Turkey Sees Strong Passenger Growth – Holiday Regions Drive Demand - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Turkey Sees Strong Passenger Growth – Holiday Regions Drive Demand

Turkey

Turkey Sees Strong Passenger Growth – Holiday Regions Drive Demand

42.2 million travelers used Antalya, Izmir, Bodrum, and Dalaman airports in eight months

Turkey remains one of the most popular holiday destinations on the Mediterranean. In the first eight months of 2025, 162.6 million people traveled by air – an increase of 4.6 percent compared to the previous year. Growth was particularly strong in the country’s key tourist regions.

Holiday Destinations on the Rise

Between January and August, the major leisure airports of Antalya, Izmir, Dalaman, and Bodrum handled a combined 42.2 million passengers. Antalya led the way with 26.1 million travelers, underscoring its role as an international hub for sun and beach holidays. Izmir Adnan Menderes welcomed 8.3 million passengers, Dalaman 3.9 million, and Milas-Bodrum 3.1 million.

High Season Boost

In August alone, Turkish airports recorded 27.7 million passengers – a 9.7 percent increase compared to the same month last year. Antalya reported record figures during this period, driven largely by families and package holidaymakers filling flights to the Riviera and Aegean coast.

Istanbul as a Gateway

The two major airports in Istanbul continue to play a central role. From January to August, Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen together served more than 86 million passengers – accounting for over half of all air traffic in Turkey. Many international travelers begin their onward journeys to the country’s resort regions from here.