From 47th to 17th: The transformation of cargo operations at Istanbul Airport over five years.

Istanbul International Airport (IST) has rapidly ascended the global cargo rankings, moving from 47th in 2019 to 17th in 2024, due to significant infrastructure investments, automation, and a strategic focus on e-commerce. Central to this growth is Cargo City, a vast complex capable of handling up to 5.5 million tonnes annually, and the advanced SmartIST facility, which enhances efficiency in cargo handling. With competitive operating costs and a robust airline ecosystem, including major integrators, IST is positioned as a key hub in global logistics and air freight, reshaping Europe's cargo landscape.