Ataturk International Cargo Airport, Istanbul
Ataturk International Cargo Airport Istanbul (ISL) is Turkey’s chief cargo port, and it was followed by the transfer of commercial passenger operations to the new Istanbul Airport in 2019. Initially serving as Yesilkoy Airport in 1933, it was named after Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in the 1980s. Atatürk Cargo Airport formerly served as Turkey’s primary air freight and logistics hub. Located on Istanbul’s European side, it remained a dominant cargo center until the opening of the new Istanbul Airport. Despite its proximity to the commercial passenger terminal, authorities continued its operation because of its strategic location, high capacity, and extensive infrastructure. TAV Airports Holding operates the airport and has equipped the specialised cargo terminals with temperature-controlled cold storage, customs facilities, and modern warehouses that support industries such as electronics, automotive, and pharmaceuticals.
Furthermore, it facilitates international freight operations and assists domestic freight transfers. It is a significant contributor to Turkey’s import-export economy. The airport’s strong road links and closeness to industrial zones make it a key part of Turkey’s logistics network. Its global connectivity, reliability, and advanced infrastructure ensure smooth and efficient cargo operations. This blog covers the airport’s contribution, key benchmarks, strategic location, challenges, and other important aspects of Ataturk International Cargo Airport in Istanbul.
Strategic Location
Istanbul Ataturk Cargo Airport is strategically placed 16 km west of central Istanbul in Yesilkoy. It is a section of the trade line between Europe and Asia. Its closeness to the chief road and metro links boosts connectivity.
Evolution of Istanbul Ataturk Cargo Airport
Initially, it served primarily as a military airfield. However, before the first dedicated freighter began operating in 1969, the airport had already started evolving. Over time, it gradually transitioned into a key cargo hub, marking a significant shift in its role and importance. 2015, the new cargo terminal with temperature control and ULD was launched. In 2019, Ataturk operated as a general and cargo hub after moving passenger operations to IST.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Ataturk Cargo Airport in Istanbul is an air freight hub with modern infrastructure and advanced amenities, ensuring efficient cargo handling logistics for an array of cargo. Below are some key features of the leading cargo airport in Istanbul, Turkey.
Cargo Terminal & Handling Capacity
In 2015, Turkish Cargo Airlines built a dedicated terminal of 43,000 m² with the potential to handle 1.2 million tonnes annually. This terminal involved a specialised 3000 m² for special cargo and 400 m² for ULD storage. Furthermore, it also featured 39 dedicated storage zones for handling time-sensitive, perishable, and dangerous goods, ensuring the safe transport of such cargo. In addition, in 2013, the airport launched a 10,500 m² facility to handle 333 ULDs. This facility included temperature-controlled storage and reliable power backup systems. As a result, Ataturk significantly enhanced its capacity to manage specialized cargo efficiently and safely.
Infrastructure & Handling Systems
The Istanbul Atatürk Cargo airport encompasses a Havas steel-frame intermodal storage amenity connecting the apron to truck movement.
Constructors built the airport between 2010 and 2013.In addition, Turkish Technic operates four expansive hangars covering 173,025 m², supporting MRO services for up to 15 narrow-body aircraft at the same time. Moreover, these facilities enhance the airport’s technical capabilities and operational readiness. As a result, Atatürk strengthens its position as a vital hub for both cargo and aircraft maintenance in the region.
Connectivity & Support
the port ensures a smooth apron to road potential through onsite trick handling, integrated customs facilities, and cold-chain systems. Planners strategically positioned the M1 metro line near the cargo terminal to ensure efficient access for crew and logistics. With all these features, Ataturk Cargo Airport operated as a high-volume logistics hub until authorities shifted cargo operations to the new Istanbul Airport’s SmartIST complex in early 2022.
Benchmarks & Capacity
As reported, Istanbul Cargo Airport Ataturk, Turkey, handled ~830,000 tonnes; in 2016, it depicted growth to 1.2 million tonnes. Between 2019 and 2022, Ataturk handled 2.5 million tonnes of cargo as part of dual hub operations. During this period, despite the shift of passenger flights, the airport maintained significant cargo activity. Moreover, this volume highlights Ataturk’s continued relevance and strategic role in Turkey’s air freight network.
Challenges & Limitations Hampering the growth of Ataturk airport
- Limited space for expansion- Due to being hemmed in by the development of the city and the Marmara Sea, the International Cargo airport of Atatürk lacks prospects for expansion.
- The hurdles of transition – Shifting millions of tonnes of cargo through tonnes of equipment and operations poses hurdles to Istanbul Airport.
Economic Impact & Beneficiaries
The Turkish cargo airport in Istanbul has played a crucial role in lifting and strengthening its economy. The airport facilitates international networking with over 260 destinations in almost 108 nations. Moreover, the port has carved the way for safe and smooth transportation of time-sensitive, perishable, high- value and hazardous cargo. In addition to the international market, the regional logistics market has benefitted profoundly from the international cargo airport.
Future Outlook
Ataturk Cargo Airport has transformed into a new air freight hub from its traditional freight setup and operations. The efforts are to improve the efficiency of the airport with improved and innovative infrastructure. Simultaneously, it aims to become the smartest mega-hub. The rest of the runways continue supporting general aviation, VIP flights, air ambulances, and air fairs.
Authorities are transforming a significant section of the airport ground into the Atatürk Airport National Garden to promote the green movement and protect the environment. They are also creating recreational spots for passengers and launching more initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and safeguard the environment. Additionally, they are converting former terminals into Terminal Istanbul.
Summary
Ataturk Cargo Airport, Istanbul, indicates the transformation from a traditional airport to a dedicated cargo hub laden with high technology. It was a key logistics hub with high-volume capacity airfreight with generation-next cargo handling facility, storage, and customs. Despite relocating passenger flights to the new Istanbul Airport, authorities continued cargo operations at Ataturk until 2022. Currently, they are repurposing the site for public use as a national park and a technology centre. This transition laid the foundation for the advanced SmartIST cargo facility at Istanbul Airport.
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