With the exceptional health measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, its distinctive architecture, robust infrastructure, advanced technologies, and unparalleled travel experience provided to passengers, Istanbul Airport has now qualified to receive certification under the Airport Council International (ACI) 'Airport Health Accreditation' program, initiated on July 24, 2020.

Istanbul Airport, initially awarded the 'Airport Pandemic Certificate' by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation due to the stringent measures implemented to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequently signing the 'COVID-19 Aviation Health Safety Protocol' published by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), has now obtained an additional international certificate to demonstrate the effectiveness of its measures. Consequently, Istanbul Airport has emerged as the first airport in the world to attain certification under the 'Airport Health Accreditation' program initiated by Airports Council International (ACI).

Airport Health Accreditation covers a range of essential measures...

With its COVID-19 hygiene measures being updated at frequent intervals, Istanbul Airport continues to strengthen its leading position through the certificate awarded by Airports Council International, solidifying its position as one of the most hygienic airports both in Türkiye and around the world. İstanbul Airport has successfully completed a series of rigorous audits to meet all the requirements and qualify for the 'Airport Health Accreditation' certificate. The audits covered evaluation of a wide range of measures implemented in high-traffic passenger areas, including, but not limited to, cleaning, disinfection, social distancing, personnel protection, passenger communication, terminal access, safety screening, waiting areas, bridges, escalators, elevators, and baggage claim.

The certificate serves as evidence of the measurable priority given to passengers, personnel, health, and safety at airports, and demonstrates Istanbul Airport's success in implementing COVID-19 measures.

We will never compromise on hygiene standards …

In response to Istanbul Airport's presentation of a certificate under the 'Airport Health Accreditation' program, Kadri Samsunlu, Chief Executive Officer of iGA Istanbul Airport, said, "Aviation is an important industry that adheres to international regulations and is dedicated to continuous improvement, striving for an optimal passenger experience. We are continuing our efforts to provide our passengers with safe travel at optimal hygiene, in the new normal. During this process, we initially obtained the 'Airport Pandemic Certificate' from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of Türkiye. Soon after, we signed the 'COVID-19 Aviation Health Safety Protocol' published by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This protocol, signed by Istanbul Airport, the first airport in Türkiye to do so, demonstrates that the measures we have implemented have been acknowledged by key authorities within the aviation industry. Lastly, we have qualified to receive the first 'Airport Health Accreditation' certificate presented by Airports Council International (ACI), in the world. The certificate, awarded by Airports Council International, holds significant importance in ensuring that the aviation industry is in the best possible position to facilitate a robust recovery in the near future. The aviation industry is very resilient, and we need to adopt measures to withstand the effects of COVID-19 by enforcing rigorous health and safety protocols at our facilities and in our operations. All airport operators should consider the 'Airport Health Accreditation' certificate as evidence of their commitment to enhancing passenger confidence and trust. To have successfully passed the audits of a body as powerful as ACI and to have qualified to get a certification on ‘Airport Health Accreditation’ means a lot to us. Istanbul Airport's possession of international health certificates demonstrates our unwavering commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of our passengers and employees. Considering that Istanbul Airport serves as a global hub, the award of the 'Airport Health Accreditation' certificate further validates that our measures align with international standards. In this context, I must place special emphasis on the fact that we will never compromise on the hygiene standards we have achieved at Istanbul Airport."

"I am very impressed by how swiftly the industry has adapted to new realities, introducing new protocols based on globally-consistent protocols," stated ACI World Director General, Luis Felipe de Oliveira. "We congratulate Istanbul Airport for being the first airport be accredited through our new Airport Health Accreditation program, showcasing their commitment to the health and welfare of travelers, staff, and the public. This achievement is crucial as our industry begins to restart and prepares to sustain ongoing operations, ensuring passengers and employees experience high, globally-recognized health and hygiene standards, ultimately helping to restore public confidence in air travel."

Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI EUROPE, commented, "Recovery from this unprecedented crisis has necessitated the rapid and comprehensive implementation of global standards across the entire aviation system, developed collaboratively by competent authorities. ACI has worked hand-in-hand with ICAO, EASA, and ECDC to develop a blueprint for safe airport operations during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This blueprint, which forms the foundation of ACI EUROPE's Guidelines for a Healthy Passenger Experience at Airports, is now enhanced by the introduction of a new Airport Health Accreditation program. We take great pride in acknowledging that the first accredited airport is European, demonstrating the enthusiastic adoption of a renewed focus on health-conscious passengers among airports throughout our region. Congratulations are in order for the Istanbul Airport team!"