Turkish airports handled a record 2.4 million tonnes of air cargo in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 22% year-on-year increase and cementing Turkey's position as one of the world's fastest-growing air freight markets. The surge is being driven by booming exports in textiles, automotive parts, pharmaceuticals, and fresh produce — and the momentum shows no signs of slowing.
Breaking Down the Numbers
According to data released by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), total air cargo throughput across all Turkish airports reached 2.4 million tonnes in Q1 2025. Istanbul Airport alone accounted for 1.8 million tonnes, while Sabiha Gökçen International Airport handled an additional 340,000 tonnes. Ankara Esenboğa and Antalya airports contributed the remainder.
Year-on-year, this represents a 22% increase — a figure that outpaces the global average air cargo growth rate of 8.4% recorded by IATA for the same period. The growth is particularly striking given that global supply chains are still navigating post-pandemic normalization and geopolitical headwinds in several key trade corridors.
Q1 2025 Key Statistics
- Total air cargo volume: 2.4 million tonnes (+22% YoY)
- Istanbul Airport throughput: 1.8 million tonnes
- Number of cargo-only flights: 48,200 (+18% YoY)
- Top export sectors: Textiles, Automotive, Pharmaceuticals
- Top destination regions: EU, Middle East, North America
What's Driving the Growth?
Several structural and cyclical factors are converging to push Turkish air cargo volumes to new heights. Understanding these drivers is essential for exporters looking to capitalize on the current market conditions.
1. Textile and Apparel Exports Surge
Turkey's textile and apparel sector — already one of the world's top five exporters — saw a 31% increase in air freight volumes in Q1 2025. Fast-fashion brands and luxury retailers in Europe and North America are increasingly sourcing from Turkish manufacturers, drawn by competitive pricing, high quality, and shorter lead times compared to Far East alternatives. Air freight enables Turkish textile exporters to meet tight retail deadlines that sea freight simply cannot accommodate.
2. Automotive Parts and Components
Turkey's automotive supply chain has become deeply integrated with European OEMs. Just-in-time manufacturing requirements mean that critical components — sensors, electronic modules, precision-machined parts — frequently move by air when production schedules demand it. Several major European automakers have increased their reliance on Turkish suppliers following supply chain disruptions in Asia, further boosting air cargo demand.
3. Pharmaceutical Exports Reach New Heights
Turkish pharmaceutical manufacturers exported over 180,000 tonnes of medicines and medical devices by air in Q1 2025, a 28% increase year-on-year. The sector has benefited from growing demand in the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia, where Turkish generics are price-competitive and regulatory approvals are well-established. Temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical cargo requires air freight, making this a structurally important driver of volume growth.
"Turkey is no longer just a transit hub — it has become a primary origin market for air cargo. The infrastructure investments of the past decade are now delivering measurable results for Turkish exporters."
4. Istanbul Airport's Expanding Network
Istanbul Airport's cargo terminal capacity has expanded significantly, with the completion of Phase 2 of the dedicated cargo apron adding 24 new wide-body aircraft stands. The airport now handles cargo connections to over 300 destinations, with Turkish Cargo operating direct freighter services to 100+ cities. This network density gives Turkish exporters unparalleled connectivity to global markets.
Implications for Turkish Exporters
The record volumes are good news for exporters, but they also bring challenges. Capacity constraints during peak periods — particularly around major retail seasons and agricultural harvest windows — can lead to rate spikes and booking difficulties. Exporters who plan ahead and work with established freight forwarders will be best positioned to secure capacity at competitive rates.
- Book capacity 2–4 weeks in advance during peak seasons (Q4 retail, spring agricultural)
- Consider consolidation services for smaller shipments to reduce per-kg costs
- Explore multi-airport options — Sabiha Gökçen often offers better rates for certain destinations
- Ensure documentation is complete and accurate to avoid customs delays that waste booked capacity
- Work with a licensed customs broker to navigate Turkey's export documentation requirements
The Road Ahead: Forecasts for 2025
Industry analysts are projecting full-year 2025 air cargo volumes for Turkey to reach 9.5–10 million tonnes, which would represent a 19–25% increase over 2024's record of 8 million tonnes. The forecast is underpinned by continued strong export demand, the expansion of e-commerce cross-border shipments, and Turkey's growing role as a logistics bridge between Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
Infrastructure investments are also set to continue. The Turkish government has announced plans to expand cargo terminal capacity at Ankara Esenboğa and to develop a dedicated cargo hub at Kayseri Airport to serve the Central Anatolian industrial belt. These investments will further distribute cargo volumes across the country and reduce congestion at Istanbul.
What This Means for Your Business
- Increased competition for capacity means early booking is more important than ever
- Rate volatility is likely during peak periods — consider forward rate agreements
- New routes and frequencies are being added regularly — ask your freight forwarder about options
- Turkey's growing cargo network opens new market opportunities for exporters
Turkey Air Cargo's Role in This Growth Story
At Turkey Air Cargo, we've been at the forefront of this growth, expanding our network, investing in technology, and deepening our relationships with airlines and ground handlers to ensure our clients have access to the capacity they need. Our team of logistics specialists monitors market conditions daily and proactively communicates capacity updates to clients, helping them plan shipments with confidence.
Whether you're a first-time air freight shipper or an established exporter looking to optimize your logistics costs, our team is ready to help you navigate Turkey's booming air cargo market. Contact us today for a free consultation and competitive rate quote.
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