Taking Off : Opportunities in a Booming Market : Turkish Aviation Sector

Over the past decade, Türkiye’s aviation sector has demonstrated remarkable growth, agility, and ambition. With its strategic location bridging Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Türkiye has become a vital global hub, not only for travel but also for investment, innovation, and international cooperation. At GIS Consult, we closely monitor developments in high-potential industries like aviation, helping our clients navigate both opportunity and complexity in the Turkish market.

Turkiye is sitting now sitting 10th worldwide in global air connectivity rankings

A Decade of Upward Momentum

Between 2013 and 2023, Türkiye climbed six positions in global air connectivity rankings, now sitting 10th worldwide. This impressive leap is the result of sustained infrastructure investment, visionary policy, and a deep understanding of the aviation sector’s strategic importance.

A cornerstone of this growth is Istanbul Airport, which handled nearly 80 million passengers in 2024, including 62.9 million international and 17.9 million domestic travelers, a 5% increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, major expansion projects are underway at other key airports such as Sabiha Gökçen, Ankara, and Antalya, all designed to accommodate the surge in demand.

National Champions Leading the Way in Turkish Aviation Sector

Carriers like Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines have played pivotal roles in this upward trajectory. Turkish Airlines continues to expand its global footprint with an extensive flight network, while Pegasus is pushing boundaries with its low-cost, high-efficiency model both reflecting Türkiye’s ambition to remain a regional and global aviation leader.

Opportunities and Risks in Türkiye’s Evolving Aviation Landscape

The Turkish aviation sector offers significant opportunities alongside notable risks. One of the key advantages is the strategic value of local data; access to and use of reliable, local insights is essential for visibility and credibility, especially in a regulated environment. Türkiye’s specialized media ecosystem—featuring niche outlets and editors focused on aviation, infrastructure, and technology—creates targeted communication opportunities for brands. Additionally, the sector presents strong potential for thought leadership, with companies that share industry expertise well-positioned to shape the narrative. Community engagement is also gaining importance, and a well-designed CSR initiative can meaningfully differentiate a brand.

However, the market is not without its challenges. Political and economic volatility remains a persistent risk, requiring companies to remain agile, build strong local partnerships, and engage in strategic scenario planning. Understanding this balance between opportunity and threat is crucial for success in Türkiye’s fast-evolving aviation landscape.

Success in Türkiye’s aviation sector requires more than market presence it demands a strategic, insight-driven approach.

Strategic Priorities for Entering and Growing in the Turkish Aviation Market

Success in Türkiye’s aviation sector requires more than market presence it demands a strategic, insight-driven approach. Leveraging locally sourced data is key to increasing visibility and credibility. Press releases, thought leadership content, and sector-specific reporting grounded in verified Turkish sources are more likely to resonate with both media and institutional stakeholders.

Sustainable media relationships are equally essential. Long-term engagement with specialized journalists in aviation, technology, and infrastructure produces far more value than sporadic coverage. Positioning your brand as a thought leader by participating in industry events, sharing expert insights, and publishing whitepapers further strengthens your authority in the sector. Finally, investing in a purpose-driven CSR initiative—aligned with aviation, education, sustainability, or disaster recovery—builds emotional connection, reinforces trust, and creates lasting community impact.

At GIS Consult, we specialize in helping international and local brands navigate the Turkish business landscape with precision and purpose. From market research and media relations to strategic planning and CSR execution, we ensure that every action you take in the aviation sector is part of a bigger, results-oriented strategy.

Türkiye’s aviation industry is soaring—driven by infrastructure, innovation, and ambition. But like any complex market, success depends on insight, relationships, and strategic clarity. Whether you're a global brand exploring market entry or a local player aiming to scale, GIS Consult is here to guide your journey from takeoff to sustained altitude.