O'Hare joins forces with iGA Istanbul through new sister airport alliance

The signing ceremony took place at O’Hare’s Terminal 5 on June 20, attended by executives from both airports and Türkiye's Consul General in Chicago, Tahir Bora Atatanır. The agreement aims to elevate bilateral relations between the United States and Türkiye.

Chicago already has robust business and cultural ties with Türkiye. More than 20 Turkish investors are active in local companies, with several Turkish firms operating offices in Chicago. Additionally, eight Chicago-based companies maintain a presence in Türkiye, which is home to approximately 5,000 residents born there.

Phil Clement, President & CEO of World Business Chicago, highlighted the significance of this partnership: “This Sister Airport agreement between O’Hare and iGA Istanbul Airport reflects the power of connectivity—from trade and travel to cultural and commercial exchange.”

iGA Istanbul Airport ranks as one of the busiest airports globally by passenger volume and aircraft movements. It serves as a hub for Turkish Airlines with nonstop service to over 330 destinations worldwide.

This marks iGA Istanbul Airport's first sister airport partnership in the Americas. The agreement is expected to enhance its presence in North America while expanding its global network. Both airports anticipate mutual benefits from increasing passenger and cargo traffic.

Sister airport agreements typically involve joint working groups focusing on areas like airport management, customer services, planning, operations, and sustainable development.

For CDA, this is their tenth Sister Airport agreement alongside partnerships with airports such as Abu Dhabi International Airport in UAE; Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de Mexico; Beijing Capital International Airport; Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport; Birmingham Airport; Hong Kong International Airport; Incheon International Airport; Mariscal Sucre International Airport; and Shanghai Airports.

To date, iGA Istanbul has formed sister airport agreements with several international counterparts including Incheon International Airport (ICN), Capital Airports Holding (CAH), Shanghai Airport Authority, Sichuan Provincial Airport Group in China, Copenhagen Airport (CPH), Airports of Thailand (AOT), and Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV).