Project Details Cost of construction: About $ 12 billion. One of the most expensive airport projects in the world, it was financed by a consortium of five Turkish companies, who won the tender in 2013 with a bid of $ 29 billion (without taxes) for a 25-year lease. The Turkish government also provided some financial support for the project. Contractor: A consortium of Cengiz, Mapa, Limak, Kolin and Kalyon companies Project commencement: May 2015 Project completion: Final phase of airport expansion is scheduled for 2027 when it will be able to accommodate nearly 200 million passengers per year. Specs and building materials: The main terminal has a gross floor area of approximately 1.4 million sq m and the satellite terminal covers an area of 170,000 sq m. The airport also features a 42-km-long baggage system, a 150,000 sq m ground services campus, and a 1.4 million sq m cargo city. The airport construction used about 350,000 tonne of iron and steel, 10,000 tonne of aluminium and 415,000 sq m of glass. The airport covers an area of about 76.5 million sq m, equivalent to 10,000 football fields. The airport has a roof area of about 450,000 sq m, equivalent to 63 Eiffel Towers. The airport has a total glass facade area of about 500,000 sq m, equivalent to eight Louvre pyramids.Vision, innovation and collaboration converge on a monumental scale in this marvel of engineering and construction, writes CÜNEYT YAVUZCAN, Consul General of Türkiye in Mumbai. Istanbul, the enchanting city straddling two continents, embodies a unique fusion of history and the future. This fusion is nowhere more evident than in the remarkable saga of the Istanbul New Airport, affectionately known as the Istanbul Grand Airport. It stands as a testament to human ingenuity, unwavering determination and exceptional engineering prowess. A monumental vision Nestled in the heart of Istanbul's Arnavutköy district, this multi-billion-dollar project sprawls across an astonishing 7,657 hectare (18,870 acre), firmly securing its place among the world's largest airport endeavours. However, what truly sets this airport apart is its audacious goal – to serve as the central hub for Turkish Airlines and regional carriers, with a capacity to cater to an astounding 200 million passengers annually. The scale and complexity of the Istanbul New Airport demonstrate the marvels of modern engineering. It boasts six expansive runways, four sprawling terminals and a remarkable ensemble of parking facilities and maintenance structures, representing the pinnacle of contemporary airport infrastructure. Beyond its grandeur, the airport's commitment to environmental sustainability is equally noteworthy. Features like rainwater harvesting, solar energy generation and energy-efficient lighting underscore its dedication to reducing its ecological footprint, setting a pioneering example for sustainable aviation infrastructure. A journey of challenges and triumphs The odyssey of the Istanbul New Airport commenced in 2014 and reached a historic milestone on October 29, 2018, with the inauguration of its initial phase. However, this monumental achievement was not without its formidable challenges. The site's rugged terrain and unpredictable weather conditions threatened to derail a project of such magnitude. The heart and soul of the Istanbul New Airport project lay in the unwavering spirit of its construction team. Their relentless commitment to translating a grand vision into reality exemplified the remarkable capacity of the human spirit for determination and resilience. Confronting daunting challenges daily, often working in challenging conditions, these individuals emerged as the driving force behind the airport's success. One of the most formidable challenges was the unforgiving terrain of Istanbul's Arnavutköy district. The site presented a formidable landscape of hills and valleys that, under ordinary circumstances, might have rendered construction nearly impossible. However, the construction team, comprising skilled engineers, architects, labourers and technicians, rose to the occasion. They expertly deployed advanced earthmoving equipment with precision and efficiency, taming the rugged landscape. Bulldozers, excavators and graders toiled tirelessly to level the undulating terrain, establishing a robust foundation for the airport's extensive infrastructure. Innovation served as the lifeblood of the project, propelling the team forward. They pursued cutting-edge construction techniques and embraced revolutionary technologies to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. State-of-the-art GPS technology ensured the precise placement of heavy machinery, minimising errors and optimising resource utilisation. 3D modelling and simulation software played a pivotal role in visualising the intricate airport layout and refining designs, facilitating precision during construction. Istanbul's harsh and unpredictable weather conditions posed another formidable challenge. The construction team grappled with heavy rains, fierce winds and fluctuating temperatures, all of which threatened the quality and durability of the airport's infrastructure. To surmount these obstacles, the team meticulously developed special concrete mixes engineered to withstand Istanbul's inclement weather. These custom concrete blends were designed to resist cracking, maintain structural integrity and ensure longevity despite the city's climatic variability. In addition to conquering the elements, the construction team adeptly managed logistical complexities. Orchestrating the efforts of thousands of workers and ensuring the timely delivery of materials and equipment was a Herculean task. The implementation of advanced project management systems, including real-time tracking and communication tools, played a pivotal role in ensuring seamless coordination and heightened efficiency. The relentless spirit of the construction team, coupled with their innovative approaches and the integration of cutting-edge technologies, enabled them to overcome these formidable challenges. Their unwavering dedication to the project's success was palpable and their adeptness in managing the intricacies of such an expansive construction endeavour was nothing short of remarkable. As a result of their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment, the Istanbul New Airport emerged as a triumph of human achievement and resilience. It now stands as a symbol of the remarkable heights attainable through human ingenuity. The airport showcases the extraordinary capabilities of human determination, as well as the power of collaboration and innovation in surmounting seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Recognition and expansion The accolades showered upon the Istanbul New Airport affirm its excellence. In October 2021, it was honoured with the title of ‘Best Airport in Europe’ by Airports Council International (ACI). Istanbul New Airport has received various awards, including the 2018 International Architecture Award, the 2019 European Steel Design Award and the 2020 Airport Service Quality Award. In the annual ‘Readers' Choice’ survey conducted by Condé Nast Traveler, a luxury travel and lifestyle magazine owned by the leading publishing group Condé Nast, Istanbul Airport, operated by IGA, took the lead in the ‘World's Best Airports’ list. IGA's success extended beyond the recognition from Condé Nast Traveler; in 2021 and 2022, it was named ‘Airport of the Year’ by Regional Air Transport, a prominent publication in the global aviation sector. Additionally, the airport was honoured with the titles of ‘Best Transfer Airport’ and ‘Best Family-Friendly International Airport’ at the 2022 Leisure Lifestyle Awards by travel magazine Global Traveler, based in the US. Istanbul Airport also received the ‘Exceptional Achievement’ award from the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), as well as the ‘Best Syndication Loan in the EMEA Region’ and ‘Deal of the Year’ awards from EMEA Finance. In 2021, IGA's successful refinancing of a Euro 5.8 billion debt was recognised as the ‘Infrastructure Finance Deal of the Year’ by Bonds, Loans & Sukuk Turkey. These awards acknowledge the airport's excellence in design, engineering and customer service, as well as its significant contributions to Turkey's economic and social development. The journey of the Istanbul New Airport continues as it embarks on an ambitious expansion plan. The plan aims to build additional runways and terminals by 2027, further bolstering the airport's capacity to accommodate 200 million passengers. This expansion solidifies its status as a global aviation powerhouse. The power of collaboration and governmental support The triumph of the Istanbul New Airport is a multifaceted success story. Primarily, it owes its triumph to the unwavering political will and steadfast support of the Turkish government. The government's unwavering commitment to providing the necessary funding and resources ensured the project's unwavering progress. Further, the airport's construction serves as a sterling example of collaboration among all stakeholders. The harmonious partnership between the government, construction companies and local communities played a pivotal role in ensuring that the project not only adhered to its strict schedule but also remained well within budgetary constraints. This unity of purpose and cooperation is proof of what can be achieved when different facets of society work in unison toward a shared goal. A symbol of excellence and human endeavour In conclusion, the Istanbul New Airport stands as a modern marvel of engineering and determination. Poised to ascend among the world's largest and most advanced airports, it stands as a shining beacon of Turkey's engineering excellence and relentless pursuit of the extraordinary. This grand project is a symbol of what humanity can achieve when vision, innovation and collaboration converge on a monumental scale. The Istanbul New Airport is more than just a transportation hub; it is an ode to the indomitable spirit of human endeavour, where even the most formidable challenges can be surmounted through determination, innovation and unwavering support, leaving a legacy that will inspire generations to come.