Istanbul International Airport (IST) has recently released its sustainability report for 2024, in which it highlighted a commitment to environmental responsibility by reducing its carbon emissions as well as passenger satisfaction. Last year, Istanbul’s main airport welcomed more than 80 million passengers.
Facts and Figures
On a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the airport wrote:
FOCUS ON THE PLANET, TARGET THE FUTURE! 🌍
At iGA Istanbul Airport, we continue our journey toward a more resilient and sustainable future.
Our 2024 Sustainability Report highlights our commitment not only to environmental responsibility, but also to operational excellence,… pic.twitter.com/1zym9GJnWR
— iGA Istanbul Airport (@igairport) August 18, 2025The airport announced that they:
- Facilitated over 517,000 flights
- Welcomed 80 million passengers
- Invested €212 million [£183 million] in solar energy
- Reduced emissions by 10.5% compared to projections
- Achieved a 34% recycling rate
- Delivered over 20,000 training sessions with 95% satisfaction.”
According to the report, Istanbul International Airport is on track to employ 472,000 workers and contribute $44 billion USD (£32.6 billion), equal to 3.25% of Türkiye’s GDP.
Selahattin Bilgen, who has served as CEO of iGA Istanbul Airport since 2023, gave the following statement which appeared in the report:
“At iGA Istanbul Airport, we remain steadfast in our commitment to
operating in accordance with both national and international
standards. Guided by our vision, “Focus on the Planet, Target for the
Future,” we continuously strive to align our operations with the UN
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In pursuit of a more livable
world for future generations, we recognize our responsibility to
critically assess our practices, challenge our assumptions, and
advance purposefully.”
Progress Still to be Made
Despite the successes outlined in the report, the airport has also acknowledged the areas in which it must improve to meet both its own goals and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. For example, one area of concern in the report is targets for greenhouse gas emissions, and the risk of not meeting these targets. As the airport grows and hosts more airlines travelling to more destinations, the potential amount of carbon emissions will also increase. As the report states, meeting these targets depends on the willingness of airlines to adopt Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which may not be a priority for some airlines.
Another risk factor highlighted by the sustainability report is the potential for damage to the surrounding environment and its biodiversity; it states that “construction and operational activities at Istanbul Airport may lead to damage to plant life, disruption or fragmentation of
nearby terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, biodiversity loss, or the spread of invasive species.” However, the report also outlines ways to prevent or minimise this impact, such as protection of native plants, wildlife management, training and proper protocol for disposal of different types of waste and penalties for non-compliance.
Kaylon Holding, a Turkish construction firm, began construction on Istanbul International Airport in 2014 and completed it in 2018. It is now working on the rebuilding of Syria’s Damascus Airport.
Do you believe Istanbul International Airport, as well as other major airports around the world, are doing enough to show their environmental responsibility? Share your thoughts below.
