Erdogan Trumpets Turkey's Clout at Gigantic New Airport Opening
- Project is one of the world’s ‘most prestigious,’ Erdogan says
- Istanbul airport would serve 200 million passengers by 2029
President Erdogan speaks during the opening ceremony on Oct. 29.
Photographer: Kostas Tsironis/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan opened one of the world’s largest airports on Monday, declaring completion of the first phase of construction a symbol of Turkey’s strength and resilience -- and a victory over forces he said are trying to sabotage its economy.
The new airport, located some 20 miles outside Istanbul on the coast of the Black Sea, will cover 76.5 million square meters (29.5 miles) upon completion -- a footprint larger than Manhattan. Its first three runways should be able to serve 100 million passengers annually in 2020, with a target of accommodating as many as 200 million on six runways by 2029.