Airports Prepared for Eid Holiday Crowds
İstanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, with the approach of Eid al-Fitr holidays and its coincidence with the beginning of the summer season, has taken steps to increase capacity in various sections to manage the significant rise in the number of flights and passengers.
Increase in Flight and Passenger Traffic
Between March 28 and April 6, coinciding with the start of the summer flight schedule and the Eid holidays, it is predicted that flight and passenger traffic will increase by about 8 percent. During this period, approximately 3,200 domestic flights and 4,200 international flights are expected to take place, with a total of 1,240,000 passengers expected to use the airport.
Increased Operational Capacity and Infrastructure Improvements
Due to the rise in passenger volume, more personnel have been deployed in the fields of operations, security, and cleaning. Additionally, improvements have been made inside the terminal to facilitate passenger movement.
Expansion of Border Control and Streamlining Exit Procedures
To speed up the passport control process, 18 new e-pasaport counters have been launched in the international departures area, bringing the total number of electronic counters in the terminal to 34.
Investment in Development Projects
In 2024, with an investment of 35 million euros, 24 renovation and development projects in Terminal T2 were completed. These efforts aim to facilitate passenger flow and increase terminal efficiency.
Continued Renovations and Improvements in 2025
Renovation work continues in necessary areas of the building. It is planned that 8 restroom renovation projects will also be completed this year. Renovation of rest, shopping, and waiting areas is also underway.
Increase in Baggage Handling Capacity
Last year, under the BHS project (Baggage Handling System/Underground Shoot), with an investment of approximately 12 million euros, the baggage transfer time for passengers was improved. In 2025, expansion of BHS capacity will continue in parallel with passenger growth.
Increase in Security Equipment and Passenger Processing Speed
To reduce queues and speed up the security check process, 22 new X-Ray devices were added to the existing equipment, raising the total number of devices to 110.
More Gates and Services in Arrival Areas
In the arrivals section, with the expansion of the waiting and processing areas, 2 new passport cabins were added. Also, by relocating the e-gate area to a new space, the number of e-pasaport counters increased from 8 to 19.
New Amenities for Passengers
As part of the comprehensive parking project, with an investment of 7 million euros, the airport parking capacity will be increased by 23 percent. In addition, stops for intercity passenger buses will be built in front of Terminal T1.
As of March, free and unlimited Wi-Fi has been made available throughout the terminal. For greater passenger convenience, free drinking water dispensers will also be installed at various locations within the terminal.
In areas such as gates 300 and 500, as well as the boarding bridges, VRF cooling systems have been installed, and the cooling capacity has been increased.
Renovation of the Old Terminal and Construction of a Connection Bridge
The old terminal (T1) is being strengthened and renovated, and the construction of a connection bridge between Terminals T1 and T2 is underway. This section is planned to be commissioned as an international satellite terminal, offering services to passengers through 8 new boarding gates.
