Today the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) and iGA Istanbul Airport announced a new Sister Airport agreement between O’Hare International Airport and iGA—Türkiye’s global gateway and the leading transfer hub of its region—uniting America’s best-connected hub with one of Europe’s fastest-growing global gateways.

“This sister airport agreement marks an exciting new chapter in the partnership between two global aviation powerhouses,” said Selahattin Bilgen, CEO of iGA Istanbul Airport. “By joining forces with O’Hare International Airport, we are not only strengthening the bonds between continents, cultures, and commerce, but also laying the foundation for a future defined by deeper collaboration, innovation, and shared excellence. Together, we are charting a course toward a more connected and dynamic global aviation network—one that opens new horizons for passengers, businesses, and communities around the world.”

“On behalf of Mayor Brandon Johnson, I’m proud to welcome iGA Istanbul Airport as O’Hare’s latest Sister Airport,” said CDA Commissioner Michael J. McMurray. “I’m excited to grow our international relationships and share best practices to help keep the world connected to Chicago and Chicago connected to the world.”

The agreement was signed during a ceremony on Friday, June 20 at O’Hare’s Terminal 5 attended by executives from both airports and Türkiye's Consul General in Chicago, Tahir Bora Atatanır. The agreement is expected to elevate the bilateral relations between the two countries to a new level.

Chicago and Türkiye already enjoy strong business and cultural ties, with more than 20 investors from Türkiye active in local companies, a dozen Türkiye-headquartered firms operating offices in Chicago, and eight Chicago-based companies maintaining a presence in Türkiye. The Chicago metro area is also home to an estimated 5,000 residents born in Türkiye.

“Chicago is a global city, and our strength lies in the deep, lasting ties we enjoy with partners around the world,” said Phil Clement, President & CEO of World Business Chicago. “This Sister Airport agreement between O’Hare and iGA Istanbul Airport reflects the power of connectivity—from trade and travel to cultural and commercial exchange. As Istanbul is the only city in the world located on two continents—Europe and Asia—this partnership carries special meaning. It unites two dynamic cities that serve as gateways between East and West. Companies choose Chicago for access to customers, a diverse economy, and our unmatched global reach — partnerships like this deepen those advantages. With a vibrant Turkish community, growing two-way investment, and world-class airport infrastructure, this collaboration reaffirms Chicago as a place where international opportunity truly takes flight.”

iGA Istanbul Airport was ranked the seventh busiest airport in the world by passengers in 2024 and the ninth busiest in the world by aircraft movements. It is Türkiye’s largest airport, serving as a hub for Turkish Airlines and offers nonstop service to more than 330 destinations, the most in the world, including 14 in the United States. Like O’Hare, iGA Istanbul Airport is a significant international gateway for Star Alliance carriers.

With this agreement, iGA Istanbul Airport has established its first sister airport partnership in the Americas. This new partnership with Chicago enables iGA to strengthen its presence in the North American market and expand its global network. It’s expected both sides will mutually benefit from the growing passenger and cargo potential in the region.

Sister airport agreements cover the establishment of joint working groups in various fields such as airport management, customer services, planning, operations, and sustainable development.

This is the CDA’s 10th Sister Airport agreement, joining Abu Dhabi International Airport in the United Arab Emirates; Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de Mexico in Mexico; Beijing Capital International Airport in China; Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport in Serbia; Birmingham Airport in the United Kingdom; Hong Kong International Airport in China; Incheon International Airport in South Korea; Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Ecuador; and Shanghai Airports in China.

To date, iGA Istanbul Airport has signed sister airport agreements with Incheon International Airport (ICN) in South Korea, Capital Airports Holding (CAH), Shanghai Airport Authority, and Sichuan Provincial Airport Group in China, Copenhagen Airport (CPH) in Denmark, Airports of Thailand (AOT), and Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV).