New Airport Tower Faces Safety Allegations Over Construction Flaws

A new air traffic control tower at Esenboğa Airport is at the center of serious allegations regarding its construction, potentially compromising flight safety. Deniz Yavuzyılmaz, a deputy from the Republican People's Party (CHP) in Zonguldak, has claimed that the tower suffers from significant architectural and oversight failures.

Yavuzyılmaz stated that four large columns and two balcony entrances were built incorrectly. According to the deputy, these errors obstruct the view of the runways for air traffic controllers. "We have determined that the visibility of the runways is obstructed due to the faulty construction of four large columns and two balcony entrances in the new tower, rendering the new tower unusable properly," Yavuzyılmaz asserted on social media.

“

We have determined that the visibility of the runways is obstructed due to the faulty construction of four large columns and two balcony entrances in the new tower, rendering the new tower unusable properly.

The deputy detailed the extent of the visual impairment, explaining that controllers can only see parts of the runway at a time. This limitation prevents them from effectively managing aircraft landings, takeoffs, and maneuvers. "This is a horrific architectural error, oversight, and security vulnerability! The eyes of the air traffic controllers, who should be seeing every millimeter of the runways clearly, are currently blinded," Yavuzyılmaz exclaimed.

“

This is a horrific architectural error, oversight, and security vulnerability! The eyes of the air traffic controllers, who should be seeing every millimeter of the runways clearly, are currently blinded.

Opened on January 19, 2026, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in attendance, the new tower has reportedly been minimally operational for four months due to these alleged safety concerns. It can only handle a small number of aircraft movements, estimated at three to five. Yavuzyılmaz questioned President Erdoğan's awareness of the situation, asking, "Is Erdoğan aware that the tower can only operate partially due to this disgrace?"

He further criticized the Minister of Transport, Abdülkadir Uraloğlu, and other officials for allegedly posing for interviews in front of the flawed structure. Yavuzyılmaz demanded answers regarding the oversight during construction and the significant public loss incurred due to these errors, citing International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards that mandate clear, unobstructed, naked-eye visibility of runways and maneuvering areas for controllers.

“

Is Erdoğan aware that the tower can only operate partially due to this disgrace?