase during summer holidays, public holidays, and festive periods, potentially resulting in longer waiting times.
It is also important to keep track of terminal or boarding gate changes when taking connecting flights. In addition, airport parking capacity and urban traffic should be considered when planning your journey to the airport.
What Should You Consider When Choosing an Airport in 2026?
When booking a flight, comparing ticket prices alone may not be enough. Considering alternative airports near your destination and calculating transportation costs and travel times can also make a difference.
For example, when choosing between Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen Airport, it is important to consider their locations, flight schedules, and available transportation options. This allows you to evaluate the total cost of your journey rather than focusing solely on the ticket price.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Busiest Airports in Türkiye
Which is the busiest airport in Türkiye in 2026?
Istanbul Airport is Türkiye's busiest airport, serving 64.5 million passengers between January and September 2026.
What is the difference in passenger numbers between Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen Airport?
During the first nine months of the year, Istanbul Airport served 64.5 million passengers, while Sabiha Gökçen welcomed 37.9 million. The difference between the two airports was approximately 26.6 million passengers.
Which airport in Türkiye handles the highest number of international passengers?
Istanbul Airport ranked first with 50.9 million international passengers during the first nine months of 2026.
How many passengers did Ankara Esenboğa Airport serve in 2026?
Ankara Esenboğa Airport served 11,313,547 passengers between January and September 2026.
Where can you find the latest airport passenger statistics?
Passenger, aircraft, and cargo statistics for airports across Türkiye can be accessed through the statistics section of the official DHMİ website.
It is important to note that this comparison covers only the January-September period of 2026. The year-end rankings may change once data for October, November, and December become available.
