Istanbul’s mega hub iGA Istanbul Airport has become the worlds first of its size to meet 100% of its electricity needs by solar power.
This is possible due to the completion of a new solar power plant in Eskişehir which is one of the largest renewable investments in global aviation.
The Eskişehir Solar Power Plant has a capacity of 240 mega watts (MW) and covers an area of 3 million square metres. The site became operational in 2025 and within just 5 months, was already producing 54% of the airports needs.
iGA Istanbul Airport CEO Selahattin Bilgen stated that sustainability is not a secondary aspect of their operations but rather its core foundation: “Our Eskişehir Solar Power Plant, came online in 2025, and is the strongest reflection of our sustainability-centred approach. In just 5 months, the SPP generated energy equivalent to 54% of our total annual electricity consumption. By 2026, we are now able to meet 100% of our electricity needs within our scope from solar energy. This means one of the world’s largest airports is powered entirely by 100% renewable electricity – a first in aviation history.”
The investment into the power plant means iGA Istanbul Airport prevents around 212,800 tonnes of CO2 emissions every year.
Bilgen added: “We are well ahead of the pace envisioned by European airports. This is a source of pride for us and a powerful motivation to take even greater strides. The Eskişehir SPP has become a reference point, not just for İGA, but for all energy-intensive industries. As the first institution to achieve this transformation at this scale, we firmly believe that we do not have to choose between growth and protecting our planet. With the right vision, the right technology and a determined will, both are possible together. A cleaner future is not an unattainable goal, it is a reality we are putting into practice today.”
The aviation industry as a whole has a target of net zero by 2050 but partly as a result of this development, the airport has revised its zero emissions target. It had originally planned to have 50% net-zero emissions by 2030, this has now been raised to 90%.
With Turkish Airlines flying to more countries than any other airline, iGA Istanbul Airport is rapidly becoming one of the world’s most important hubs handling almost 85 million passengers in 2025 putting on par with the UKs busiest airport, London Heathrow.
Discover more from UK Aviation News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
