Between 2013 and 2019, the number of air passengers carried in Turkiye exhibited steady growth, with notable increases recorded particularly between 2013 and 2015. The growth rates were strong, although they started to decelerate from 2016 onwards. This period showcased an overall robust increase driven by both demand and improvements in infrastructure.
In 2020, the air passenger traffic plummeted dramatically by nearly 60% due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. However, a swift recovery began in 2021, with a substantial year-on-year growth of over 54%. This rebound continued into 2022 and 2023, enabling air passenger numbers to nearly return to pre-pandemic levels by 2023, where it stood at 114.74 million passengers.
Looking forward from 2024 to 2028, the forecast indicates a stabilization phase with a very modest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.31%, reflecting a more mature and saturated market. The growth rate over this forecast period reflects a trend towards market stabilization rather than aggressive growth.
Future trends to watch for include advancements in aviation technology, potential consolidation within the airline industry, and evolving travel behaviors influenced by environmental concerns and alternative modes of transportation. Continued monitoring of geopolitical factors and economic conditions will also be critical to understanding fluctuations in passenger traffic.
