Gayrettepe-Havalimanı Metro Line Sets New Passenger Record
Istanbul, June 25 – The Gayrettepe-Istanbul Airport-Halkalı Metro Line has set a new passenger record, serving 53,396 passengers on Monday, June 22. This achievement comes shortly after the final section of the line, the Halkalı-Arnavutköy segment, was inaugurated by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Friday, June 19.
Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu announced the record-breaking figures, highlighting the significant impact of the newly opened section. The Halkalı-Arnavutköy segment, which spans 22 kilometers, began operations on June 20, operated by TCDD Taşımacılık.
Previous Record Surpassed
Before the latest expansion, the Gayrettepe-Istanbul Airport-Arnavutköy Line had already served over 33 million passengers since its opening. Its previous record was set on April 30, 2026, with 47,925 passengers. With the full line now operational, the Gayrettepe-Istanbul Airport-Halkalı Metro, which is Turkey’s longest and fastest underground metro, has significantly surpassed this figure.
Minister Uraloğlu emphasized the substantial contribution of the newly opened stations-Halkalı, Halkalı Stadı, Olimpiyatköy, Kayaşehir, and İbn Haldun-Üniversite-to the overall performance of the line. In just three days, the Halkalı-Arnavutköy section served a total of 56,555 passengers.
Significant Increase in Daily Passenger Numbers
Throughout 2026, the daily average passenger count for the Gayrettepe-Arnavutköy section had reached 35,949. Following the launch of the Halkalı-Arnavutköy segment, this number has seen a 33 percent increase, climbing to an average of 47,762 passengers per day.
On June 22, the highest passenger traffic on the Gayrettepe-Istanbul Airport-Halkalı Line was observed at Gayrettepe station, accounting for 22.7 percent of total passengers, followed by Istanbul Airport station with 18.6 percent. The newly opened Halkalı station quickly integrated into the system, serving 6.6 percent of total passengers, while Kayaşehir station accounted for 5.6 percent.
Minister Uraloğlu also noted that the five newly opened stations in the Halkalı-Arnavutköy section will offer free service until July 31 as part of the inauguration. This initiative aims to encourage residents to utilize the new metro line and explore its connectivity.
Future Outlook and Connectivity
The expansion of the metro line is a strategic move to enhance Istanbul’s public transportation network, providing faster and more efficient access to key areas, including Istanbul Airport. The increased capacity and extended reach of the metro are expected to further alleviate traffic congestion and promote sustainable urban mobility.
The success of the Gayrettepe-Istanbul Airport-Halkalı Metro Line underscores the growing demand for modern and extensive public transport solutions in Istanbul. Authorities continue to invest in infrastructure projects aimed at improving the quality of life for the city’s residents and visitors.
The metro line’s ability to connect vital hubs like Gayrettepe, Istanbul Airport, and Halkalı is crucial for both daily commuters and international travelers. The record-breaking passenger numbers indicate a strong positive reception from the public, affirming the importance of such large-scale infrastructure investments.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure remains committed to further developing Turkey’s transportation network, with ongoing projects aimed at integrating various modes of transport and enhancing connectivity across urban and regional areas. The Gayrettepe-Istanbul Airport-Halkalı Metro Line serves as a prime example of successful urban development and public service improvement.
