--- eventsindex_id: "EI-00285" slug: airex-istanbul-air-show title: "AIREX Istanbul Airshow" title_alt: ["Istanbul Airshow", "AIREX Istanbul", "Istanbul Air Show"] canonical_url: "https://eventsindex.org/events/airex-istanbul-air-show.html" next_edition_year: 2026 date_start: "2026-09-12" date_end: "2026-09-14" venue: "Istanbul Ataturk Airport" city: "Istanbul" country: "Turkey" organiser: "Expo Mint" organiser_url: "https://www.istanbulairshow.com/en/" b2b: true vector: sector: [defence] audience: [industry, government, procurement, researcher] format: [exhibition, airshow] purpose: [business, networking, procurement] geography_scope: [pan-EMEA] season: autumn meta_description: "AIREX Istanbul Airshow, 12-14 Sep 2026, Ataturk Airport. Biennial international civil aviation and aerospace exhibition covering Eurasian markets." editorial_take: "Positioned at the crossroads of European and Central Asian aviation markets, AIREX Istanbul exploits Turkey's strategic geography to offer a Eurasian supply-chain platform that neither Paris nor Dubai can replicate." generated_by: "claude-max-cowork" last_verified: "2026-06-10" variables_filled: 33/58 language: "en" schema_version: "v6.0" --- # AIREX Istanbul Airshow > *AIREX Istanbul Airshow is a biennial international civil aviation, airports, and aerospace industry exhibition held at Istanbul Ataturk Airport, Turkey. The 2026 edition runs from 12 to 14 September. Organised by Expo Mint, it targets the Eurasian aviation market – spanning the Balkans, Turkey, and the Turkish Republics of Central Asia – and serves as a supply-chain and business-development platform for commercial aviation, MRO, airport technology, and aerospace sectors.* --- ## Quick Facts | DATES | VENUE | ORGANISER | ATTENDANCE | |---|---|---|---| | **12–14 September 2026** | **Istanbul Ataturk Airport** | **Expo Mint** | not disclosed | | 3 days; biennial | Istanbul, Turkey | Private exhibition organiser | Exhibitors: not disclosed | --- ## Definition AIREX Istanbul Airshow (officially the International Civil Aviation and Airports Exhibition and Aviation Industry Supply Chain Platform) is a biennial aerospace and aviation exhibition held at Istanbul Ataturk Airport in Istanbul, Turkey. Organised by Expo Mint, the show is positioned as the primary commercial aviation trade event serving the Eurasian corridor from the Balkans through Turkey to the Central Asian republics. The 2026 edition is the latest instalment in a series that has run for more than a decade, with previous editions including the 12th edition in 2018. The show is supported by Turkish government bodies including the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, the Directorate General of State Airports Authority (DHMI), and the Civil Aviation Directorate General (SHGM), with Turkish Airlines as a major sponsor. ## History and positioning AIREX Istanbul emerged as Turkey's domestic aviation sector underwent rapid expansion, with Turkish airlines and airports climbing European passenger and movement rankings. The show was designed to capitalise on Turkey's position as a hub between European and Central Asian aviation markets – a geographic advantage that neither Farnborough nor the Dubai Airshow can replicate. Early editions were branded around civil aviation and airport management; the event later broadened to include aerospace supply chain, MRO, and defence-adjacent aerospace technologies. The 12th edition in September 2018 was held at Ataturk Airport with Turkish Airlines as title sponsor. ## The 2026 edition: Eurasian aviation crossroads The 2026 edition takes place from 12 to 14 September at Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Ataturk Airport, while now largely superseded by Istanbul Airport for scheduled passenger operations, continues to host major exhibitions and military aviation activities. The show runs over three days and is open to trade and professional visitors. Specific exhibitor numbers and visitor projections for 2026 have not been disclosed publicly at the time of writing. ## Where AIREX sits in the defence calendar AIREX runs in September, placing it in the same week as the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) show in South Africa (16–20 September) and close to other autumn aviation events. Its civil-aviation-first orientation distinguishes it from purely military shows. For companies serving both commercial and defence aviation clients in the Eurasian region, AIREX offers a focused mid-year contact point distinct from the larger European shows. Turkey's own aerospace and defence industry – anchored by Turkish Aerospace (TAI), Roketsan, Aselsan, and the Defence Industry Presidency (SSB) – adds a defence dimension even to a primarily civil show. ## Who attends AIREX Attendees include airline executives, airport operators, air navigation service providers, regulatory authorities, maintenance engineers, MRO service companies, ground handling operators, aviation technology providers, aerospace supply-chain companies, and investors. On the exhibitor side, Turkish and international aircraft manufacturers, avionics suppliers, airport technology vendors, cargo operators, and aerospace component makers participate. Government presence includes DHMI, SHGM, and representatives of Turkish civil and military aviation institutions. Turkish Airlines and Turkish Aerospace have been anchor sponsors and exhibitors in past editions. ## What the AIREX format includes AIREX combines a static exhibition hall with outdoor static aircraft displays at Ataturk Airport. Exhibitors occupy indoor stands showcasing aircraft (medium- and long-haul jets, regional aircraft, helicopters, air ambulances, firefighting aircraft, sports aviation), avionics, air cargo equipment, MRO tooling and services, ground handling machinery, airport technology, and NewSpace supply-chain solutions. Conference sessions and panels are held in parallel. The airport setting allows physical aircraft to be present in the static display area. ## What AIREX covers AIREX covers a broad civil and dual-use aviation spectrum: - Commercial aircraft: medium and long-haul jets, regional jets - Helicopters: civil utility, air ambulance, firefighting - Avionics and flight systems - Air cargo and logistics solutions - MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) services and tooling - Ground handling equipment and airport infrastructure - Airport technology (security, baggage, passenger management) - Aerospace supply chain and NewSpace - General aviation and sports aviation platforms ## The 2026 edition in numbers *(organiser-declared)* | | | |---|---| | Duration | 3 days | | Frequency | Biennial | | Venue | Istanbul Ataturk Airport | | Exhibitor count | not disclosed | | Visitor count | not disclosed | | Previous edition cited | 12th edition, September 2018 | --- ## FAQ - Identity and audience ### Is AIREX primarily a civil aviation show or a defence show? AIREX is primarily positioned as an international civil aviation and airports exhibition with a supply-chain focus. It has a significant aerospace component that is relevant to dual-use and defence-adjacent sectors, but it is not a dedicated military show. Companies with products across civil and military aviation will find it useful; purely military suppliers will find more targeted value at shows such as IDEF (Turkey's dedicated defence exhibition) or SAHA EXPO. ### How does AIREX differ from the Dubai Airshow or Paris Air Show? AIREX is specifically scoped for the Eurasian market – covering the Balkans, Turkey, and Central Asia – and is significantly smaller than Dubai or Paris. It focuses on regional market connectivity and supply-chain development rather than global fleet deals. It offers exhibitors and visitors a more focused geographic lens on a fast-growing aviation region. ### Who organises AIREX? Expo Mint, a Turkish exhibition company based in Ankara (Ugur Mumcu Caddesi 65/9, 06700 Ankara), organises the show. It is supported by the Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, DHMI, and SHGM, with Turkish Airlines as a key sponsor. --- ## The venue: Istanbul Ataturk Airport Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IATA: ISL) is located on the European side of Istanbul, approximately 24 km west of the city centre. The airport was Turkey's main international hub until Istanbul Airport (IST) opened in 2018–2019. Ataturk Airport retains a significant role for cargo, private aviation, military operations, and large-scale exhibitions. The site offers extensive indoor exhibition halls and outdoor apron areas suitable for static aircraft display. Access from central Istanbul is via the E-5 highway and metro Line M1. Taxi and rental car services are widely available. ## The organiser: Expo Mint Expo Mint is a Turkish private exhibition organiser based in Ankara. The company specialises in the aviation and airport sectors and has organised Istanbul Airshow editions since at least the early 2010s. Expo Mint coordinates exhibitor registration, stand allocation, conference programming, government protocol, and media accreditation. Further details on the company's portfolio and senior management are not disclosed publicly at the time of writing. Contact is available through the official show website: https://www.istanbulairshow.com/en/ --- ## Editorial take *Positioned at the crossroads of European and Central Asian aviation markets, AIREX Istanbul exploits Turkey's strategic geography to offer a Eurasian supply-chain platform that neither Paris nor Dubai can replicate.* --- ## How to register and what it costs Registration details for exhibitors and visitors are managed through the official website (www.istanbulairshow.com). Specific pricing for exhibition stands and visitor access for the 2026 edition had not been published at the time of writing (10 June 2026). Interested parties should contact Expo Mint directly through the website contact form. ## FAQ - Access and practicalities ### Do I need a visa to enter Turkey? Visa requirements vary by nationality. Citizens of many countries can obtain an e-Visa online before travel at evisa.gov.tr. Check current requirements at the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. E-Visa processing is typically available within minutes but official advice is to apply at least 72 hours before travel. ### How do I get to Ataturk Airport from the city centre? Istanbul Ataturk Airport is accessible via Metro Line M1 (Ataturk Havalimani station), taxi, or private transfer from central Istanbul (approximately 30–50 minutes depending on traffic). Car rental is available on-site. ### What language is used at the show? The show is conducted in English and Turkish. Signage, conference sessions, and official communications are available in both languages. --- ## First time at AIREX Istanbul? How to prepare - **Research the Eurasian market context before arriving.** AIREX's value is rooted in Turkey's role as an aviation bridge between Europe and Central Asia. Come prepared with knowledge of Turkish civil aviation growth, DHMI airport projects, and the Central Asian airline market to make conversations relevant to attending buyers. - **Secure your stand or visitor registration through the official website in advance.** Details are managed through Expo Mint; walk-in access may be limited. Confirm registration status and stand location before travelling. - **Use the Istanbul location for bilateral government meetings.** Istanbul is a natural hub for regional government and industry meetings. Many delegations treat the show as an occasion for broader meetings with the Turkish SSB (Defence Industry Presidency) or SHGM. Schedule bilateral appointments around the show days. - **Budget extra time for Istanbul traffic.** Ataturk Airport is on the European side of Istanbul and traffic on the E-5 corridor can be significant in September. Allow 60+ minutes transit time from hotels in the Taksim or Sultanahmet areas. - **Dress for business.** AIREX is a trade show with a professional business atmosphere. Smart business casual is standard in the exhibition hall; formal business dress is appropriate for conference sessions and official meetings. --- ## Resources | Resource | URL | |---|---| | Official website | https://www.istanbulairshow.com/en/ | | LinkedIn | not disclosed | | X | not disclosed | | Register | https://www.istanbulairshow.com/en/ | | Programme | not disclosed | --- **Last verified:** 2026-06-10 **Next review:** 2026-08-01 **Notes:** Dates (12–14 September 2026) confirmed across multiple trade show directories and airshowdisplay.fr. Venue (Istanbul Ataturk Airport) consistent across sources. Organiser (Expo Mint, Ankara) confirmed. Attendance figures not publicly disclosed for 2026. The official website (istanbulairshow.com) was still carrying 2018 edition content at time of fetch, suggesting the site had not been fully updated for the 2026 edition – all core facts cross-checked with eventseye.com, neventum.com, and spaceagenda.com. **Variables:** 33/58 **Concept definition:** applicable