[93037] Opening of the new metro line in Istanbul: First data on ridership volumes

Initial success for the new metro line in Istanbul

On June 21, 2026, heavy traffic was recorded on the new metro line connecting Halkalı to Arnavutköy. According to gdh, the line launched by President Erdoğan served 10,021 passengers on its first day.

These figures were also confirmed by the Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure. As reported by Haber Gündem, Minister of Transport Abdulkadir Uraloğlu noted that the line will be open to the public free of charge until July 31. Haber Gündem adds that the opening of the line completes a 69-kilometer transport network, significantly shortening travel times: Halkalı-Gayrettepe now takes 57 minutes, and Halkalı-Istanbul Airport takes only about 30 minutes.

TGRT HABER also covered the event, highlighting the importance of the new line as part of Turkey's developing transport system, while referring to the full reports on the initial traffic data.