FedEx opens new global air network facility at Istanbul Airport

“The new facility in Istanbul is a strategic step for FedEx that further integrates our global air and road networks and provides our customers with the scale and flexibility they need in a dynamic trading environment,” said Smith. “It is also an important step in leveraging the potential of our combined networks to create long-term value and achieve growth in the global air freight market.”

Istanbul's location between Europe, Asia, and Africa allows it to serve as a strategic hub. The new site connects Turkey with 30 weekly FedEx flights to major markets in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. It also offers capacity for future network growth in the region. The facility further integrates FedEx’s global air network with its road network—one of the largest in the area—which links 45 countries and handles 1.3 million shipments per week. In 2024, Istanbul Airport became Europe's busiest air cargo hub by handling nearly two million tons of freight—a 24 percent increase over the previous year.

Covering 25,300 square meters, the site brings together essential operations under one roof: air gateway functions, customs clearance by integrated teams, and administrative support. It features technologies such as an automated sorting system, high-speed security checks, and capabilities for handling hazardous materials. With triple the sorting capacity compared to previous arrangements, up to 7,000 shipments can be processed per hour. Three automated high-speed X-ray machines powered by artificial intelligence improve speed, accuracy, and security during shipment screening.

“We are proud to open this new facility designed specifically to provide smarter and more efficient logistics solutions for our customers who want to grow globally,” said Sezek. “By integrating state-of-the-art technology and advanced automation, this site highlights our commitment to building a smarter logistics network and delivering outstanding service for our customers.”

Bilgen added: “The investment by FedEx at iGA Istanbul Airport is proof of our rapidly growing reputation as one of the world’s best-connected global logistics hubs as well as Turkey’s increasing importance in international aviation. It strengthens our position as an important player in global freight and e-commerce business while supporting our long-term vision to become a world-leading airport in air freight with a targeted handling capacity of over five million tons. We are pleased to welcome FedEx as a strategic partner for our ambitious growth plans and look forward to expanding this collaboration in coming months and years.”