Türkiye Opens New Ankara Airport Ahead of NATO Summit, Boosting Capital’s Transport Capacity
ISTANBUL: Türkiye has officially opened Ankara Airport in the capital ahead of the upcoming NATO Leaders’ Summit, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan saying the new facility will strengthen transportation links and provide easier access for international delegations.
The airport was inaugurated on Monday as Ankara prepares to host the NATO summit on July 7–8. Erdogan said the newly completed airport, bridge, and connecting roads would create a more efficient transport network for visiting leaders and officials.
“With the new connection roads, delegations attending the NATO Summit will have direct access routes,” Erdogan said during the opening ceremony.
The new facility becomes Ankara’s second airport after Esenboga Airport, which continues to serve domestic and international passengers.
Erdogan said the project was completed within 230 days and includes a 12.5-kilometre road network connecting the airport area to central Ankara. The development includes divided highways and additional road links designed to improve traffic flow.
The Turkish president said the investment reflects Ankara’s growing role as a centre for international diplomacy, with Türkiye increasingly hosting major global events.
“Türkiye is becoming a place where international diplomacy is gaining stronger momentum, with Ankara, Istanbul, and Antalya playing key roles,” he said.
The country is scheduled to host several major international events in 2026, including the Zero Waste Forum, the International Astronautical Congress, the Organization of Turkic States Summit, COP31, and the NATO Leaders’ Summit.
Erdogan highlighted that Ankara Airport has been modernised with major aviation upgrades, including an expanded runway, new aircraft parking areas, and improved infrastructure.
The runway has been extended from 2,450 metres to 3,000 metres, while its width has been increased to accommodate larger aircraft. A new 160,000-square-metre apron was also built, allowing up to 44 aircraft to park simultaneously.
The airport now includes upgraded lighting systems, navigation facilities, taxiways, and aviation infrastructure that meet international standards.
A new state guesthouse covering 4,800 square metres and a parking area for 310 vehicles were also constructed to support official visits and diplomatic traffic.
Erdogan said the airport is now capable of handling wide-body aircraft and official government flights, making it an important addition to Türkiye’s aviation network.
The opening also included the launch of the 140-metre-long Baskent Aviation Bridge, built over a high-speed railway line, along with newly developed access roads.
Erdogan said the bridge was completed using advanced construction methods, further strengthening the connection between the airport and Ankara’s urban transport system.
He added that Türkiye’s airports handled millions of passengers during the recent nine-day holiday period, with Esenboğa Airport ranking among the country’s busiest aviation hubs.
According to Erdogan, Esenboga’s annual passenger capacity has grown significantly over the past two decades, and the opening of Ankara Airport will help reduce pressure on existing transport routes.
The ceremony concluded with the official inauguration of Ankara Airport, the Başkent Aviation Bridge, and the surrounding road network, marking a new phase in Türkiye’s aviation and diplomatic infrastructure development.