Turkish Airlines has unveiled a major investment programme worth more than TRY 100 billion, aimed at strengthening Türkiye’s aviation infrastructure and reinforcing the carrier’s global competitiveness.
Groundbreaking ceremonies have been held for eight new facilities across several locations, primarily at Istanbul Airport, the home base of the national flag carrier. The projects form part of Turkish Airlines’ long-term 2033 vision and represent one of the most significant aviation investment initiatives in the country’s history.
The ceremony at Istanbul Airport was attended by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Türkiye Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee Prof. Ahmet Bolat, alongside senior executives from the airline and its subsidiaries, as well as key figures from the Turkish aviation sector.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Türkiye Abdulkadir Uraloğlu said the investments would mark a new milestone for the country’s aviation ambitions. He stated "With a breakthrough that will leave its mark on the skies, opening a new page at the pinnacle of aviation, and further strengthening the wings of our national flag carrier, we will make a determined and ambitious start to 2026. These eight projects’ foundations we are laying today are strong steps taken towards Turkish Airlines' magnificent rise and its goal of becoming the world's number one airline. With the second phase of the air cargo terminal SmartIST underway, the facility's usage area will increase.
"The cargo handling capacity, currently at 2.2 million tons, will rise to 4.5 million tons, propelling Turkish Cargo to global leadership. These projects will further strengthen not only Turkish Airlines' wings but also those of Türkiye's economy. Within the scope of these major investments totaling TRY 100 billion, 26,000 new job opportunities will be generated in 2026, and our aviation ecosystem will continue to grow."
Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee Prof. Ahmet Bolat said the initiative goes beyond fleet expansion to build the infrastructure required for sustainable growth. He commented "In line with our 2033 targets, we are developing not only our fleet but also the robust infrastructure that will allow us to fully utilize this fleet. This investment initiative, exceeding TRY 100 billion and spanning from our cargo operations to our technical maintenance capacity, from our catering centers to integrated operational solutions, strengthens our global competitiveness and is a concrete evidence of our vision to make Türkiye one of the world's foremost aviation hubs. These investments, which will provide 26,000 new jobs in 2026, will increase to 36,000 when all phases are completed.
"With these steps, we are building not only facilities but also an ecosystem for the future of our country's economy and aviation sector. Today, our company's contribution to our country's economy is USD 65 billion, and when we reach our 2033 goals, this figure will reach USD 144 billion."
As part of the investment programme, Turkish Airlines is rolling out a series of large-scale projects designed to maintain global leadership across cargo, technical maintenance and catering operations. These include the SmartIST Phase 2 project, which will become one of the world’s largest air cargo centres with an annual capacity of 4.5 million tonnes, scheduled for phased completion between 2027 and 2028.
The airline is also developing a new main catering facility, expected to be among the world’s largest inflight catering centres, with the capacity to serve more than 500,000 passengers per day once operational in the 2027–2028 period.
In technical maintenance, the Turkish Technic Engine Maintenance Centre is set for completion in 2027 and will rank among Europe’s largest next-generation aircraft engine maintenance facilities, capable of servicing Trent XWB-84, Trent XWB-97 and Trent 7000 Rolls-Royce engines. Additional aircraft maintenance hangars planned for completion in 2026 will enable simultaneous maintenance of 12 aircraft, increasing current maintenance capacity by an average of 20%.
Other key investments include an e-commerce complex scheduled to enter service in 2026, supporting Turkish Airlines’ logistics and digital transformation strategy through Widect, its new-generation “door-to-door integrated cargo solutions” model. An Istanbul Data Centre, planned for the 2027–2028 period, will provide a high-security digital backbone for operational continuity and advanced data management.
Human capital development also features prominently, with a Flight Training Centre (Phase 1) planned for 2026–2027, alongside an additional crew terminal building scheduled for completion in 2026 to support expanding operational volumes and improve coordination between ground services, maintenance and flight operations.
Together, these investments underpin an integrated growth model that enhances operational capacity, technical infrastructure and digital capabilities, supporting Turkish Airlines’ ambition to operate one of the world’s five largest fleets as it approaches its centennial.
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