Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen to Begin Construction of Terminal 3 as Passenger Numbers Close in on 50mppa

Why It Matters

The expansion secures additional capacity for airlines and strengthens Istanbul’s role as a global connectivity hub, attracting further tourism and investment.

Key Takeaways

• SG airport grew 17% in 2025, surpassing 2019 levels
• Passenger traffic now 36% above pre‑pandemic figures
• Second runway operational, enabling 90 mppa capacity target
• Terminal 3 construction slated to start 2026
• Istanbul poised as world’s most connected two‑airport hub

Pulse Analysis

The resurgence of Istanbul’s secondary gateway, Sabiha Gökçen Airport, illustrates how private‑sector operators can outpace public counterparts in a crowded market. After a brief pandemic‑induced dip, the airport posted a 17 % year‑on‑year increase in 2025, pushing total traffic to roughly 48 million passengers—well above its 2019 baseline. This growth rate eclipses that of any other major scheduled airport, highlighting the effectiveness of its low‑cost carrier mix and its strategic location for east‑west and north‑south routes.

The airport’s infrastructure upgrades are designed to translate demand into capacity. A second runway, inaugurated last year, enables simultaneous take‑offs and landings, effectively doubling runway throughput and supporting a long‑term target of 90 million passengers per annum. Construction of the so‑called Terminal 3—more accurately an expansion of existing facilities—will commence in 2026, delivering additional gates, retail space, and modern passenger processing systems. These enhancements are expected to push annual traffic past the 50 million threshold by the end of 2026, aligning with the city’s two‑airport hub strategy.

From a business perspective, the capacity boost positions Sabiha Gökçen as a magnet for low‑cost carriers, cargo operators, and connecting flights, deepening Istanbul’s role in Europe‑Asia traffic flows. Airlines can tap into a larger slot pool, while tourism operators stand to benefit from improved accessibility and shorter transfer times. The project also signals confidence to investors, suggesting further private‑capital infusion into airport infrastructure across the region. As passenger volumes near 50 million, the airport will likely generate new revenue streams from retail, hospitality, and ancillary services, reinforcing its economic impact on Turkey’s aviation sector.