Istanbul's Sabiha Gökçen to Build Terminal 3 as Traffic Tops 50 Million

Istanbul's Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) is preparing for a major capacity expansion, with construction on a new Terminal 3 scheduled to begin in 2026. The development is a direct response to surging passenger demand, which is projected to exceed 50 million passengers per annum (mppa) this year. The airport's rapid growth has been overwhelmingly fueled by the dominance of low-cost carriers, necessitating significant infrastructure investment to maintain operational efficiency.

The expansion follows a period of remarkable traffic increases. According to data from the General Directorate of State Airports Authority (DHMI), SAW handled 41.4 million passengers in 2024. This figure climbed to 48.5 million in 2025, representing a 16.7% year-over-year increase, as reported by CAPA - Centre for Aviation. This trajectory places Sabiha Gökçen among the fastest-growing major airports in Europe, with its 2025 passenger numbers standing 36% higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

Low-Cost Carriers Drive Expansion

The driving force behind SAW's growth is its status as a primary hub for Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs). Analysis from CAPA and OAG shows that LCCs account for approximately 99% of the total seat capacity at the airport. This market is dominated by two key players: Pegasus Airlines, which holds just under 70% of the capacity, and AJet, Turkish Airlines' LCC subsidiary, which commands about 30%.

This LCC-centric model contrasts sharply with the city's primary hub, Istanbul Airport (IST), where low-cost carriers represent only 3.5% of seat capacity. The distinct market segmentation allows Istanbul to effectively cater to different passenger profiles, with SAW serving as the critical base for point-to-point and domestic LCC traffic.

Runway Upgrade Paved the Way

The planned terminal construction is the second phase of a broader infrastructure enhancement strategy. In December 2023, the airport opened a crucial second runway. This development immediately doubled SAW's hourly aircraft movement capacity from 40 to 80, alleviating airfield congestion and enabling airlines to expand their schedules.

At the time of the runway's inauguration, Turkish Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu noted that the project was essential for boosting air traffic capacity and was expected to lead to record passenger numbers, a forecast that has since been realized. The increased runway capacity is a prerequisite for the passenger volume that the new Terminal 3 is designed to handle.

Istanbul's Ascendance in European Aviation

Collectively, Istanbul's two airports have established the city as the busiest two-airport system in Europe. In January 2026 alone, SAW and IST handled a combined total of over 11 million passengers, surpassing other major European multi-airport cities like London and Paris. This growth reflects the strength of Türkiye's aviation market, which has demonstrated Europe's most robust post-pandemic recovery. According to industry data, overall seat capacity in Türkiye in 2024 was already 20% above 2019 levels.

The Terminal 3 project is a key component of the airport's long-term vision. While specific capacity figures for the new terminal have not been disclosed, the overarching ambition for Sabiha Gökçen is to eventually accommodate approximately 90 mppa. The commencement of construction this year marks a significant step toward that goal.

Why This Matters

This expansion solidifies Istanbul's strategic position as a dominant global and European aviation crossroads. The success of its dual-airport strategy—leveraging IST for full-service network traffic and SAW for the high-growth LCC segment—provides a powerful model for metropolitan air service development. For airlines, the increased capacity at SAW offers new opportunities for route expansion in a market with proven demand. For passengers, it signals continued competition and connectivity, particularly within the low-fare sector that has made the airport a regional powerhouse.

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