The Group adopts a phased, demand driven approach to investment that strengthens airport performance while safeguarding passenger comfort and operational stability. This same philosophy forms the basis of its ongoing efforts across airports in Malaysia, where planning for future demand remains central to maintaining reliable operations and consistent service standards.
Ranked as Türkiye’s second-busiest airport and among Europe's fastest growing aviation hub, ISG has experienced sustained traffic growth, handling more than 40 million passengers annually. International travellers now account for more than half of total passenger traffic, highlighting the importance of ensuring capacity and processes continue to keep pace with demand.
The €70 million expansion project, targeted for completion by the second quarter of 2026, is being delivered through close collaboration between HEAŞ, (Sabiha Gökçen International Airport Authority), Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport Investment Development and Operation Inc., and Malaysia Airports. The project demonstrates how disciplined planning, phased delivery and operational expertise can be applied in high growth environments, whether in Europe or within Malaysia’s own airport network.
A key feature of the Terminal 1 upgrade is a 240 metre steel connection bridge linking Terminals 1 and 2, the first of its kind in Türkiye. The structure improves passenger circulation, optimises space utilisation and enables smoother inter terminal connectivity, reflecting a focus on practical, passenger centred design rather than headline driven expansion.
Managing Director of Malaysia Airports Dato’ Mohd Izani Ghani said the project reflects the Group’s commitment to investing with demand and planning for the long-term, “The Terminal 1 modernisation and optimisation works at ISG are driven by sustained passenger growth and the need to strengthen capacity and passenger flow in a measured, structured manner. It reflects how we plan, invest in, and operate airports over the long term. The same approach guides our work in Malaysia, where we continue to enhance assets, processes and capacity to support future travel demand while maintaining consistent service standards across the network.”
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Mr. Abdulkadir Uraloğlu; President of the Secretariat of Defence Industries (SSB), Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün; Governor of ISG, Mr. Halil Avşar; General Manager of HEAŞ, Mr. Faruk Kacır; and Dato’ Mohd Izani, reflecting the strong bilateral ties between Malaysia and Türkiye.
With the completion of Phase 1, ISG’s combined annual capacity across Terminals 1 and 2 will exceed 50 million passengers. The enhanced terminal introduces 18 additional boarding gates, upgraded passenger facilities and seamless inter terminal connectivity via the new bridge.
Serving 154 destinations across 54 countries and having launched 25 new routes this year, ISG continues to strengthen its role as a key international gateway.
