What has changed in air traffic with the opening of Sabiha Gökçen Airport’s second runway? How has the new capacity affected passenger flow, and what milestones were reached toward the end of 2024?
Located on the Asian side of Istanbul, Sabiha Gökçen Airport stands out not only as an infrastructure project but also as a major turning point in Turkey’s air traffic capacity with the commissioning of its second runway. The taxiway adjacent to the 3,540-meter-long runway, along with the high-capacity aircraft and cargo apron, accelerates traffic flow and enhances operational efficiency. The most tangible evidence of these effects is the remarkable increase in passenger and aircraft traffic data for 2023 and 2024.
State Airports Authority (DHMİ) show that the number of passengers reached 44,217,405 in the first 11 months of 2024, representing a 1% increase compared to the same period in 2023. The growth, which began immediately after the runway’s opening , suggests a capacity that could carry the total number of passengers even higher than the 41.4 million projected for the full year. This dynamic positions Sabiha Gökçen not merely as an alternative to the northern airport but as Istanbul’s second-largest airport.
In this article, we take a detailed look at the operational impacts of the second runway, passenger and aircraft traffic data, and future capacity plans. We will also discuss the airport infrastructure investments spurred by the runway, the benefits it offers in terms of cargo and passenger experience, and how it optimizes operational efficiency.
The Runway’s Technical Capacity and Infrastructure Integration
The 3,540-meter-long runway enables wide-body aircraft to land safely and efficiently. The taxiway adjacent to the runway, along with high-capacity aircraft and cargo aprons, makes the facility fully operational. Furthermore, with the traffic control tower and state-of-the-art infrastructure, air traffic management has achieved the capacity to execute even the most intensive schedules more smoothly. This integration serves as a critical catalyst for operational flexibility, particularly during dual-runway operations and periods of high traffic volume.
The dynamics behind the passenger growth seen over 11 months
Sabiha Gökçen, which served a total of 33,716,162 passengers on domestic and international flights in the first 11 months of 2023, increased this figure by 1 to 44,217,405 during the same period in 2024. While these figures indicate remarkable growth even in the early stages of the runway’s operation, they also point to a period marked by record-breaking performance throughout the entirety of 2024. According to DHMI data, the increase in total domestic and international flights over 11 months is a concrete indicator of how quickly the airport’s capacity is being utilized operationally.
In the first 11 months of 2023, there were 208,643 aircraft landings and takeoffs. For the corresponding period in 2025, this number is projected to rise to 250,538. In 2024, total aircraft traffic stood at 242,612. These figures send a clear signal about how well-suited the runway is for high-density schedules.
Gains in Passenger Experience and Operational Efficiency
The opening of the second runway did not only lead to an increase in passenger numbers; it also had positive effects on flight safety, time management, and cargo operations. With the increase in runway capacity, it became possible to accommodate not only high-capacity aircraft but also those with lower capacities; this translates to an increase in cargo volumes and greater operational flexibility. Particularly during high-traffic periods, the turnaround time between flights was reduced, and communication between the control tower and passengers was made safer.
The increase in passenger traffic has also spurred greater efficiency in ground handling processes. From baggage handling to check-in, and from security screening to the gate, investments in digitalization and infrastructure have taken center stage to reduce wait times and improve operational flow at every step. This contributes to increased customer satisfaction and strengthens international competitiveness.
Future-Oriented Capacity and Investment Plans
The successful commissioning of the second runway is also shaping future capacity plans. Sabiha Gökçen has adopted a more flexible operational model for managing traffic volume. Steps taken to ensure the most efficient use of the runway and surrounding infrastructure, coordinate flight schedules, and expand cargo operations are increasing the airport’s value to the local and national economy.
Data published by DHMİ clearly demonstrates the runway’s impact during the 2024 period. Based on this data, oversight and planning units are developing new strategies to minimize imbalances during periods of high traffic. In particular, investments in aircraft maintenance programs and cargo capacity will lay the foundation for future growth.
Transportation Policies and Regional Impacts
Statements by the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure emphasize that Sabiha Gökçen has significantly increased air traffic capacity. The airport not only strengthens its position as Istanbul’s second-largest airport but also has a direct impact on urban and regional transportation networks. This situation underscores the need for enhanced coordination to ensure more efficient implementation of transportation policies.
For the business community, this increase in capacity translates to a competitive advantage in international trade and logistics processes. The acceleration of airport operations provides benefits such as time savings in business processes and lower costs. This, in turn, enables companies to achieve a more stable flow in their import and export processes.
Looking Ahead Without Drawing Conclusions
The opening of the second runway not only strengthened Sabiha Gökçen Airport in terms of capacity but also brought significant improvements in operational safety, efficiency, and the passenger experience. The 1% increase in passenger numbers observed in the first 11 months of 2024 demonstrates how quickly the runway’s impact has taken hold. Forecasts for 2025 indicate that this growth will continue and that passenger numbers will rise even further.
In light of these developments, it is critical to take planned steps in areas such as sustaining infrastructure investments, integrating cargo and passenger operations, and enhancing employee competencies. Sabiha Gökçen’s success will have long-term implications for Turkey’s air transport strategy and will play a decisive role in regional competitiveness.
