Ankara, January 3 - Turkish Airlines, Türkiye's flagship carrier, has unveiled an ambitious plan to construct the world's largest cargo hub with a staggering investment exceeding $2.3 billion. This landmark project, valued at 100 billion Turkish liras, encompasses the development of an unprecedented air cargo terminal alongside a state-of-the-art in-flight catering facility. Positioned to elevate Turkish Cargo's global standing, the initiative underscores the airline's commitment to expanding its air cargo operations and reinforcing Istanbul Airport as a premier international logistics gateway. By targeting enhanced cargo handling capacity, Turkish Airlines aims to capitalize on surging global demand for efficient air freight services, solidifying its role in connecting continents through advanced infrastructure.
The new cargo hub at Istanbul Airport is designed to set new benchmarks in scale and efficiency, promising to handle millions of tons of freight annually and outpace existing facilities worldwide. Integrated with a modern catering complex, the development will support Turkish Airlines' extensive network, serving over 350 destinations and transporting approximately 2 million tons of cargo each year. This strategic expansion aligns with the carrier's broader growth trajectory, including fleet modernization and increased freighter operations, positioning Turkish Cargo among the top global air cargo brands. The project's focus on cutting-edge technology and seamless logistics will facilitate faster transit times and greater reliability for shippers across e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and perishables sectors.
Economically, the $2.3 billion Turkish Airlines cargo hub investment is projected to generate 26,000 new jobs, boosting employment in aviation, logistics, and related industries. By enhancing Istanbul's status as a vital transcontinental hub bridging Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, the facility will drive trade flows and supply chain resilience. This development not only amplifies Turkish Airlines' competitive edge in the air cargo market but also contributes to Türkiye's economic momentum through heightened export-import activity and infrastructure advancement.
Ultimately, the world's largest cargo terminal initiative represents a pivotal step in Turkish Airlines' vision to dominate global air logistics by 2033. With Istanbul Airport already emerging as Europe's leading cargo handler, this mega cargo hub will further entrench the airline's leadership, offering unparalleled capacity and service excellence to international partners and customers seeking robust Turkish Cargo solutions.