Turkey announces plans to construct third Istanbul airport
The Turkish government has announced plans to build a third airport in Istanbul that will allow the city to capitalise on its status as a key regional transport hub, according to a new report.
Ali Babacan, Turkey's chief negotiator with the EU and state minister for finance, announced the plans at the Pacific Summit at the weekend with the Confederation of Turkish Businessmen and Industrialists, the Anatolian Times reported.
The government official explained that a third airport would be "essential" for the future of Istanbul and Turkey as the country seeks to establish itself as a "symbol of stability" in a volatile region.
Mr Babacan explained: "[Turkey] offers great opportunities for foreign businessmen with its young population and wide market."
He also noted that the country's political and economic structure and its enthusiasm for joining the EU are other factors for investment in the country.
Among the backers for Turkey's application for EU membership are Hungary and the UK.
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