Istanbul, Turkey – February 19, 2026 – The Gayrettepe-Istanbul Airport-Arnavutköy Metro Line has achieved a new daily passenger record, serving 44,467 passengers on February 16, 2026. This announcement was made by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, highlighting the growing importance of the metro line for the city’s transportation infrastructure.
Minister Uraloğlu Announces Record-Breaking Figures
Minister Uraloğlu provided details on the passenger numbers for the Gayrettepe-Istanbul Airport-Arnavutköy Metro Line in a written statement. He reminded that the line was opened in 2023, stating, “The Gayrettepe-Istanbul Airport-Arnavutköy Metro Line refreshed its passenger record on February 16, serving 44,467 people. Our line reached its highest number of passengers carried in a single day, setting a new record.”
Uraloğlu also recalled that the previous record for this line was set on October 6, 2025, with 42,921 passengers, demonstrating a consistent increase in ridership.
28.6 Million Passengers Served to Date
The Minister emphasized that the number of passengers on the line continues to multiply every day. “Since the Cargo Terminal-Kağıthane section of our line was put into service in 2023, we have served 28.6 million passengers,” Uraloğlu assessed.
Uraloğlu pointed out that the Gayrettepe-Istanbul Airport-Arnavutköy Line, which incorporates many ‘firsts’, is one of Istanbul’s longest metro routes. He added, “Turkey’s fastest metro provides a breath of fresh air for Istanbul traffic. Our line, which brings together high-passenger traffic stops such as Gayrettepe, Kağıthane, Kemerburgaz, Göktürk, and Istanbul Airport, allows approximately 1 million passengers to travel faster, safer, and more comfortably every month. Approximately 28.5% of the total passengers use our Gayrettepe Station.”
Impact on Istanbul’s Transportation
The record-breaking passenger numbers underscore the critical role of the metro line in alleviating Istanbul’s traffic congestion and providing efficient public transport. The line connects key areas, including the city center and the major international airport, making it a vital artery for both residents and tourists.
Future Outlook and Continued Growth
The continuous increase in passenger numbers suggests a strong demand for modern and efficient public transportation solutions in Istanbul. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure is expected to continue its efforts to expand and improve the city’s metro network to meet the growing needs of its population.
Source: haber.aero
