Çukurova International Airport Opened Today

Çukurova International Airport in Mersin Opened with an Annual Passenger Capacity of 9 Million

The Çukurova International Airport in Mersin, Turkey, opened today, on 10th of August 2024. Marking an important development for the region, the new airport is the second-largest in Turkey after Istanbul Airport and is expected to significantly boost the investment potential and tourism appeal of Mersin and the surrounding areas.

Key Features and Specifications

• Annual Passenger Capacity: The airport is designed to handle 9 million passengers per year.
• Terminal Area: The terminal building spans 110,000 square meters, providing ample space for passengers and operations.
• Main Runway: The runway measures 3,500 meters in length and 60 meters in width, allowing it to accommodate large, wide-body jets.
• Apron Capacity: The airport features an apron that can accommodate up to 48 aircraft, including a dedicated cargo apron of 62,000 square meters.

Strategic Importance

According to Turkey's Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, Çukurova Airport will serve as a key gateway to Middle Eastern countries. The airport is expected to facilitate quicker and more efficient transportation of goods, enabling local businesses to integrate into global supply chains more effectively. There are plans to launch flights to Ercan Airport in Northern Cyprus, which will further strengthen connections between regions.

Economic and Regional Impact

The airport is anticipated to be a major driver of economic growth for Mersin, Adana, and neighboring provinces. By improving access to international markets and attracting more tourists, the airport will bring significant economic benefits to the region. The new airport is expected to create direct and indirect employment opportunities for around 3,000 people, further boosting the local economy. The increased accessibility is likely to raise the attractiveness of Mersin as a destination for investors and tourists.

Future Prospects

The opening of Çukurova Airport is expected to shift some of the passenger traffic from other major Turkish airports, such as those in Antalya and Alanya, to Mersin. Currently, Mersin is already popular among foreign property buyers, offering relatively affordable housing compared to other Mediterranean destinations. However, the opening of the new airport could lead to a surge in property prices.

Broader Impact

The Çukurova Airport is set to play a significant role in Turkey’s international trade and tourism. As a major cargo hub, it enables faster and more efficient transportation of goods, helping local businesses to expand their reach and compete in global markets. The airport's strategic location and facilities create a positive effect on the region's economic prospects, making Mersin a key player in Turkey's economic development.

Şakirpaşa Airport Will Continue Serving Turkish Aviation

President Erdoğan stated that Şakirpaşa Airport will continue to serve Turkish aviation by taking on various roles. He explained that in addition to commercial flights, the airport will be used for training flights, firefighting aircraft, and aviation activities involving drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). He emphasized that while Çukurova will be used for commercial flights, Şakirpaşa will be utilized for training, disaster response, and security-related operations.