Turkish Airlines Unveils $2.3 Billion Investment for World's Largest Cargo Terminal and Catering Facility in Istanbul

Major Infrastructure Boost for Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines, Türkiye's flag carrier, has announced a substantial investment of over $2.3 billion, equivalent to 100 billion Turkish Liras, for the development of a new air cargo terminal and an integrated in-flight catering facility in Istanbul. The announcement was made on Friday, January 2, 2026, signaling a significant expansion of the airline's logistics and service capabilities.

The project is slated for Istanbul Airport, the airline's primary hub, and is expected to solidify Istanbul's position as a critical global aviation and logistics gateway connecting Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

World's Largest Air Cargo Terminal: SMARTIST

The centerpiece of this investment is the construction of what Turkish Airlines states will be the world's largest air cargo terminal. Named SMARTIST, this facility is designed to dramatically increase the airline's cargo handling capacity.

• The terminal is projected to achieve an annual handling capacity of up to 4 million tonnes.
• It will span an area of approximately 300,000 to 340,000 square meters.
• Key features will include automated high-bay warehouses with 17,000 storage bins, 30 stacking cranes, and 15 lifters.
• The facility will also incorporate an integrated warehouse management system and specialized areas for temperature-controlled storage, express cargo, valuable cargo, and e-commerce operations.

This expansion is a strategic response to rising global trade flows and aims to support long-term growth in air freight demand, aligning with Turkish Cargo's ambition to be among the top five air cargo providers globally.

Integrated In-flight Catering Facility and Economic Impact

Alongside the cargo terminal, the investment includes a next-generation in-flight catering facility. This integrated design is intended to enhance efficiency, improve food quality control, and provide scalability for Turkish Airlines' extensive passenger network, which serves more countries than any other airline worldwide.

The project is expected to generate approximately 26,000 new jobs, contributing significantly to regional economic activity and supporting various industries such as logistics, ground handling, and supply chain services.

In a statement shared on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal, the airline emphasized the national pride associated with the project, stating, 'Türkiye is growing, Turkish Airlines is soaring,' and 'As Türkiye's flagship brand, this pride makes us proud.'

Strategic Vision for 2033

This investment is a crucial component of Turkish Airlines' 2033 Vision, which aims for the airline to be among the world's top five carriers with a projected fleet of 813 aircraft. The expansion of its cargo and catering infrastructure is seen as vital for strengthening its long-term competitive position and supporting Türkiye's broader economic and transport ambitions.