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 open in 2026.
Turkey’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu announced that the entire Halkalı – Istanbul Airport metro line will be fully operational in the first quarter of 2026.
“After completing 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 project will connect the western districts of Istanbul with the Istanbul Airport (İstanbul Havalimanı), becoming one of the most significant infrastructure achievements of the last decade.
“Urban rail systems are tools that make citizens’ lives faster, safer, and more comfortable,” emphasized Uraloğlu.
The minister noted that across Turkey, 434 km of urban rail lines have already been built, 122 km are under construction, and 297 km are planned. Upon completion, the total length will reach 853 km.
New Metro Lines in Istanbul
Istanbul already operates 161.8 km of metro lines, with active construction ongoing on the Halkalı – Arnavutköy and Altunizade – Bosna Bulvarı lines (22 km).
A new section between Bosna Bulvarı – Ümraniye Spor Köyü (4.5 km, 4 stations) is also under development.
After completion, the total metro length will reach 188.3 km.
Construction and Current Status of the Project
| Stage | Section | Length | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | Gayrettepe – Istanbul Airport | 34 km | Opened in 2024 |
| II | Arnavutköy – Airport | 14 km | In operation |
| III | Arnavutköy – Halkalı | 17.5 km | Near completion |
Once the final section opens, there will be a single 69 km line, making it the longest underground metro line in Turkey.
Technical Features of the Line
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Fully automated signaling system developed in Turkey
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Driverless trains of a new generation
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Operating speed up to 120 km/h
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Full integration with Marmaray, Ataköy – Olimpiyatköy, and Kabataş – Mahmutbey – Esenyurt lines
Travel time after launch:
| Route | Time |
|---|---|
| Halkalı – Istanbul Airport | 30 minutes |
| Halkalı – Gayrettepe | 57 minutes |
| Başakşehir – Kağıthane | 48 minutes |
Impact of the Metro on the Real Estate Market
The launch of the Halkalı – Istanbul Airport metro line will strengthen transport connectivity in the European part of the city and lead to a rise in property values in districts along the route.
According to Reptur analysts, during the first year after opening:
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Apartment prices will increase by 10–15%
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Rental demand will grow by 20–25%
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Investment attractiveness of the areas will rise by at least 30%
Growth Forecast by District
| District | Growth Potential | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Arnavutköy | +15% | Proximity to the airport |
| Başakşehir | +12% | Direct metro connection |
| Küçükçekmece | +10% | Connection to the Marmaray line |
Economic and Social Significance
“It is impossible to solve traffic problems on the surface. Istanbul needs at least 1,000 km of metro lines,” said Minister Uraloğlu.
After the line opens, the metro’s share in urban transportation will rise to 42%, significantly reducing traffic and CO₂ emissions.
The project is part of the “Smart Istanbul” program and aligns with Turkey’s Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.
The First Driverless Test – A New Record for Turkey
The minister personally tested the first driverless train on the Halkalı – Olimpiyatköy section, covering 7.5 km in 6 minutes and setting a national speed record of 121 km/h.
“The train was manufactured in Turkey with a localization rate of 60%. The test was successful – fully autonomous, without a driver,” stated the minister.
When Will the Halkalı – Istanbul Airport Metro Open?
Opening date: First quarter of 2026
Line length: 69 km
Number of stations: 14
Format: Fully automated metro
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
- When will the Halkalı – Istanbul Airport Metro line (M11) open?
The full opening is planned for the first quarter of 2026, after the completion of certification tests.
- How long will the trip to the airport take?
From Halkalı to Istanbul Airport — just 30 minutes without transfers.
- How will the metro affect the real estate market?
Reptur analysts forecast a 10–15% increase in housing prices and higher rental demand along the route.
- Which districts will benefit the most?
Arnavutköy, Başakşehir, and Küçükçekmece will see the biggest growth thanks to improved transport accessibility.
- Will the metro be driverless?
Yes. The project uses a Turkish-developed automatic control system, and trains will operate autonomously.
- Why is this important for the city?
The metro will help reduce road congestion, lower emissions, and cut travel time between the airport and business centers to under one hour.
Source: Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of Turkey
Analytics and Visualization: Reptur — Research and Investment in Turkish Real Estate
