Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu has revealed air travel data. Uraloğlu stated that the number of passengers travelling by air reached 14,234,345 in February, adding, “The total number of passengers served in the first two months of the year reached 30,457,920.”
Record Increase in Air Traffic
Evaluating data from the General Directorate of State Airports Authority (DHMİ), Uraloğlu reported that the number of flights taking off and landing at eco-friendly airports reached 58,345 on domestic routes and 50,397 on international routes.
During this period, total aircraft traffic, including overflights, reached 148,633. In February, domestic passenger traffic was 6,435,916, while international passenger traffic stood at 7,792,684.
The amount of cargo carried also attracted attention in the same month. A total of 329,139 tons of cargo was transported, with 60,072 tons on domestic flights and 269,067 tons on international flights.
Over 30 Million Passengers in January-February
In the first two months of the year, there were 130,862 domestic and 108,690 international aircraft landings and take-offs. Including overflights, the total aircraft traffic reached 323,986.
During this period, domestic passenger traffic at airports across the country reached 13,977,241, while international passenger traffic recorded 16,469,602. The total number of passengers in the January-February period reached 30,457,920.
Heavy Traffic at Istanbul Airport
Istanbul Airport, one of the mega projects, handled a total of 36,824 flights in February, with 7,615 on domestic routes and 29,209 on international routes.
During this period, the airport served 1,085,129 passengers on domestic flights and 4,606,896 passengers on international flights, totaling 5,692,025 passengers.
In the January-February period, Istanbul Airport recorded a total of 79,745 aircraft movements. During the same period, the total number of passengers reached 12,126,595.
Increased Activity at Tourism Hubs
Airports in tourism hubs also experienced a busy period. In the January-February period, 3,950,528 passengers were transported, with 2,416,704 on domestic routes and 1,533,824 on international routes.
Passenger movement at tourist airports was as follows:
- İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport: 1,590,906 passengers
- Antalya Airport: 1,948,453 passengers
- Muğla Dalaman Airport: 151,588 passengers
- Muğla Milas-Bodrum Airport: 188,569 passengers
- Gazipaşa Alanya Airport: 71,012 passengers
This increase in air traffic indicates that tourism is on the rise, and airports are expected to have a busy season. This upward trend in air travel is expected to continue in 2024.
