Ankara: Trkiye's civil aviation fleet reached a total of 1,772 craft, including aircraft, helicopters, and gliders, by the end of the first half of the year. This expansion aligns with the country's efforts to accommodate the growing demand at major hubs like Istanbul, Ankara, and Antalya, known for being some of Europe's largest and busiest airports.

According to Anadolu Agency, Trkiye's number of airports increased to 60, with an annual passenger capacity reaching 400 million, elevating the country to a prominent position in global aviation. The daily flight count exceeded 6,800, reflecting the growth of the civil aviation fleet. The total number of aircraft, including hot air balloons, reached 2,300 by the end of June this year, compared to 2,116 as of June 2025.

The data highlighted that airlines possess the highest number of aircraft in Trkiye. Flag carrier Turkish Airlines, AJet, and Pegasus collectively own 846 aircraft, an increase from 751 in mid-2025. Aircraft registered to air taxi operators rose from 235 to 259, showcasing the growth in commercial air transport using aircraft with a maximum capacity of 19 seats.

Furthermore, the number of aircraft registered to general aviation operators, which perform passenger and cargo transport outside commercial air transport, increased from 595 to 632 in the same timeframe. However, the number of ultralight aircraft in general aviation operations slightly decreased from 36 to 35 by the end of June.

In addition, the number of hot air balloons, which contribute significantly to Turkish tourism, rose from 499 at the end of the first half of last year to 528 as of the end of June 2026. The Civil Aviation General Directorate categorizes hot air balloons as aircraft under its regulations.