Sabiha Gokcen operator seeks relief from Turkey in airport contract

The operator of Istanbul's second-largest airport Sabiha Gokcen is seeking relief from its current contract after the pandemic hit and is close to reaching a deal with the Turkish government, a top company official said. ISG, the operator, is fully owned by Malaysia Airports Holdings and has a 20-year contract with the government to run Sabiha Gokcen airport until 2034. The contract was worth E1.93b. "We are discussing with the government some forms of relief due to the pandemic," said Mohammad Nazli Abdul Aziz, executive director of the operator, ISG. "We have been getting a very good response and cooperation. And we're happy to note that the government takes care of our concern very well," he said. ISG's discussions with the government's Presidency of Defence Industries revolve around securing benefits that other airports received to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of the country's other airports operate under a different authority, which has already secured relief packages.<br/>