The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released a new report titled “The Value of Air Transport to Türkiye.” According to the report, air transport contributes a total of USD 82.4 billion to Türkiye’s GDP and supports 2 million jobs through its direct and indirect impacts on the national economy.
Key Highlights from the Report:
The direct aviation sector (airlines, airport operators, ANSPs, manufacturers) employs 247,300 people and generates USD 14.3 billion in economic output, equivalent to 1.3% of Türkiye’s GDP.
Air transport-supported tourism contributes USD 49.6 billion to GDP and provides employment for 1.2 million people. The spending of international tourists visiting Türkiye amounts to USD 71.0 billion annually.
| Sector | GDP Contribution | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Airlines | USD 6.7 billion | 53,000 people |
| Airports, ANSPs, manufacturing | USD 7.5 billion | 194,300 people |
| Air transport-supported tourism | USD 49.6 billion | 1.2 million people |
The Social and Economic Benefits of Aviation
Aviation also generates significant social benefits in areas such as education, healthcare, cultural exchange, and socioeconomic development. The decline in flight costs (70% globally over the past 50 years) has made air travel more accessible, thereby increasing its economic and social benefits. In Türkiye, the average person must work 3.7 days to afford a flight ticket, and in 2023, there were 902 flights per 1,000 people.
Aviation as a Driver of Trade and Innovation
Air transport accelerates the flow of goods and investment, enhances labour and capital productivity, and supports the growth of e-commerce and dynamic supply chains. Airports in Türkiye handled 1.7 million tonnes of air cargo in 2023, positioning the country as the world’s 14th largest air cargo market.
Global Connectivity and Popular Destinations
In 2023, 51% of flights departing from Türkiye were international and 49% were domestic. Europe accounted for 72% of total passenger traffic, followed by the Middle East with 14% and Asia-Pacific with 7%.
The most popular international destinations were:
- London – 2.04 million
- Moscow – 1.83 million
- Ercan – 1.74 million
- Düsseldorf – 1.61 million
- Frankfurt – 0.95 million
A total of 39.4 million international passengers travelled from Türkiye, ranking the country 7th globally. Over the past decade, international passenger traffic has increased by 67.9%.
Türkiye’s Air Connectivity and Economic Importance
As of 2023, Türkiye has:
- 51 commercial scheduled airports
- 352 international airport connections
- Direct flights to 125 countries
- 943 daily international flights
- 253 new international routes added in the past five years
- 143 active airlines
Between 2014 and 2023, Türkiye’s international air connectivity index increased by 47% within Europe and by 135% in other regions. Of all international passengers, 67% use Türkiye as their final destination, 28% continue to another country, and 5% connect to domestic flights.
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