The new Çukurova International Airport in Turkey, strategically located between Adana and Mersin, was inaugurated by President Erdogan. The airport, which can handle 9 million passengers annually, is expected to become an important driver of economic development in the Mediterranean region.
Statements by President Erdogan
- Impact on trade and tourism: Erdogan emphasized the airport’s world-class standards and its potential to promote trade, tourism and regional production.
This project will play an important role in the development of the Mediterranean region.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
- Criticism of the opposition: Erdogan also criticized the opposition for trying to undermine such investments, accusing them of “political jealousy.” He noted: “They have not made any significant contribution to our country’s infrastructure. They have not planted a single tree in this country. Their only goal is to oppose our services and projects.”
Impact on employment and economy
- Job creation: Cukurova International Airport is expected to create 3,000 jobs, directly benefiting the local economy.
- Important infrastructure: Built on an 800-hectare site in Tarsus, the airport has a 110,000 square meter terminal, a 217,000 square meter apron for 48 aircraft and special areas including a 62,000 square meter cargo apron for 4 aircraft and a 56,000 square meter general aviation apron for 34 aircraft.
- Long-term financial gains: The airport was built according to the build-operate-transfer model with an investment of around 244.5 million euros and is expected to generate rental income of 297.1 million euros in 25 years. It is expected to double the region’s cargo traffic and become Turkey’s second largest cargo hub.
Boom in airport investments in Turkey
During the term of office of the ruling AK Party, there was a significant expansion of airport infrastructure in Turkey:
- Regional developments: The newly opened airports such as Amasya Merzifon (2008), Gazipasa-Alanya (2009) and Zafer (2012) have boosted tourism and trade in their respective regions.
- Unique projects: In addition, Turkey has pioneered the construction of offshore airports such as Ordu-Giresun (2015) and Rize-Artvin (2022), the latter being the country’s second airport built over the sea, underlining the government’s commitment to improving regional connectivity.
