The new Çukurova International Airport in Mersin

Cukurova International Airport in Mersin opened on August 11. The airport will be able to serve 8 million passengers a year and accept any aircraft. The airport will become the second largest cargo hub in the country. Airlines have already launched direct flights from Moscow.

What does this mean for Turkey?

1️⃣ According to experts, the flights will increase the tourist flow from Russia to the region, which ranks third in real estate acquisition among foreigners. In Mersin province, Russia is also building Turkey's first nuclear power plant, Akkuyu, and the new airport will ease transportation accessibility with the area.

2️⃣ President Erdogan also noted that Cukurova International Airport will play a locomotive role in the development of the entire Mediterranean region, contributing to trade, tourism, agricultural production of the area and providing employment for about 3,000 people.