ACI Europe (Airport Council International - Europe), dedicated to operational excellence in European airports, released its "2024 Airport Industry Connectivity Report." The report highlights that total air connectivity in Europe, both direct and indirect, remains 14% below pre-pandemic levels (2019). It emphasizes the impact of geopolitical tensions and structural changes in the aviation sector on airport performance.
Istanbul Airport is 9 percent above pre-pandemic level
The report reveals that Istanbul Airport's performance has increased by 9% compared to pre-pandemic levels (2019). Istanbul Airport was declared the leader in Europe for 'direct connectivity.' Additionally, ACI Europe noted that Istanbul Airport serves as the top global hub for the Middle East and ranks as the second-best for direct connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region, with a 23% increase in connections compared to last year.
Istanbul Airport hosts global aviation leaders
The "34th Annual Congress of the European Airports Council" is being held from July 1-4, hosted by Istanbul Airport. This significant European airport event will run until July 4, featuring prominent CEOs, senior executives from the aviation sector, and over 500 airport professionals. Topics such as inter-member cooperation, information sharing, the future of aviation, and emerging opportunities will be discussed throughout the event.
Opening speeches on July 3 will be delivered by Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, DHMİ General Manager and Chairman of the Board Hüseyin Keskin, Istanbul Airport CEO Selahattin Bilgen, and ACI EUROPE Director General Olivier Jankovec.
Panels and discussiaons
The "Turkish Aviation Market Under the Spotlight" panel on July 3 will include Istanbul Airport Deputy General Manager for Planning İsmail Polat, Pegasus CEO Güliz Öztürk, Antalya Airport General Manager Gudrun Teloeke, and Wizz Air UK Director Marion Geoffroy. They will share insights on factors driving growth in Turkish aviation and future market opportunities.
During the "Airport Leaders Symposium," Istanbul Airport CEO Selahattin Bilgen will join Heathrow Airport CEO Thomas Woldbye, Athens Airport CEO Yiannis Paraschis, VINCI Airports CEO Nicolas Notebaert, Rotterdam Hague Airport CEO Wilma van Dijk, and Fraport CEO Stefan Schulte. These senior executives from Europe's leading airports will address issues related to sustainability, innovation, and differentiation, discussing the strategic pillars of the airport industry.
