Turkey’s national flag carrier, Turkish Airlines, has announced plans to build the world’s largest cargo terminal alongside a major in-flight catering facility. The project will be developed with an investment of $2.3 billion USD. Turkish Airlines said that the move is a strategic step in line with the country’s economic momentum, stating: “Turkey is growing, Turkish Airlines is soaring.”
Major Boost for Employment and Logistics
According to the airline, the development of the new cargo terminal and catering complex is expected to create 26,000 new jobs, strengthening Turkish Airlines’ role as one of the most significant employers and strategic national brands in the country.
The company has not yet disclosed the exact location of the facility, industry sources suggest Istanbul as the most likely choice. The city is already home to Turkey’s two largest airports and serves as the airline’s global hub.
Strengthening Global Cargo Leadership
Turkish Airlines is a major force in global aviation logistics, transporting more than two million tonnes of cargo annually. The planned terminal is expected to expand this capacity with more demand for air freight across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
The investment shows the importance of cargo operations in airline business models. By increasing its cargo abilities, Turkish Airlines aims to strengthen its position as a leading global logistics hub connecting East and West.
Ambitious Growth Targets to 2033
Earlier this week, CEO of Turkish Airlines, Bilal Ekşi announced that the carrier aims to rank amongst the world’s top five airlines by 2033. To reach this target, the airline placed orders for nearly 600 new planes, which are to be delivered over the next 10 to 12 years.
As of the end of 2025, Turkish Airlines operational fleet stands at 514 total planes, ranking the airline in ninth position globally by fleet size. Once deliveries are completed, operational fleet is expected to reach 813 planes.
Record Passenger Numbers and Global Reach
Data shows that in the first 11 months of 2025, the carrier served 85.3 million passengers, which was an 8.4% year-on-year increase – surpassing its total passenger count for the whole of 2024. The airline currently serves 356 destinations across 132 countries.
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