Sister Airports

İGA Istanbul Airport (IST): Istanbul Airport is one of the largest and most modern air transportation hubs built on a global scale, gifted to Türkiye’s megacity, Istanbul. İGA Airport Operation Inc. was established on October 7, 2013, through a joint venture of Cengiz, Mapa, Limak, Kolin, and Kalyon; it was completed in just 42 months as Türkiye’s largest infrastructure investment and opened for service in 2018. As of 2022, İGA’s partnership structure consists of 55% Kalyon Holding and 45% Cengiz Holding.

With its geopolitical location at the intersection of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Istanbul Airport is positioned as a key transfer hub for intercontinental flights. The main terminal building, with an annual passenger capacity of 90 million and covering 1.4 million square meters under a single roof, is among the largest terminals in the world. The airport is equipped with three independent runways in operation, two backup runways, an air traffic control tower, cargo zones, and support facilities, providing a full-scale mega-hub infrastructure. By 2024, Istanbul Airport had served a total of 80,070,710 passengers, of which 63 million were international and 17 million domestic. In the same year, 517,284 flights were operated, and with its network reaching 321 destinations, it successfully retained its title as “the world’s most connected airport.” Once operating at full capacity, the airport is planned to handle 200 million passengers annually, offering connections to over 350 destinations.

The strategic goals of Istanbul Airport include realizing its smart airport vision with a focus on digital transformation, achieving carbon-neutral certification, elevating passenger experience beyond global standards, and positioning Türkiye’s air transport infrastructure as a leader in global competition. Additionally, in order to contribute to Istanbul’s transformation into a global finance, tourism, and logistics center, a sustainable growth model has been adopted within the airport ecosystem.

Istanbul Airport continues to strengthen international cooperation through sister airport agreements with leading airports in Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania, carrying out joint projects to ensure operational excellence. These collaborations include employee exchanges, knowledge sharing, joint marketing, route development, and sustainability projects. With its vision, technological infrastructure, and capacity, İGA Istanbul Airport is steadily progressing toward becoming a global mega-hub shaping the future of aviation.

Capital Airports Holding – Pekin Capital Airport (PEK)

Beijing Capital International Airport, located northeast of the capital of the People’s Republic of China, began operations in 1958. As one of the country’s oldest and busiest airports, PEK is operated by Capital Airports Holding Company (CAH). Serving as the main gateway of China’s political, cultural, and economic capital to the world, the airport has three terminal buildings and extensive ground-air transportation infrastructure.

As of 2024, Beijing Capital Airport served approximately 67 million passengers, making it one of Asia’s busiest airports. With three terminals and supporting infrastructure, its annual capacity exceeds 80 million. Positioned as one of the most important international hubs in northern China, it plays a strategic role particularly in connecting Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

The airport’s goals include enhancing operational efficiency, expanding sustainable practices, and elevating passenger experience through digital transformation projects. By optimizing airspace capacity with Daxing, Beijing aims to strengthen its dual-airport structure and elevate itself to a global mega-hub level.

Within the framework of the sister airport agreement signed between Istanbul Airport and Beijing Capital Airport, active cooperation is carried out in areas such as knowledge and experience sharing, joint marketing initiatives, employee exchange, and operational collaboration. Through this partnership, mutual synergies are created to increase both passenger and cargo traffic between the two capital airports.

Capital Airports Holding – Pekin Daxing Airport (PKX)

Beijing Daxing International Airport, one of the most tangible symbols of China’s global aviation vision, was inaugurated on September 25, 2019. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the airport is operated under Capital Airports Holding Company (CAH). Located in the Daxing district, south of the city center, it was built to meet Beijing’s increasing air traffic demand.

As of 2023, Daxing Airport served approximately 39 million passengers. In its first phase, it targeted an annual capacity of 72 million passengers and 2 million tons of cargo; in the long term, this capacity is planned to exceed 100 million passengers. With a single terminal building covering approximately 700,000 square meters, it is one of the world’s largest integrated terminal complexes.

The strategic vision of Daxing Airport is to become Beijing’s second major air gateway, transforming the capital into a dual-centered mega-hub and particularly optimizing international traffic with Southern China. Moreover, prioritizing its “Green Airport” principle, it places emphasis on sustainability-oriented infrastructure and environmental technology investments.

The sister airport cooperation between Istanbul Airport and Beijing Daxing aims to build a strategic bridge between two of the strongest east-west transfer hubs in Asia and Europe. The agreement covers areas such as digitalization, customer experience, airside operations, and terminal management, including mutual expert exchanges, joint workshops, and promotional projects.

Copenhagen Airport (CPH)

Copenhagen Airport, located 8 kilometers southeast of Denmark’s capital on Amager Island, is one of Scandinavia’s oldest airports, founded in 1925. It is currently operated by Københavns Lufthavne A/S. In addition to serving Denmark, it also acts as an important international entry point for southern Sweden.

In 2024, Copenhagen Airport served approximately 29.88 million passengers, the majority of whom were international, maintaining its status as the busiest international hub in Scandinavia. Its annual capacity is around 30 million passengers.

Copenhagen Airport is a major transfer hub, particularly due to its role as the operational base for SAS, connecting Europe with North America and Asia. Its strategic objectives include capacity expansion, digitalization projects focused on passenger satisfaction, sustainable aviation practices, and the development of cargo operations.

In line with its target to operate carbon-neutral by 2030, the airport is implementing pioneering projects in energy efficiency and alternative fuel infrastructure. Within the framework of the sister airport agreement signed with Istanbul Airport, cooperation includes knowledge and experience sharing in operational processes, joint workshops on terminal services, customer experience projects, and coordination in digital transformation strategies. This partnership connects two major hubs, forming a strong collaboration platform for both European and Eurasian aviation.

Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN)

Incheon International Airport, located 48 kilometers from South Korea’s capital Seoul, was opened in 2001 and has since become the country’s primary aviation hub. Operated by Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC), it is one of Asia’s most significant international transfer points.

Covering 5,400 hectares, the airport is recognized for its “Smart Airport” vision, pioneering projects in digitalization, artificial intelligence, and passenger experience. In 2024, Incheon Airport served a total of 71,156,947 passengers, placing it among the top airports globally. In the same year, it handled 413,200 flights and 2,946,902 tons of cargo.

With the completion of its fourth phase expansion, the airport’s annual passenger capacity has reached 106 million, positioning Incheon among the world’s largest airports. Its future targets include serving over 100 million passengers by 2030, achieving 20 million annual transfer passengers, and reducing carbon emissions to net zero through environmentally friendly practices.

Under its “Digital Mega-Hub” concept, Incheon aims to further strengthen sustainability and AI-based passenger services. The sister airport agreement with Istanbul Airport encompasses operational knowledge sharing, personnel exchange, joint marketing activities, and route development initiatives. These two global hubs, serving as bridges between Asia and Europe, aim to deepen cooperation and create synergy in passenger and cargo transportation.

Airports of Thailand (BKK)

Airports of Thailand (AOT), founded in 2002 under the authority of the Royal Thai Government, is the country’s largest airport operator. It manages six major international airports: Suvarnabhumi (BKK), Don Mueang (DMK), Phuket (HKT), Chiang Mai (CNX), Hat Yai (HDY), and Mae Fah Luang–Chiang Rai (CEI).

In the 2024 fiscal year, AOT airports served a total of 119.3 million passengers, reflecting Thailand’s critical role in international tourism and trade. Suvarnabhumi Airport alone has an annual capacity of approximately 60 million passengers, with plans to expand this to 150 million through new terminals and runways.

AOT’s strategic vision is to reinforce Thailand’s position as a regional mega-hub in Southeast Asia by increasing investments in digital infrastructure, customer experience, and sustainability-focused green practices. The group is also developing specialized cargo terminals in line with the rapid growth of e-commerce and air freight demand.

Through the sister airport agreement signed with Istanbul Airport, areas of cooperation include employee exchanges, sharing operational expertise, route development projects, and joint branding initiatives. As two major hubs in the Asia-Pacific and Eurasia regions, these airports aim to achieve operational excellence through mutual knowledge sharing.

Airport Corporation of Vietnam (SGN – HAN)

The Airport Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), established in 2012, is a state-owned airport operator that manages the majority of civilian airports in Vietnam, working in close alignment with the central government. Headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City, ACV directly operates 22 airports nationwide, managing both domestic and international passenger traffic.

By 2024, airports under ACV served a total of 109 million passengers, with around 68 million on domestic flights and 41 million on international routes. Among the busiest airports are Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Noi Bai (Hanoi), and Da Nang International Airport. In line with current capacity and expansion plans, ACV is accelerating infrastructure investments to increase passenger numbers across all major cities.

Its strategic objectives include positioning Vietnam as one of Southeast Asia’s leading aviation hubs, constructing new airports such as Long Thanh International Airport, promoting digitalization and smart airport applications, and integrating sustainable infrastructure systems. In response to growing demand for air cargo, the corporation is also investing in dedicated cargo terminals and logistics centers.

The sister airport agreement between Istanbul Airport and the Airport Corporation of Vietnam further strengthens aviation relations between the two countries. Areas of cooperation include operational knowledge sharing, personnel exchange programs, route development strategies, and joint promotional initiatives, with the broader aim of building a strong bridge between Eurasia and Southeast Asia.

Chicago Airport Authority (ORD)

O’Hare International Airport, located in Illinois and serving the city of Chicago, opened for commercial flights in 1955. Today it is operated by the City of Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) and is one of the largest and busiest international air hubs in the United States. It stands out particularly for its connectivity to Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

In 2024, Chicago O’Hare International Airport served approximately 73 million passengers and handled over 860,000 flights. With four major terminals and eight runways, it has the infrastructure to handle more than 100 million passengers annually. The airport is also one of the leading facilities in the U.S. for cargo transportation.

Its strategic goals include sustainable airport management, digitalization, new terminal investments, and technological projects to enhance passenger experience. Major modernization efforts are ongoing, including the renewal of Terminal 5 and the transformation of Terminal 2 into an international hub.

The sister airport agreement signed in 2025 between Istanbul Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport formalized cooperation between the two global airports. The partnership covers employee exchange programs, operational knowledge sharing, joint marketing initiatives, and coordination on sustainability strategies. This collaboration aims to strengthen Istanbul Airport’s presence in North America while enhancing O’Hare’s connections with Eurasia.

Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG)

Shanghai Pudong International Airport, opened in 1999, is the primary international airport serving one of China’s largest metropolises, Shanghai. Operated by the Shanghai Airport Authority, it plays a critical role as the city’s gateway for international passengers and cargo, particularly for long-haul flights and global airline connections.

By 2023, Pudong served approximately 54 million passengers. Together with its sister airport, Hongqiao, the city reached a combined total of 96.7 million passengers. In 2024, Pudong saw a sharp rebound with 76.8 million passengers, representing a 41% increase from the previous year, regaining its strong global standing. Its total annual capacity exceeds 100 million passengers. Handling more than 3 million tons of cargo annually, Pudong is also one of the world’s busiest air freight centers.

As a leading mega-hub in the Asia-Pacific region, Pudong is pursuing strategic goals such as digital infrastructure investments, terminal modernization projects, and sustainable energy solutions to enhance global service quality. Additionally, as part of China’s “Belt and Road” initiative, Pudong serves as a key hub connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa, contributing significantly to regional trade.

The sister airport agreement between Istanbul Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport provides a strong foundation for cooperation between two of the most critical east-west transfer hubs in Asia and Europe. Areas of collaboration include employee exchanges, joint analyses of operational processes, information sharing in terminal services, and mutual destination development. This strategic partnership is designed to strengthen global connectivity for both airports.

Sichuan Airport Group (TFU)

Sichuan Airport Group (SAG), based in Chengdu, is a state-owned organization that manages civilian aviation operations across China’s Sichuan province. It operates a total of eight airports, including Chengdu Tianfu International Airport and Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. As one of the most strategic economic and logistics regions in western China, Sichuan plays a key role in integrating the area into global aviation networks, with SAG leading this development.

As of 2023, Tianfu and Shuangliu airports together served around 80 million passengers. Since opening in 2021, Tianfu Airport has grown rapidly and aims to reach a capacity of 60 million passengers, 1.4 million tons of cargo, and 500,000 flight movements annually by 2025. In the long term, its capacity is expected to reach 90 million passengers.

SAG’s strategic vision is to create a new international mega-hub in western China, positioning Chengdu as a key transfer center linking Eurasia and Southeast Asia, while also boosting regional exports through high-capacity cargo infrastructure. The group is also pioneering digitalization and green airport transformation projects in line with China’s 2060 carbon-neutral targets.

The sister airport agreement signed between Istanbul Airport and Sichuan Airport Group establishes strong cooperation between two rapidly growing mega-hubs. Areas of collaboration include operational knowledge exchange, terminal planning, airside management, personnel training, and joint marketing projects. This partnership aims to strategically expand both passenger and cargo transportation between Chengdu and Türkiye.

Sydney International Airport (SYD)

Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport is Australia’s largest and busiest airport, serving as the country’s leading hub for trade, tourism, and international connectivity. Located only 8 kilometers from the city center, the airport is operated by Sydney Airport Corporation Limited.

As one of the busiest airports in the Southern Hemisphere, Sydney Airport plays a key role as the primary gateway of Oceania. In 2023, it served approximately 40.5 million passengers, increasing to nearly 41 million in 2024. Of these, 14.6 million were international passengers, making Sydney a major connecting point on Asia-Pacific–Europe routes. With three terminals, its annual capacity is around 50 million passengers.

Sydney Airport’s strategic vision emphasizes digitalization-focused infrastructure investments, automation in passenger services (such as biometric access and self-check-in), and sustainability-driven energy efficiency projects. It also aims to strengthen its position in the growing Asia-Pacific aviation network, while expanding specialized cargo terminal capacity and developing intermodal transport solutions.

The sister airport agreement between Istanbul Airport and Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport creates a strategic cooperation platform between these two mega-hubs, bridging Europe and Oceania. Areas of collaboration include employee exchange programs, joint analyses of terminal operations, information sharing on sustainability and digital transformation, and route development-focused promotional projects. The partnership seeks to enhance global connectivity for both airports and maximize mutual passenger and cargo potential.