Istanbul Airport: Turkey’s president Erdogan wants vanity project to be world’s largest
- Airport will serve 90 million passengers annually in its first phase
- Once completed in 10 years, it will serve up to 200 million travellers a year with six runways
Recep Tayyip Erdogan has held plenty of grand opening ceremonies in his 15 years at Turkey’s helm. On Monday, he unveiled one of his prized jewels – Istanbul’s new international airport – a megaproject that has been dogged by concerns about labour rights, environmental issues and Turkey’s weakening economy.
“I hope that Istanbul Airport will benefit our region and the world,” the Turkish president said at the lavish opening ceremony featuring numerous world leaders.
He was opening what he claims will eventually become the world’s largest air transport hub on the 95th anniversary of Turkey’s establishment as a republic.
It’s a symbolic launch, as only limited flights will begin days later and a full move won’t take place until the end of the year.
Tens of thousands of workers have been scrambling to finish the airport to meet Erdogan’s October 29 deadline.
Protests in September over poor working conditions and dozens of construction deaths have highlighted the human cost of the project.
Istanbul Airport, on the shores of the Black Sea, will serve 90 million passengers annually in its first phase.
