The entire Halkalı — Istanbul Airport metro line (M11 metro line) will open in 2026.
The entire metro line from Halkalı (Küçükçekmece district) to Istanbul Airport (New Istanbul Airport IST) will fully open in the first quarter of 2026. Turkey's Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, officially confirmed the timeline.
"After completing the necessary certification procedures, we plan to open the line by the end of the first quarter of 2026," the minister stated.
About the Halkalı — Istanbul Airport Metro Project
The mega-project will connect the western districts of Istanbul with the Istanbul Airport (İstanbul Havalimanı). Upon completion of the final Arnavutköy — Halkalı section (17.5 km), it will form a single 69 km line with 14 stations, making it the longest underground metro line in Turkey.
Current Status & Technical Features
- Stages I & II: The Gayrettepe — Istanbul Airport (34 km) and Arnavutköy — Airport (14 km) sections are already fully operational.
- Autonomous Technology: The line features a new generation of driverless trains operating at speeds up to 120 km/h, powered by a fully automated signaling system developed in Turkey.
- Network Integration: The M11 line will be fully integrated with major city rail networks, including Marmaray, Ataköy — Olimpiyatköy, and Kabataş — Mahmutbey — Esenyurt.
Travel Times After Launch
| Route | Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Halkalı — Istanbul Airport | 30 minutes |
| Halkalı — Gayrettepe | 57 minutes |
| Başakşehir — Kağıthane | 48 minutes |
Impact on the Real Estate Market & Economy
The launch of the Halkalı — Istanbul Airport line will dramatically enhance transport connectivity in the European part of the city. According to real estate analysts at Reptur, a noticeable surge in property values is expected within the first year of opening:
| District | Growth Potential | Key Growth Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Arnavutköy | +15% | Direct and closest proximity to the International Airport |
| Başakşehir | +12% | Direct high-speed connection to major urban hubs |
| Küçükçekmece | +10% | Seamless integration with the Marmaray intercontinental line |
Alongside property appreciation, rental demand along the route is projected to increase by 20–25%. The project aligns with Turkey's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals under the "Smart Istanbul" framework, increasing the metro's share in city transit to 42% and significantly lowering carbon emissions.
Driverless Test & Speed Record
Minister Uraloğlu personally tested the first autonomous train on the Halkalı — Olimpiyatköy section, covering 7.5 km in just 6 minutes without a driver. The train reached a national record speed of 121 km/h. Built with a 60% domestic manufacturing localization rate, the system passed all autonomous safety parameters successfully.
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
- When will the M11 Halkalı — Istanbul Airport metro line open?
The full line is scheduled to become operational in the first quarter of 2026 following final certification tests.
- How long will the trip to the airport take?
Commuters can travel from Halkalı directly to Istanbul Airport in just 30 minutes without any transfers.
- Which real estate markets will benefit the most?
The districts of Arnavutköy, Başakşehir, and Küçükçekmece are expected to see the highest investment returns, with property prices rising by 10–15%.
Source: Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of Turkey
Analytics: Reptur — Research and Investment in Turkish Real Estate
