Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu: “Large-Body Aircraft Will Also Be Able to Land”
Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu stated that the reconstruction of Hatay Airport, which was affected by the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş, is ongoing to accommodate large-body aircraft. He emphasized, “The construction of Hatay Airport is planned to be completed next year, but we are working to expedite the process.”
Uraloğlu provided details on the ongoing recovery efforts in the region following the February 6, 2023, Kahramanmaraş earthquakes.
He highlighted that the repair of damaged structures began swiftly, and Hatay was among the most affected provinces. He noted that Antakya, Defne, Kırıkhan, and Samandağ were the hardest-hit districts, where many buildings either collapsed or became uninhabitable.
Hatay Airport’s Damage and Restoration Plans
Minister Uraloğlu explained that Hatay Airport was among the damaged structures, stating:
“Due to fault movements and soil liquefaction in the area where our airport is located, permanent surface deformations occurred. Settlements reaching 1 to 1.5 meters were observed. The runway and surrounding areas were affected by these shifts. After the earthquake, we quickly carried out the necessary repairs for relief and evacuation flights, and our runway resumed operations shortly after.”
He noted that the original site selection for Hatay Airport was made in the 1990s and that a comprehensive evaluation of alternative locations—Topboğazı, Serinyol, İskenderun, and Amik Plain—was conducted. However, the current location was determined to be the most suitable for reconstruction.
New Infrastructure to Support Larger Aircraft
Minister Uraloğlu emphasized that construction at Hatay Airport is progressing and provided the following details:
“On October 12, we held the tender for the repair and development of the Hatay Airport airfield, and we started construction on November 21. The renewed Hatay Airport is planned to be completed next year, but we are working to accelerate the timeline. This airport will operate without being affected by earthquakes, and air traffic in the region will increase. Additionally, flood protection measures are being implemented for the airport.”
He further announced that a new 3,000-meter-long runway will be built to accommodate wide-body aircraft up to 45 meters in width. Other planned infrastructure includes:
- A 2,720-meter-long new parallel taxiway,
- Two high-speed exits and four connecting taxiways,
- A renovated apron and perimeter security roads,
- A new heating plant, regulator buildings, security cabins, and landscaping projects.
Minister Uraloğlu also emphasized that efforts to facilitate the daily lives of earthquake-affected citizens are continuing at full speed. Additionally, projects are underway to reinforce bridges, highways, and railways across Turkey to enhance earthquake resilience.
