Evaluation of the Readiness of Major Airports in Turkey for Zero-Emission Aviation Transformation Using the ARI Model
Chapter from the book: Akduman, G. (ed.) 2026. Green Transformation in Sustainable Aviation.

Hamza Ceylan
Kapadokya University
Eren Sezer
Kapadokya University

Synopsis

Evaluates the infrastructure readiness of major Turkish airports for zero-emission aircraft operations through a comparative and scenario-based approach. Istanbul Airport, Sabiha Gökçen Airport, Antalya Airport, Ankara Esenboğa Airport and Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport are examined as the empirical sample. The main purpose of the study is to identify the potential infrastructure requirements that airports may face as electric, hybrid-electric and hydrogen-based aircraft technologies become more widespread. To achieve this objective, the chapter applies an Airport Readiness Index (ARI) that integrates three core dimensions: traffic intensity, operational capacity and energy infrastructure. Passenger volume, aircraft movements, hub function, apron and terminal capacity, electricity grid readiness, renewable energy integration, apron charging potential, ground support equipment electrification and hydrogen storage potential are considered within the analytical framework. Min-max normalization is used to make variables with different scales comparable, and the three main index components are included in the model with equal weights because detailed standardized engineering data are not publicly available for all airports in the sample. The findings indicate that Istanbul Airport has the highest readiness priority, while Sabiha Gökçen and Antalya airports demonstrate medium-high readiness potential. The scenario analysis shows that annual energy demand would increase substantially, particularly at high-traffic airports, if 10%, 25% or 50% of total aircraft movements were converted into electric aircraft operations. These results suggest that the transition to zero-emission aviation cannot be addressed only through aircraft technology. It also requires airport-level energy planning, grid capacity development, apron redesign, renewable energy investments, charging infrastructure, hydrogen feasibility studies and coordinated strategies involving airport operators, airlines, ground handling companies, energy providers and public authorities.

How to cite this book

Ceylan, H. & Sezer, E. (2026). Evaluation of the Readiness of Major Airports in Turkey for Zero-Emission Aviation Transformation Using the ARI Model. In: Akduman, G. (ed.), Green Transformation in Sustainable Aviation. Özgür Publications. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58830/ozgur.pub1353.c5543

License

Published

June 30, 2026

DOI