Despite a successful year and strong ties with Turkish Airlines, which continues to be a big player in the aviation industry, Istanbul Atatürk Airport still faces threats from new, more modern construction projects.

Last year, TAV Airports’ shining jewel became the 11th largest airport worldwide and the third busiest in Europe. Servicing approximately 61.8 million passengers in 2015, the airport increased its passenger numbers by 9.2 percent. Currently, more than 100 airlines fly to more than 275 destinations from Atatürk.

The airport continues to win awards on multiple levels, and the American Society for Quality lauded the facility as the most improved airport in terms of service quality in Europe. Recent renovations, from biometric passport checks to larger duty-free retail spaces and dining options, aim to keep the trend going.

One of the airport’s most successful accomplishments is the implementation of its Obstacle-Free Airport Project, which received recognition from the United Nations at the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Collaborating with the State Airports Authority, Civil Aviation General Directorate and Turkish Airlines, the program added more than 6,500 running feet of Braille surfaces within terminals and parking structures, installed audio alert systems in elevators and created disability assistance points around the airport. Employees underwent 800 hours of training on serving passengers with disabilities, including 250 employees who received sign language training.

Despite all of these achievements, however, rumors still fly Istanbul Atatürk Airport may be forced to end all commercial flights out of the hub in the coming years. The more than 90-year-old airport will soon face competition from a new giant in town, the scheduled Istanbul New Airport. What has been called the greatest project in the country’s history is receiving due notice from airlines, many of which may end service at Istanbul Atatürk Airport in lieu of a newer, shinier option. With a capacity of 150 million passengers upon opening, if things go as planned, it will be the world’s largest airport in regards to passenger capacity per year. With the latest technology, improved runways, a prime location and a sexy new design, it’s no wonder the city of İstanbul, airlines and travelers alike eagerly await its 2018 scheduled opening.