IATA: Türkiye is a global aviation powerhouse with its driving international and regional connectivity

The report quantifies the substantial benefits that aviation (including aviation-related tourism) generates in terms of jobs and economic activity in the country.
Highlights from 2023 data show that aviation supports and facilitates:
▪ USD 82.4 billion of economic activity (total impact including wider supply chain, employee spending, and tourism activities), equal to 7.4% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
▪ 2 million jobs (total impact including wider supply chain, employee spending, and tourism activities), 53,000 of which are directly employed by airlines
▪ 1.7 million tonnes of air cargo.

A strategic driver of economic growth and employment in Türkiye

The report underscores that aviation is not only a critical enabler of global connectivity but also a strategic driver of economic growth and employment in Türkiye. Sustaining this momentum will depend on continued investment, competitive policies, and progress in sustainable aviation initiatives.

In its report, IATA emphasized that there are various ways to measure the impact of air transport on an economy, noting:
“The two most important indicators in this regard are the aviation sector’s contribution to employment and Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This contribution includes direct aviation players such as airlines, airport operators, air navigation service providers (ANSPs), manufacturers, and on-site airport businesses.
In Türkiye, 247,300 people are directly employed in the aviation sector. These activities generate USD 14.3 billion in economic output, equivalent to 1.3% of the country’s GDP.
Aviation’s influence extends well beyond those directly employed in the industry, creating a wider economic impact through supply chains, employee spending, and tourism activities.
Aviation-supported tourism plays a significant role in Türkiye’s economy. Tourism activities contribute USD 49.6 billion to national GDP, while 1.2 million people are directly employed in tourism related to aviation.
International tourists are estimated to contribute USD 71 billion annually to Türkiye’s economy through the purchase of goods and services from local businesses.
The data in the report underline that the aviation sector is not merely an element of transport infrastructure but a strategic driver of Türkiye’s economic growth and employment sustainability.”

Türkiye the world’s seventh-largest market by passenger departures

“Türkiye is a global aviation powerhouse. International passenger departures have surged by nearly 70% over the past decade, making Türkiye the world’s seventh-largest market by passenger departures. Its airlines are driving regional and international connectivity, strengthening trade, tourism, and economic opportunity. Aviation already supports over 2 million jobs and contributes 7.4% to the nation’s GDP. Continued prioritization of aviation as a strategic sector anchored in competitive costs, sufficient capacity, and leveraging the opportunities that Sustainable Aviation Fuel offers will be vital to sustaining Türkiye’s leadership in global air transport,” said Nick Careen, IATA Senior Vice President, Operations, Safety and Security.

Key priorities for Türkiye

To continue generating benefits from aviation, IATA outlines three key priorities for Türkiye;

-Infrastructure: As Türkiye makes significant investments in airport infrastructure and digitalization, it is critical to work with the industry to ensure cost competitiveness.

-Capacity-Building: Ensuring a skilled workforce across all areas of aviation will enable Türkiye to fulfill its ambitious growth strategy.

-Sustainability: Leveraging the opportunities that Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) offers will be key to achieving Türkiye’s decarbonization goals. An IATA study highlights the potential to scale up sustainable biomass resources and invest in local SAF production to meet national targets and capture growing regional demand.