Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, which ceased passenger operations in 2018 after the new Istanbul Airport opened, is undergoing a dramatic transformation into one of the world's largest startup hubs. Dubbed 'Terminal Istanbul,' the project will convert the former terminal buildings into modern offices, co-working spaces, incubators, and investor meeting areas.
A phased opening with ambitious goals
The campus spans roughly 200,000 square meters, with the first phase set to launch in August 2026. Initially, 5,000 square meters will open, hosting 50 startups, growing to 100 by year-end. Former passenger lounges, check-in counters, and baggage areas have been redesigned into sleek workspaces and event venues, aiming to concentrate entrepreneurs, tech firms, and venture capital under one roof.
Global heavyweights join the ecosystem
Techstars, one of the world's largest startup accelerators, will open an office at Terminal Istanbul to run acceleration programs, incubators, and investor-matching processes. Shanghai State-owned Capital Investment, managing around $47 billion in assets, has also agreed to establish a presence. Meanwhile, Middle Eastern platform Flat6Labs is on board, and talks continue with Saudi Arabia's SME fund Monshaat. Other funds like Disrupt Ventures, Enhance Ventures, and Uzbekistan-based UzVC are in negotiations to join.
Bureaucracy simplified for foreign entrepreneurs
A key feature is the 'one-stop service center,' which will handle company registration, residence permits, tax, and social security procedures in a single location. A planned legislative change would further enable fully digital company formation, eliminating the need to visit multiple government offices.
VIP access and gastronomic showcase
The airport's existing VIP terminal will allow investors to fly in on private jets, attend meetings on-site, and depart the same day without leaving the campus. Terminal Istanbul CEO Erkam Tüzgen said the vision is to position Istanbul as a leading global entrepreneurship and tech investment hub. Beyond business, the complex will feature restaurants and gastronomy zones developed with the Culinary Arts Academy, aiming to introduce modern Turkish cuisine to international visitors.
