Türkiye to open upgraded military airfield in Ankara ahead of NATO summit

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is expected to inaugurate the renovated military airfield in Ankara’s Etimesgut district on June 15, where it will be used to support logistics during the NATO summit scheduled for July, Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu said in an interview with Anadolu Agency.

“Türkiye is hosting the NATO summit, and we do not want any problems to arise in organising this event. We have a 30-kilometre route from Esenboğa International Airport to the city. Protocol logistics along this route create certain traffic challenges. Therefore, under the instructions of our president, we are completely reconstructing the military airfield in Etimesgut. We have fully rebuilt the runway and are constructing a modern terminal. We hope the president will officially open the airfield on June 15,” Uraloğlu stated.

The minister explained that the Etimesgut airfield will subsequently be used exclusively by military aircraft. However, during the NATO summit, it will provide key logistical support.

“This airfield is located 7 kilometres from the Presidential Complex and 2 kilometers from the Ay Yıldız project,” he said, referring to the future headquarters complex of the Turkish General Staff and the armed forces’ branch commands. “As a result, our guests will be able to reach their destinations quickly.”

The NATO summit is scheduled to take place on July 7–8 and is expected to be hosted at the Ay Yıldız complex.

By Jeyhun Aghazada