Sabiha Gökçen Activates Renovated Terminal to Meet Rising Passenger Demand

The first phase of the renovation project at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport’s Terminal 1 has officially entered service, marking a new stage in the airport’s capacity expansion and infrastructure upgrade.

Under the project, the renovated Terminal 1 has been brought back into operation as a satellite terminal, integrated with Terminal 2 via a dedicated connecting bridge. The step is intended to ease operational pressure and support sustained growth in passenger traffic at one of Türkiye’s busiest aviation hubs.

According to official statements, the reopening of Terminal 1’s first phase provides an additional 5.5 million passengers in annual capacity, raising Sabiha Gökçen Airport’s overall capacity toward 50 million passengers per year. The renovation includes upgraded passenger areas, modernised technical infrastructure, and operational improvements aimed at increasing efficiency.

The development comes against the backdrop of a record year for air travel in Istanbul. In 2025, the city’s two major airports together handled 132 million passengers, underlining the scale of demand driving ongoing infrastructure investments.

Officials from the Transport and Infrastructure Ministry have described the project as part of a broader effort to align airport capacity with rising domestic and international traffic. Further phases of the renovation are expected to expand service areas and operational capabilities, depending on demand trends and scheduling needs.

Located on Istanbul’s Asian side, Sabiha Gökçen International Airport has experienced steady passenger growth in recent years, supported in particular by low-cost carriers and expanding international routes. The phased reopening of Terminal 1 is seen as a practical step to accommodate near-term demand while longer-term planning continues.