Türkiye spends $250 million preparing for NATO summit in Ankara

Turkish authorities have spent approximately $250 million preparing for the NATO summit scheduled for July 7–8 in Ankara.

According to the newspaper Sözcü, significant funds were allocated to infrastructure upgrades and extensive cosmetic improvements along official protocol routes in the capital.

The bulk of the spending went toward the construction of a new airport on the site of a military airbase in the Etimesgut district, located near the summit venue. It will be used by aircraft carrying delegations from NATO member states in order to avoid congestion at Esenboğa International Airport and prevent motorcades from crossing the entire city. The construction of this airport, a guesthouse, and the associated road infrastructure reportedly cost around $200 million, according to the newspaper.

The remaining funds were spent on preparing accommodations for high-ranking guests, cosmetic renovation of several buildings, road resurfacing, and landscaping along protocol routes.

In addition, extra funding was required to deploy additional police forces to the capital for security purposes. As previously reported by local media citing the Interior Ministry, around 70,000 security personnel will be involved in ensuring safety during the summit in Ankara.

During the event, Sözcü reports that approximately 35 roads in the capital will be closed, including nearly all central avenues and boulevards.