Türkiye Opens Second Ankara Airport Ahead Of NATO Summit

Türkiye inaugurated Ankara Airport on Monday, bringing a second civilian airport into operation in the capital weeks before the NATO summit scheduled for July 7-8.

The facility, operating under the code “ANK,” was officially opened by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Formerly known as the military-use Etimesgut Airport, it has been converted to serve both domestic and international flights following an eight-month modernization program.

Focus On NATO Summit Traffic

The airport is expected to play a key role during the NATO summit, which will bring world leaders and foreign delegations to Ankara.

Authorities say the facility will help manage increased diplomatic traffic while reducing pressure on Esenboga Airport, the capital’s primary gateway.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Erdogan said Ankara’s role in international diplomacy continues to grow.

“Ankara's importance in diplomatic traffic is increasing day by day. The circulation of foreign delegations coming to Ankara is also rising,” he said.

Expanded Infrastructure

The redevelopment included a significant expansion of the airport’s operational capacity.

The runway was extended from 2,450 meters to 3,000 meters and widened from 42 meters to 60 meters, allowing wide-body aircraft to operate at the facility.

Authorities also constructed two turning bays covering a combined 15,000 square meters and added a 160,000-square-meter apron with capacity for up to 44 aircraft at the same time.

Modernization Project

The overhaul included the reconstruction of taxiways, the addition of new parallel and connecting routes, upgraded lighting and navigation systems, and the renewal of mechanical, electrical and drainage infrastructure.

Officials said the upgrades were completed in line with international aviation standards.

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu previously said the airport would support both national and international operations while helping Ankara accommodate growing diplomatic and protocol-related travel.

Revival Of A Historic Facility

Erdogan described the project as the restoration of an aviation facility originally built in 1933.

“We not only brought a new project to our capital but also restored an important asset,” he said.

Additional infrastructure includes a 4,800-square-meter state guesthouse and an open parking area with capacity for 310 vehicles.

The president also noted that Türkiye recently hosted participants from 183 countries at a Zero Waste event and is preparing to welcome NATO leaders next month. He added that more than 51,962 flights and over 7 million passengers were served across the country during the recent nine-day holiday period.