Ankara: Ankara Airport opened in the Turkish capital on Monday, ahead of the NATO leaders' summit set for July 7-8. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that the new transport links will facilitate direct access for visiting delegations. The launch of the airport signifies a significant boost to Ankara's aviation and transport infrastructure, further preparing the city to host the international event.
According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan highlighted that the airport and related infrastructure were completed in a rapid 230 days. The project includes a 12.5-kilometer connection road, comprising 6.5 kilometers of divided road and 6 kilometers of single-lane road, creating a robust transport network from Ankara Airport to the city center. This new airport marks the second in Ankara, alongside Esenboga Airport, which manages both domestic and international flights.
Erdogan emphasized Trkiye's growing role in international diplomacy, noting that Ankara's strategic location places it at the heart of 67 countries within a four-hour flight distance. He further stated that Trkiye is set to host several major international events in 2026, including the Zero Waste Forum and the 77th International Astronautical Congress. The country will also host the 13th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States and the COP31 climate summit in November.
The new Ankara Airport is equipped to handle wide-body aircraft and official flights, featuring an expanded runway, new aprons, modern taxiways, and upgraded infrastructure. The runway has been extended to 3,000 meters in length and widened to 60 meters, with modernized lighting systems and guidance signs in line with international standards. Other facilities include a new apron accommodating 44 aircraft and a state guesthouse with a 4,800-square-meter indoor area.
Additionally, the Baskent Aviation Bridge, a 140-meter-long structure built over a high-speed train line, was completed with innovative construction methods. The bridge's 10,000-ton deck was assembled in a manner not previously used in Trkiye.
During a recent holiday period, Trkiye's airports handled nearly 52,000 aircraft movements and served 7.6 million passengers. Esenboga Airport ranked as the country's fourth-busiest airport, with over 2,500 aircraft movements and 382,000 passengers. The opening of Ankara Airport aims to alleviate air and road traffic around Esenboga, enhancing the region's overall transport efficiency.
Erdogan's aircraft received a water salute upon arrival at Ankara Airport, followed by a formal opening ceremony for the airport, the Baskent Aviation Bridge, and the connection roads.