History of Istanbul’s Airports
Istanbul is a major city located at the intersection of Europe and Asia and one of the most vibrant cities in the world. Every day, millions of tourists and business travelers pass through its airports on their way to various destinations around the world. As the most crowded city in Turkey, the government has been focusing on developing the airport infrastructure of Istanbul to meet the needs of the city and the growing population.
The first airport to open in Istanbul was Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SGIA) in 2001, replacing the old Atatürk Airport and quickly becoming the city’s second airport. It is located in Pendik and serves both domestic and international flights. With its modern systems, more than 28 million passengers and 228,000 aircrafts pass through the airport every year. In the last decade, SGIA has become a major hub for low-cost airlines and is now the second largest airport in the country.
Atatürk International Airport, as its name suggests, is the oldest of Istanbul’s two airports, with construction beginning in 1931. Eventually it was opened to commercial flights in 1953 and still holds the record to this day for the longest serving hub in the country, making it a trusted and reliable choice for travelers from around the world. Its success over the years has earned it the title of Turkey’s largest and busiest airport, handling around 70 million passengers and 300,000 flights annually.
Efficiency and Quality of Service
Both Sabiha Gökçen and Atatürk International Airports strive to provide excellent services to its passengers, from the moment they arrive at the terminal to their arrival at their final destinations. They both offer a wide range of amenities such as shops, restaurants, lounges, free WiFi and private airports services for businesses. Istanbul’s airports are regarded as some of the most efficient in the world, featuring automated baggage systems, self check-in counters and quick passport control.
Moreover, both airports are equipped with state-of-the-art technologies that help airport authorities to constantly monitor aircraft movements, anticipate potential conflicts and manage resources more efficiently. Most importantly, Istanbul’s airports emphasize on passenger safety and security measures such as screening checkpoints, surveillance systems and dedicated security personnel.
The two airports constantly adapt to the needs of the passengers and keep up with the latest advances in technology, making sure that Istanbul remains a preferred destination for travelers from around the world. It is also worth mentioning that the two airports are connected through a shuttle network, thus ensuring that passengers have access to both transport hubs.
Pros and Cons of Two Airports
On one hand, having two airports in Istanbul provides more options to passengers which is beneficial for them. They can choose from a wide range of flights and prices, allowing them to make more informed decisions according to their needs.
On the other hand, some experts suggest that having two airports could lead to an over-utilization of resources, including airspace, flight movements, airport infrastructure and land. Moreover, the competition between the two airports could ultimately lead to lower standards and prices for travelers.
Overall, as long as the two airports continue to benefit passengers by providing quality services, efficient operations and an accommodating environment, two airports could be the optimal solution for the city of Istanbul.
Future of Istanbul’s Airports
The growth of Istanbul’s population and international tourism has led to further expansion plans for both airports. Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is currently undergoing a major upgrade to increase its capacity, which is expected to be completed by 2021. The number of scheduled and charter flights will also be increased, including the introduction of more long-haul flights, thus strengthening the airport’s international presence.
Ataturk International Airport will also be expanded and modernized, as part of an agreement between the Turkish government and the involved airlines. The first phase of the renovation will focus on increasing the passenger handling capacity, by constructing additional gates and lengthening the runway. The second phase of the project will include a significant upgrade to the terminal building, allowing the airport to cope with the rising passenger demand.
As the city continues to grow, there is no doubt that Istanbul’s two airports will soon become one of the world’s busiest hubs, attracting passengers from all around the globe.
Affect on City’s Economy
The presence of two airports in Istanbul has an undeniable effect on the city’s economy. The modern infrastructure attracts investors from around the world, provides employment opportunities for locals and drives the growth of the tourism sector. Istanbul’s two airports have a combined turnover of over $14 billion, making it one of the biggest financial hubs in the world.
Moreover, with two airports, Istanbul is well-placed to improve its connectivity with international destinations, allowing the city to grow its cultural, business and scientific ties with the rest of the world. This helps to further the influence and reputation of Istanbul in the global market, ultimately making the city one of the most attractive destinations in the world.
So, with the addition of two airports, the Turkish city can solidify its status as an economic powerhouse, competing with other major cities on a global scale.
Environmental Impact
Though having two airports in Istanbul has many advantages, it also has an environmental downside. The increase in air traffic has caused air pollution levels to rise, particularly over the city centre and its surrounding suburbs. This can potentially lead to long-term health issues for the population, such as respiratory problems or heart disease.
In order to reduce the risk of these environmental risks, the Turkish government has implemented a number of initiatives, focusing on air quality standards and strict regulations on diesel vehicles. Additionally, the newly constructed airports are designed to adhere to all international standards on air pollution control and energy efficiency.
Despite the environmental challenges that come with having two airports, Istanbul remains committed to preserving its environmental heritage and will continue to strive for the highest standards of sustainability.
Conclusion
Overall, having two airports in Istanbul is beneficial for travelers, the city’s economy and its citizens. Istanbul’s two airports have become an integral part of the city’s infrastructure, allowing it to compete with other major cities around the world on a global scale. In the coming years, both airports are expected to be further modernized, ensuring that they remain a reliable choice for passengers looking to travel to Istanbul or beyond.
