TAV Airports celebrates 20 years in İzmir
TAV Airports is celebrating its 20th anniversary at İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport. Annual passenger traffic at the airport increased from 4.4 million in 2006, when the company began operating the international terminal, to 12.6 million in 2025. In the first seven months of 2026, the airport served 7,406,646 passengers, an increase of 8% compared with the same period last year. İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport offers international flights operated by 34 airlines to 79 destinations across 36 countries, as well as domestic flights to 26 destinations.
TAV Airports, Türkiye’s globally leading brand in airport operations, is celebrating its 20th anniversary at İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport. The company began its operations in İzmir by taking over the international terminal in 2006. It expanded its operations with the opening of the new domestic terminal in 2014, developed through an investment of approximately €250 million.
Annual passenger traffic at the airport has nearly tripled since TAV Airports commenced operations in İzmir in 2006. Today, the domestic and international terminals cover a total area of 310,978 square metres, while the airport’s annual passenger capacity has reached 35 million.
TAV Airports’ 20th anniversary in İzmir was celebrated with a ceremony attended by representatives of the Airport Civil Administration, the General Directorate of State Airports Authority (DHMİ) and other public institutions, as well as executives from TAV Airports, airlines and business partners, and airport employees.
TAV Airports CEO Serkan Kaptan said: “Today, we are proud to celebrate both the 104th anniversary of İzmir’s liberation and our 20th anniversary at İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport.
“Our airport served 4.4 million passengers in 2006 and exceeded 12.6 million passengers in 2025. We took our journey, which began with the International Terminal, a step further with the new Domestic Terminal, developed through an investment of approximately €250 million. We have invested around €416 million in the two terminals. Today, with our modern infrastructure offering an annual capacity of 35 million passengers and our expanding flight network, we continue to strengthen İzmir’s connections with the world.
“Over the past 20 years, our investments have extended well beyond increasing capacity. We have also implemented major projects in service quality, technology, accessibility and sustainability. Through our solar energy investment, we aim to meet approximately 25% of the airport’s energy needs from renewable sources. In the years ahead, we will continue working with all our stakeholders to provide our passengers with the best possible travel experience and contribute to İzmir’s tourism, economy and international connectivity.
“I would like to thank the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, the General Directorate of State Airports Authority, our airline partners, public institutions, business partners and all our stakeholders for their support and contributions to this 20-year success story. My greatest thanks go to our colleagues, whose dedication and hard work have made this achievement possible.”
Capacity reaches 35 million following €416 million investment
TAV Airports took over the operation of the international terminal at İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport in 2006 and the domestic terminal in 2012. The company opened the new domestic terminal in 2014 following an investment of approximately €250 million and has invested a total of €416 million in the two terminals to date. TAV Airports holds the operating rights for İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport until December 2034.
Today, the airport’s domestic and international terminals cover a total area of 310,978 square metres, while its annual passenger capacity has reached 35 million.
Annual passenger traffic at İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport nearly tripled from 4.4 million in 2006 to 12.6 million in 2025. International passengers accounted for 5.1 million of the airport’s total passenger traffic in 2025.
From 2006 through the end of July 2026, İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport served approximately 196 million passengers and handled 1.46 million flights.
Sustainability investments continue
When the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme was launched in 2009, İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport became the first airport in Türkiye and the second in Europe to join the programme. Continuing its carbon management efforts in line with international standards, the airport offset its direct emissions in 2016, achieving ACA Level 3+ accreditation and carbon-neutral status.
The new domestic terminal became Türkiye’s first airport terminal building to earn LEED Silver certification in recognition of its environmental performance.
TAV Airports continues to invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency at İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport. As part of these efforts, a 5.9 MW solar power plant comprising more than 10,000 panels was installed across the indoor and outdoor car park areas. The plant is expected to generate approximately 10 million kWh of electricity annually, meeting around 25% of the airport’s yearly energy needs and preventing 4,592 tonnes of carbon emissions.
Service quality recognised with international awards
In 2026, İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport became one of the first two airports in Türkiye to be inducted into the ACI World Director General’s Roll of Excellence, recognising its consistent achievements in passenger experience over the past decade.
In 2025, the airport received ACI World awards in the categories of Best Airport in Europe, Easiest Airport Journey, Most Enjoyable Airport and Cleanest Airport. That same year, Skytrax named it the Best Regional Airport in Europe.
İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport offers direct international flights operated by 34 airlines to 79 destinations across 36 countries, as well as direct domestic flights to 26 destinations.
About TAV Airports
TAV Airports provides integrated services in all areas of airport operations, with a global footprint at more than 100 airports in more than 30 countries. In 2025, TAV Airports welcomed 113 million passengers across its portfolio. A member of Groupe ADP, TAV Airports is part of the leading airport management platform globally. Through its subsidiaries, TAV is active in airport service businesses, including duty-free, food and beverage, ground handling, IT, private security, and commercial area management. The company is quoted on Istanbul Stock Exchange.
For further information:
Esra Özer, T +90 212 463 30 00 / 2094 and +90 531 500 99 75 Esra.Ozer@tav.aero
