Cappadocia Airport Expansion Reaches 2 Million Passenger Capacity by October

Cappadocia Airport Expansion to Boost Tourism in Turkey

The expansion project at Cappadocia Airport in Turkey is set to be completed in phases, with the first stage scheduled to open in October 2025. This phase will significantly increase the airport’s annual passenger capacity from 700,000 to 2 million passengers.

Key elements of the project include the expansion of the terminal building’s enclosed areas, including check-in counters and passport control, to accommodate long-term passenger growth. A new taxiway will also be constructed to reduce aircraft taxiing time between the runway and apron, improving operational efficiency. The architectural and interior design of the terminal will reflect local cultural motifs and Nevsehir stone, enhancing the visitor experience and emphasizing regional identity.

Cappadocia is a major Turkish tourism hub, generating about $2.06 billion in tourism revenue in 2024, expected to rise to $2.4 billion in 2025. A study by Cappadocia University suggests the region’s annual tourism revenue could grow up to $5 billion in the longer term. The increasing passenger capacity at the airport supports this tourism growth, especially with rising overnight stays (+32% in early 2025) and hot-air balloon flight activity, a signature attraction of Cappadocia.

Overnight stays in Cappadocia increased by 32% to 1.34 million in the first five months of 2025. Visitors arriving at the airport will encounter visual elements and cultural symbols representing Nevsehir and Cappadocia. Cappadocia, a region in Turkey, is known for its distinctive rock formations, cave dwellings, and hot-air balloon tours. Balloon flights in Cappadocia can be held on over 200 days annually.

In 2024, Cappadocia generated $2.06 billion in tourism revenue. More than 3,000 hot-air balloon rides are taken in Cappadocia each day. The expansion of Cappadocia Airport aims to tap into the region's potential for generating $5 billion in revenue from tourism. In the first seven months of 2025, the number of balloon flights increased by 4%, and passenger capacity grew 11% compared to the same period last year.

In 2025, the leading nationalities visiting and staying overnight in Nevsehir were from South Korea, China, Spain, the United States, and Indonesia. The tourism revenue in Cappadocia is expected to rise to $2.4 billion in 2025. This expansion aims to fuel significant growth in passenger traffic and tourism revenue, supporting Cappadocia’s status as a global tourism destination.

The completed expansion of Cappadocia Airport in Turkey, set for October 2025, is poised to cater to Russia, as the increased annual passenger capacity from 700,000 to 2 million might attract more Russian tourists.
With the airport expansion, the Turkish economy, particularly the aviation and transportation industry, stands to benefit appreciably, as better connectivity could lead to increased foreign investment.
As the airport expansion progresses, the Turkic nation, Turkey, and its financial sector may see increased revenue from tourism, aiming to reach $5 billion in the long term, following projections by Cappadocia University.
The redesigned Cappadocia Airport, featuring local cultural motifs and Nevsehir stone, is expected to become a symbol of Istanbul's influence in the region, not only attracting travellers but also representative of Turkey's cultural heritage in the global aviation industry.