Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport experienced significant congestion during the Ramadan Holiday and the mid-term break period. On March 29, 2025, a historic record was set in both passenger traffic and the number of flights. Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (ISG), Turkey’s second and Europe’s tenth busiest airport, had bid farewell to 2024 with a record of 41.5 million passengers. The airport made headlines by breaking two new records due to the Ramadan Holiday and the school break.
All-Time Highest Passenger and Flight Numbers
On March 29, 2025, a total of 141,160 passengers were recorded at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport, with 65,864 passengers on domestic flights and 75,296 on international flights. This figure became the highest passenger number in the airport’s history. On the same day, a total of 777 flights were performed, with 344 on domestic flights and 433 on international flights, setting the all-time highest number of flights.
The previous passenger record was set on August 10, 2024, with 134,289 passengers, while the highest number of flights was recorded on November 24, 2024, with 740 flights.
8% Increase Expected in Passenger Traffic
At Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport, during the period from March 28 to April 6, an 8% increase in flight numbers and passenger traffic is expected, along with the start of the summer season schedule and the Ramadan Holiday and school mid-term break. A total of 3,200 domestic flights and 4,200 international flights are expected, with 550,000 domestic and 690,000 international passengers forecasted to use the airport.
Europe’s Fastest Growing Airport: Sabiha Gökçen
According to the January 2025 Air Traffic Report by the Airports Council International (ACI EUROPE), Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen is the fastest growing airport among MAJOR airports in Europe (those with a capacity of 40 million passengers). In January, the airport recorded a 16.2% increase in passenger numbers, surpassing London Gatwick, Rome Fiumicino, Madrid, and Paris-Charles de Gaulle airports, ranking 8th. Compared to the same period in 2024, it ranked first.
Istanbul’s City Airport: Sabiha Gökçen
Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen, known as the “City’s Airport” due to its proximity to the city center, serves a total of 142 destinations, with 38 domestic and 104 international routes across 52 countries.
Precautions Taken Before the Peak Period
Thanks to the preparations made due to the congestion at the airport, passengers can travel comfortably and without problems. Additional arrangements were made in operations, security, and cleaning services, and the number of staff was increased during peak hours. The capacity at areas such as international passport control points, security checks, and e-passport counters was also increased. Additionally, the number of e-passport counters in the terminal was raised to 34 with the addition of 18 new counters.
Technological Advancements and Increased Comfort
To shorten passenger processing times and reduce waiting times in queues, the number of X-ray machines was increased from 88 to 110. The technological facilities at the airport were expanded to ensure passengers enjoy a comfortable experience. As of March 2025, Wi-Fi service in the terminal became unlimited and free of charge. Additionally, the cooling and ventilation system capacities in the terminal were increased.
Parking Investments and New Projects
To increase the airport’s parking capacity, an additional 708 spaces were provided with the ‘triangle parking.’ Moreover, with the Holistic Parking Project, the existing parking capacity is aimed to be increased by 23%. This project has received an investment of 8 million euros, and work is ongoing.
Thanks to the measures and investments it has made, Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport continues to improve passenger satisfaction and grow continuously, remaining an important player in Europe.
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