Türkiye’s civil aviation fleet grew to a total of 1,772 craft, including aircraft, helicopters and gliders, by the end of the first half of the year, according to the Transport and Infrastructure Ministry’s Civil Aviation General Directorate (SHGM).
Türkiye is increasing the number of aircraft in its civil aviation sector to meet demand at its major hubs, such as the airports in Istanbul, Ankara and Antalya, which make up some of Europe’s largest and busiest air hubs.
Türkiye’s number of airports rose to 60, while annual passenger capacity reached 400 million, propelling the country to the top ranks in global aviation.
The number of daily flights exceeded 6,800 in the country, accompanying the growth of the civil aviation fleet.
The number of aircraft, including hot air balloons due to their major contribution to Turkish tourism, reached 2,300 by the end of June this year, compared to 2,116 as of June 2025.
The data showed that airlines have the highest number of aircraft in Türkiye.
Flag carrier Turkish Airlines, AJet and Pegasus own a total of 846 aircraft this year, up from 751 in mid-2025.
The number of aircraft registered to air taxi operators rose from 235 to 259 over the same period.
Air taxi operators include firms providing commercial air transport using registered aircraft with a maximum capacity of 19 seats.
Meanwhile, the number of aircraft registered to general aviation operators, which operate passenger and cargo transport outside commercial air transport, rose from 595 in the first half of last year to 632 as of the end of this year’s first half.
The number of ultralight aircraft in general aviation operations fell from 36 to 35 as of the end of June.
Additionally, the number of hot air balloons rose from 499 at the end of the first half of last year to 528 as of the end of June 2026, the data showed.
The directorate categorizes hot air balloons as aircraft under its rules.