In July 2025, Istanbul Airport was officially ranked as the most connected local transfer hub in Turkey, according to Airports Council International’s (ACI) annual connectivity report. With a 59% increase in domestic flight connectivity compared to the previous year, Istanbul Airport now connects travelers to more than 130 cities across the country, making it the top choice for domestic transfers.

ACI Names Istanbul Airport the Local Leader

ACI’s 2025 report analyzed over 3,000 global airports to measure how effectively they connect passengers to other cities within their countries. Istanbul Airport came out on top in Turkey, outperforming all other local hubs. The report highlighted Istanbul’s impressive growth in scheduled domestic flights, frequency of connections, and overall transfer efficiency.

Istanbul Airport Crowned

What This Means for Passengers

Thanks to Istanbul Airport’s central location and modern terminal design, travelers moving between Turkish cities benefit from short connection times and reliable departures. The airport is served by leading carriers including Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, and AnadoluJet, offering multiple daily flights to cities like Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, and Trabzon.

Passengers can also take advantage of services like Fast Track, Meet & Greet, and baggage assistance, features that make short layovers less stressful and more convenient.

Domestic Travel Gets a Boost

This achievement is not just a win for the airport, but for domestic tourism as well. With round-trip tickets starting at approximately ₺1,500 ($46 USD), travelers now have more flexibility and affordable options to explore Turkey’s regions.

Increased flight availability encourages more frequent travel between cities for both leisure and business, helping support local economies.

Expanding Turkey’s Travel Network

By the end of 2025, Istanbul Airport is expected to surpass 76 million annual passengers. As the country’s most connected airport, it will continue to play a key role in supporting regional growth and shaping the future of domestic air travel in Turkey.