Daily passenger count at Sabiha Gökçen Airport exceeds 180,000 for the first time

İstanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport has broken a new daily passenger record during the peak of the summer season. On Sunday, August 16, 2026, 958 flights were operated at the airport, with total passenger traffic reaching 180,914.

This marks the first time the daily passenger count at the airport has exceeded the 180,000 threshold. New peaks were also recorded on the same day in categories including international arrivals and departures, domestic arrivals and departures, and international flight traffic.

On the record-breaking day, the number of aircraft served via passenger boarding bridges also reached an all-time high. The previous daily record of 212 aircraft was surpassed as 218 aircraft were serviced on August 16.

EMPHASIS ON OPERATIONAL COORDINATION

The coordination between the terminal operator ISG and the airport authority HEAŞ was highlighted in managing the high traffic volume. It was noted that ISG manages passenger flow, security, cleaning, and guidance processes, while HEAŞ teams maintain operations related to air traffic, the apron, runways, airfield activities, and site safety.

İstanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport CEO Hanita Ahmad described the crossing of the 180,000 passenger threshold as an indicator of the strong demand for the airport and its operational capacity.

''Surpassing the 180,000 threshold in daily passenger traffic for the first time on August 16 is a clear indicator of the strong demand for Sabiha Gökçen and our seamless operational capability.''

Ahmad stated that in addition to managing high capacity, they are focused on maintaining a passenger-oriented service approach and the goal of a “flawless customer experience.” Thanking her teams, business partners, passengers, and public institutions that support the continuity of operations, Ahmad noted that Sabiha Gökçen will continue to grow with the vision of being a regional transfer hub.

It was noted that the airport is strengthening Istanbul's strategic role in air transport with its expanding connection network, additional boarding gates added through T1 integration, and increased passenger capacity.