iGA Istanbul Airport signs sister airport agreement with Sydney to boost connectivity and passenger services

iGA Istanbul Airport (IST), the world’s leading hub for destination connectivity, has strengthened its global partnerships by signing a Sister Airport Agreement with Sydney Airport (SYD) in Australia. The collaboration is designed to boost passenger and cargo traffic, enhance route development, and promote both cities as leading international destinations.

The partnership will involve annual management meetings, joint workshops, and the sharing of best practices and non-commercial data to encourage mutual learning and operational excellence. Both airports will also collaborate on joint marketing campaigns and promotional activities to increase the visibility of Istanbul and Sydney while encouraging sustainable growth in air services.

This new agreement supports iGA Istanbul Airport’s strategic goal of strengthening its role as a global connector and advancing Türkiye’s tourism and trade links with Australia. It follows the Sister Airport Agreement signed in June with Chicago O’Hare International Airport (CDA) and marks the tenth such partnership in iGA’s expanding global network.

Other Sister Airport partnerships have been established with Incheon International Airport in South Korea, Capital Airports Holding, Shanghai Airport Authority, and Sichuan Provincial Airport Group in China, Copenhagen Airport in Denmark, Airports of Thailand, and Airports Corporation of Vietnam.

According to the 2025 Airport Industry Connectivity Report by ACI EUROPE, iGA Istanbul Airport has overtaken Frankfurt to become the world leader in the Global Hub Connectivity ranking. It has maintained its position as Europe’s most connected airport for 2024 and 2025, offering direct flights to more than 330 destinations and serving over 110 airlines.

This latest partnership with Sydney Airport marks another milestone in iGA Istanbul Airport’s mission to enhance global collaboration, drive sustainable aviation growth, and continue setting standards for international connectivity and passenger service excellence.