From Inception to Global Acclaim: Istanbul Airport's Journey

In just a short span, Istanbul Airport has clinched the top spot in CN Traveler's awards, yet this path to excellence was laden with challenges.

Established to succeed the overburdened Atatürk Airport, which began in the 1950s and was serving far beyond the intended capacity, Istanbul Airport emerged as a necessary replacement.

Selahattin Bilgen, CEO of Istanbul Airport, shared in a discussion with Business Insider at London’s Savoy Hotel that Atatürk was managed for a capacity of 60 million passengers, despite being originally designed for just 40 million. This resulted in overcrowding, delays, and minimal room for expansion.

The transition brought about a significant operational challenge: moving services with minimal interruption.

Remarkably, in just 33 hours, operations were smoothly shifted from Atatürk Airport to the freshly inaugurated Istanbul Airport.

Bilgen emphasized that extensive efforts were invested in planning to ensure success. 'We ceased operations at the old airport one day, and the next, we commenced at the new one.'

Although initially met with skepticism and mixed opinions, a subsequent survey indicates that an impressive 91% of locals now favor the new establishment.

Currently, Istanbul Airport ranks as Europe's second-busiest, next to London Heathrow, having welcomed 80 million travelers in the past year.

While debates in the UK continue regarding a new runway for Heathrow, Istanbul is already advancing plans that might crown it Europe's largest airport.

Bilgen elaborated on ongoing phase two investments designed to expand the airport's capacity from its current 90 million to a projected 120 million. To put it in perspective, Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson, the globe's busiest airport, handled 108 million last year.

Strengthening Global Aviation

Turkey's national carrier, Turkish Airlines, is significantly boosting its fleet, driving demand at the airport. Additionally, Istanbul's strategic location straddling Europe and Asia makes it an ideal nexus for global travelers, akin to Middle Eastern hubs like Emirates' Dubai.

According to Bilgen, 'Beyond connecting flights, Istanbul stands out as a prime travel destination itself.'

This attractiveness is reflected in airport traffic patterns, with 40% being international layovers. Globally, Turkey is ranked fourth in welcoming international tourists, following only France, Spain, and the USA.

Achieving Recognition: The Components of Success

What cements Istanbul Airport’s position atop CN Traveler's list consecutively? A commitment to visionary design and proactive risk management.

Bilgen shared, 'Crafting an airport from a blank canvas comes with challenges, but also the unique advantage of tailoring every element to perfection from the start.'

Covering an area of 15 million square feet, the terminal is unmatched globally. In contrast, JFK’s anticipated New Terminal One spans just 2.4 million square feet.

Inside, the vast terminal caters to various needs with services such as rentable sleep pods, play zones, and soothing therapy dogs roaming the premises.

Bilgen elaborated on designing an inclusive environment, noting efforts to accommodate travelers with disabilities, families with children, pet owners, and seniors.

Harnessing cutting-edge technological advancements, including artificial intelligence, the airport achieves top European rankings for punctual departures and minimized baggage losses.

Despite achieving a remarkable ranking, challenges remain if Istanbul Airport aims for ultimate worldwide distinction. Currently, it ranks 14th in Skytrax's listings, surpassed by frontrunners such as Singapore Changi and Qatar’s Hamad International.