Wednesday, 23 July 2025

Istanbul Airport Becomes Europe’s Busiest with New Runway System

Published: Saturday, May 10, 2025
Istanbul Airport Becomes Europe’s Busiest with New Runway System

During the week of April 21 to April 27, 2025, Istanbul Airport claimed the title of Europe’s busiest airport, a feat largely attributed to a recent major upgrade in its runway operations. Data released by The European Organization for the Safety of Air Navigation (EUROCONTROL) revealed that the airport managed an average of 1,482 flights per day, outpacing other leading European airports such as Amsterdam Schiphol and London Heathrow.

This surge in activity followed the introduction of Europe’s first triple independent runway system on April 17, 2025. This innovative setup allows three runways to be used simultaneously for takeoffs and landings, boosting the airport’s hourly flight capacity from 120 to 148 movements. The new system not only reduces aircraft waiting times and delays but also cuts down on taxiing times, helping to lower carbon emissions and promote more environmentally friendly operations.

The implementation of this advanced runway configuration was a coordinated effort involving multiple stakeholders, including İGA Istanbul Airport, the State Airports Authority (DHMI), the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM), Turkish Airlines, and EUROCONTROL. To prepare for this change, over 500 air traffic controllers completed more than 4,500 hours of intensive training focused on managing the new airspace layout safely and efficiently.

The system is supported by state-of-the-art radar technology and integrated with Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) tools, which enhance runway utilization and improve flight scheduling accuracy.

The launch event featured a symbolic simultaneous takeoff of three Turkish Airlines flights, attended by Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, who emphasized the strategic significance of this development in elevating Istanbul Airport’s global standing. Turkish Airlines Chairman Prof. Ahmet Bolat also praised the upgrade, highlighting its potential to improve flight punctuality and support the airline’s expansion plans.

This operational advancement aligns with Istanbul Airport’s long-term goal of accommodating up to 200 million passengers annually. In 2024, the airport already served around 80 million travelers, making it one of Europe’s busiest hubs after London Heathrow. The increased runway capacity is expected to enhance both passenger and cargo throughput, stimulate tourism and business travel, and generate substantial economic benefits. Additionally, the environmental improvements resulting from reduced fuel consumption and emissions underscore the airport’s commitment to sustainable growth.

The enhanced efficiency at Istanbul Airport is also anticipated to have positive ripple effects across European airspace by easing congestion and improving overall traffic flow. This milestone sets a new standard for airport operations and positions Istanbul as a leading example of innovation in the global aviation industry.

In essence, Istanbul Airport’s emergence as Europe’s busiest airport during this period is closely linked to the successful deployment of its pioneering triple independent runway system, which has significantly expanded its operational capacity, improved passenger experience, and reinforced its role as a major international aviation hub.

Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport Crowned World’s Most Punctual Airport for June 2025

Published: Monday, July 21, 2025

Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) has once again achieved a major milestone, earning the distinction of being the world’s most punctual airport in June 2025 with an impressive on-time performance rate of 90.41%. This recognition was announced by Cirium, a global leader in aviation analytics, reinforcing KKIA’s reputation for operational excellence and reliability on the international stage.

Third Top Ranking in 2025

This marks the third time in 2025 that KKIA has secured the number one global ranking for punctuality, having previously attained this accolade in March and April. Such consistency underlines KKIA's commitment to maintaining world-class standards in flight operations and passenger experience.

Cirium Report and Methodology

Cirium compiles its punctuality rankings through a comprehensive analysis of data from airlines, air traffic control systems, and airport feeds across the globe. The rankings reflect the proportion of flights departing or arriving within 15 minutes of their scheduled times—a widely accepted industry standard. This robust methodology guarantees transparency and accuracy, providing a valuable benchmark for industry stakeholders and travelers alike.

Saudi Vision 2030 and Aviation Strategy

KKIA’s consistent top performance aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s ambitious strategy to transform its aviation sector and cement Riyadh as a top-tier logistics and travel hub. Ongoing investments in new infrastructure, enhancements in efficiency, and elevated customer service standards have all contributed to this achievement.

Additional 2025 Milestones and Recognitions

  • Skytrax 2025 Awards: KKIA climbed to 24th place globally in the Skytrax World Airport Awards, an 11-position improvement, becoming the highest-ranking Saudi airport ever. The airport also received honors for “Best Airport Staff in the Middle East,” third globally for the “Best New Terminal,” and fourth for airports in the 30–40 million passengers category.

  • Environmental Leadership: Earlier in 2025, KKIA became the first airport in Saudi Arabia to reach Level 4 Transformation under the Airport Carbon Accreditation program, marking a significant step toward sustainability and a commitment to reach net zero emissions by 205010.

  • Expanding Connectivity: 2025 saw the launch of direct flights from Virgin Atlantic and US-Bangla Airlines, strengthening air links between Riyadh and key international destinations such as Toronto and Dhaka, further cementing KKIA's role as a global gateway.

  • Domestic Excellence: KKIA maintained top rankings within Saudi Arabia for passenger traffic and flight punctuality, driven by ongoing modernization and expanded passenger services.

Saudi Airlines Also Excel

In June 2025, Saudia was named the world’s most punctual airline, with a 91.33% on-time arrival rate and a 90.69% on-time departure rate, according to Cirium. Saudia’s low-cost carrier, flyadeal, led the Middle East and Africa with a 91.77% punctuality rate, adding further prestige to Saudi Arabia’s aviation achievements.

Istanbul and Chicago Airports Become Sister Airports to Boost Global Travel

Published: Saturday, July 05, 2025
Istanbul and Chicago Airports Become Sister Airports to Boost Global Travel

iGA Istanbul Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport have formalized a Sister Airport agreement, uniting two of the world’s most prominent aviation hubs in a partnership designed to foster collaboration and innovation across multiple facets of airport operations. The agreement was signed during a ceremony at O’Hare’s Terminal 5 on June 20, 2025, attended by executives from both airports and Türkiye’s Consul General in Chicago, Tahir Bora Atatanır.

The partnership aims to facilitate joint projects in airport management, operations, customer service, planning, and sustainability, reflecting the shared commitment to advancing global connectivity and excellence in passenger experience.

Selahattin Bilgen, CEO of iGA Istanbul Airport, highlighted the strategic importance of this alliance for expanding iGA’s presence in North America and strengthening its global network. He noted that the cooperation is expected to yield mutual benefits in both passenger and cargo transportation, leveraging the airports’ roles as major international gateways.

iGA Istanbul Airport, ranked the seventh busiest in the world by passenger numbers in 2024 and the ninth by aircraft movements, serves as Türkiye’s largest airport and a major hub for Turkish Airlines, offering nonstop service to over 330 destinations—including 14 in the United States. Similarly, O’Hare is recognized as the best-connected airport in the United States and a critical hub for Star Alliance carriers.

The agreement is particularly significant given the strong business and cultural ties between Chicago and Istanbul. The Chicago metropolitan area is home to approximately 5,000 Turkish nationals, with over 20 Turkish investors and 12 Turkish firms operating in the city, while eight Chicago-based companies maintain a presence in Türkiye. This partnership is expected to further enhance trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two cities.

Michael J. McMurray, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation, emphasized that the Sister Airport agreement will elevate bilateral relations between the United States and Türkiye and help maintain Chicago’s status as a global transportation hub. The partnership is also supported by World Business Chicago, whose President & CEO, Phil Clement, underscored the unique position of Istanbul as a city bridging Europe and Asia, and the value of deepening international ties for Chicago’s diverse economy and global reach.

The Sister Airport agreement establishes joint working groups focused on sharing best practices in airport management, customer service, planning, operations, and sustainable development. This is iGA Istanbul Airport’s first such partnership in the Americas, complementing its existing alliances with major airports in Asia and Europe, including Incheon, Beijing, Shanghai, and Copenhagen.

For the Chicago Department of Aviation, this marks its tenth Sister Airport agreement, further expanding its international network.

Both airports anticipate that the collaboration will position them to capitalize on growing passenger and cargo volumes, reinforcing their roles as vital nodes in the global aviation network and setting a foundation for ongoing innovation and connectivity

Sharjah Airport prepares for summer rush, expects to handle over 800,000 passengers

Published: Thursday, July 03, 2025
Sharjah Airport prepares for summer rush, expects to handle over 800,000 passengers

Sharjah Airport has announced its full readiness to accommodate the significant increase in passenger traffic expected during the peak summer travel season. From July 1 to 15, 2025, the airport anticipates welcoming over 800,000 travelers, reflecting a substantial rise compared to previous years. This surge is driven by increased tourism, holiday travel, and business activities in the region.

To manage this influx, the Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA) has implemented a comprehensive operational plan developed in collaboration with airlines, ground handling companies, security agencies, and health authorities. The plan focuses on enhancing passenger experience by streamlining check-in, security screening, and boarding processes. Additional counters and staff have been deployed to reduce wait times, while advanced biometric and automated systems are being utilized to expedite passenger flow.

Customer service teams are working tirelessly around the clock to provide assistance, answer inquiries, and guide passengers through the airport’s smart services and innovative technologies, such as contactless check-in kiosks and real-time flight information displays. The airport has also expanded its lounge capacities and improved amenities to ensure comfort during waiting periods.

In line with global health and safety standards, Sharjah Airport continues to enforce rigorous sanitation protocols, including frequent cleaning of high-touch areas and mandatory mask policies where applicable. Health screening procedures remain in place, and the airport has coordinated with local health authorities to facilitate COVID-19 testing and vaccination verification as required by destination countries.

Security measures have been upgraded to incorporate the latest technologies and intelligence-sharing practices, ensuring passenger safety without compromising efficiency. The airport’s infrastructure has been enhanced to support the increased traffic, including expanded parking facilities and improved ground transportation links to and from the airport.

Passengers are strongly advised to arrive at least three hours before their scheduled departure to allow sufficient time for check-in and security procedures. It is also recommended that travelers verify their flight details and any travel advisories directly with their airlines prior to arriving at the airport, as schedules may be subject to change during this busy period.

The Sharjah Airport Authority remains committed to delivering the highest standards of service and safety, reinforcing Sharjah Airport’s status as a key regional and international travel hub. Continuous monitoring and adjustments will be made throughout the peak season to maintain operational excellence and ensure a smooth travel experience for all passengers. For further information and updates, travelers can visit the official Sharjah Airport website or contact their airline customer service centers.

Cairo Airport Customs Faces Allegations of Money Demands: Extortion or Unclear Regulations?

Published: Thursday, July 03, 2025
Cairo Airport Customs Faces Allegations of Money Demands: Extortion or Unclear Regulations?

Allegations of extortion by customs officials at Cairo International Airport have intensified as travelers continue to report being pressured for cash payments under questionable circumstances. In a recent widely discussed incident, a young woman arriving from the United Arab Emirates was stopped for carrying a personal smartphone, a personal tablet, and a second Wi-Fi-only tablet.

Officials claimed she was in violation of import rules and demanded 3,500 Egyptian pounds (around $70) in cash, providing no receipt or documentation. She complied out of fear and intimidation.

Such incidents are not isolated. Multiple travelers have described similar experiences, often involving intimidation and demands for cash without any official paperwork, particularly targeting those unfamiliar with Egyptian customs procedures. Some have resorted to hiring local guides or “meet and greet” services to avoid such encounters, indicating that these practices are a well-known risk at Cairo airport.

The issue is part of a broader pattern of corruption within Egypt’s customs administration, which is considered a high-risk sector for bribery, extortion, and irregular payments. Businesses and individuals frequently report facing demands for unofficial payments during import and export procedures, with customs corruption cited as a significant barrier to trade and efficiency in Egypt.

This environment of corruption is reflected in Egypt’s ranking of 130 out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, placing it firmly in the “red zone” for widespread corruption.

Recent anti-corruption efforts by Egyptian authorities have led to the arrest of customs officials and airport employees involved in smuggling and bribery rings. In April 2025, the Administrative Control Authority arrested several Cairo airport customs officials and EgyptAir employees for their roles in a network smuggling illegal medications and accepting bribes from pharmaceutical companies.

Authorities seized EGP 6 million worth of illegal drugs and referred the detained officials to prosecution. These actions highlight ongoing attempts to address corruption, but also underscore how deeply entrenched such practices have become.

Transparency advocates have called for tighter oversight and the use of advanced technologies to monitor financial transactions and improve accountability. Despite more than 26 regulatory bodies tasked with combating corruption, the persistence of such incidents at the airport and beyond shows that enforcement remains inconsistent and often ineffective.

The cumulative effect of these scandals is damaging Egypt’s reputation as a tourist and business destination, with many travelers expressing reluctance to return after negative experiences at the airport. The situation is further complicated by reports of systematic bribery at other border crossings and within other government sectors, reinforcing the perception that corruption in Egypt is both widespread and deeply institutionalized

Istanbul Airports Handle Nearly 50 Million Passengers in Just Five Months, Reflecting Aviation Boom

Published: Sunday, June 29, 2025
Istanbul Airports Handle Nearly 50 Million Passengers in Just Five Months, Reflecting Aviation Boom

Istanbul’s airports have solidified their status as global aviation powerhouses, handling a combined total of nearly 50 million passengers in the first five months of 2025, marking a 5% year-on-year increase and adding over 2.5 million more travelers than during the same period in 2024. This robust performance is driven by both Istanbul Airport, which processed approximately 31.9 million passengers (6.4 million domestic and 25.5 million international), and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, which accommodated about 18.05 million passengers (7.75 million domestic and nearly 10.3 million international).

Sabiha Gökçen Airport, in particular, has demonstrated remarkable growth, recording an 11% year-on-year increase in total passengers and a 20% surge in international travelers for the January–May 2025 period. This makes it one of the fastest-growing airports in Europe, with its strong international performance outpacing many of its regional peers. In contrast, Istanbul Airport saw a slight decrease in domestic traffic (down 4%) but a notable 4% rise in international passengers compared to the previous year.

The surge in passenger numbers is mirrored by an uptick in flight activity. Istanbul Airport operated 212,978 flights in the first five months of 2025, up from 207,854 in the same period in 2024, while Sabiha Gökçen handled 105,278 flights. These figures highlight the airports’ advanced infrastructure and operational efficiency, which are capable of supporting high passenger volumes and complex logistics.

Ground transport connectivity further enhances the airports’ attractiveness. Sabiha Gökçen is well-served by the M4 metro line, which now connects directly to the airport, and additional rail projects are underway to improve links to the city’s wider metropolitan area and high-speed rail networks. Istanbul Airport, meanwhile, offers extensive road and public transport connections, making it a convenient hub for both local and international travelers.

The sustained growth at Istanbul’s airports is also a reflection of Turkey’s expanding aviation sector, with national carriers and international airlines increasing their operations. The city’s strategic location as a bridge between Europe and Asia, combined with world-class facilities and efficient services, continues to attract a diverse mix of business, leisure, and transit passengers. This upward trajectory is expected to continue, reinforcing Istanbul’s role as a leading global aviation center.