Istanbul Airport handled a record 290,287 passengers and 1,739 flights on Aug. 16, setting new all-time daily records for both passenger traffic and aircraft movements, Turkish authorities said.

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu announced the figures on social media, describing the achievement as a record not only for Türkiye but also for Europe.

According to the minister, the airport welcomed 290,287 passengers and managed 1,739 arrivals and departures in a single day, surpassing its previous daily highs.

Growing role as a global aviation hub

Uraloğlu said Istanbul Airport has continued to break its own operational records as international travel demand grows, reinforcing its position as one of the world's leading aviation hubs.

Since opening in 2018, the airport has steadily expanded its route network and passenger capacity, becoming Turkish Airlines' main hub and one of Europe's busiest airports for international traffic.

The latest milestone highlights Istanbul Airport's increasing importance in global air transport, supported by its strategic location linking Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.(ILKHA)