Turkey has officially reopened Ankara Airport following an extensive modernization project completed ahead of the NATO Summit scheduled to take place in the Turkish capital on 7 and 8 July.
The upgraded airport is expected to play a key role in handling official delegations, international events and state visits while helping ease pressure on Ankara EsenboÄŸa Airport, which currently manages both domestic and international commercial traffic.
Airport Prepared For NATO Delegations
According to Turkish authorities, the airport will serve as a dedicated gateway for visiting delegations attending the NATO Summit, improving logistics and security arrangements during the high-profile gathering.
A new three-kilometer connecting road has been constructed to provide direct access between the airport and the city, forming part of a wider 12.5-kilometer transport corridor linking the facility with central Ankara.
Officials say the new infrastructure will allow delegates and official visitors to travel quickly and efficiently between the airport and summit venues.
Modernization Completed In Just 230 Days
The project was completed in a record 230 days, transforming the historic airport into a modern facility capable of handling larger aircraft and international government traffic.
The redevelopment included a significant expansion of the runway, which was extended from 2,450 meters to 3,000 meters. The runway width was also increased from 42 meters to 60 meters, allowing the airport to accommodate a broader range of aircraft types.
Additional infrastructure improvements include the construction of two turning pads with a combined area of 15,000 square meters and a new apron covering 160,000 square meters.
Capacity Increased For Widebody Aircraft
The enlarged apron allows up to 44 aircraft to be parked simultaneously, significantly increasing operational capacity and supporting large-scale international events.
With the runway upgrades now complete, Ankara Airport is capable of receiving widebody aircraft and handling official government flights, enhancing its role within Turkey’s aviation infrastructure.
The project also included the construction of a 4,800-square-meter state guest house and an open-air parking facility with capacity for 310 vehicles.
