A photo (here, here and here) of a large airport is circulating on social media, claiming that it is from Uttar Pradesh and that the state is set to complete 21 airports, making it the leading state in the country. Let’s verify the truth behind this claim.
Claim: The viral photo shows an airport in Uttar Pradesh.
Fact: The Photo is of Istanbul Grand Airport in Turkey, not Uttar Pradesh. It was posted on the airport’s official page in November 2024 and featured in Condé Nast Traveler. While UP is developing 21 airports, the viral image is unrelated. hence the claim is Misleading.
A reverse image search led us to the same image posted on the official page of Istanbul Airport on 26 November 2024. The caption stated, “iGA Istanbul Airport has been chosen for the title of World’s Best International Airport Hub! With its modern design, advanced tech, seamless experience, and focus on sustainability, it’s the world’s most connected airport.” This indicates that the airport in the viral photo is not from Uttar Pradesh.
We also found the same airport structure in a video on the official page of Istanbul Grand Airport. The video showcases the design and facilities of the airport, further confirming that the viral photo is from Istanbul Airport and not from Uttar Pradesh.
Further research led us to the website Condé Nast Traveler, which featured the same photo with the caption: “iGA Istanbul Airport Was Named World’s Best International Hub—Here’s Why.” The article explains that Istanbul Airport was voted the world’s best international airport by Condé Nast Traveler readers, highlighting its sustainable design, AI-powered convenience, and world-class amenities. This further confirms that the photo is from Istanbul Airport, not Uttar Pradesh.
Regarding the claim about Uttar Pradesh having 21 airports, we found an official X post by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on 07 February 2024, stating that UP will soon have 21 airports. The official X handle of Investment UP also recently posted that the state is set to add five more airports, bringing the total to 21. Meanwhile, The Times of India reported that 14 airports are currently operational in the state, while The Indian Express mentioned 15. Additionally, an official response from the Ministry of Civil Aviation to a Rajya Sabha question dated 20 March 2023, listed a total of 19 airports in UP, including the under-construction Noida airport, with five being non-operational. However, the viral photo in question has no connection to any airport in Uttar Pradesh.
To sum up, a photo of Istanbul Grand Airport was falsely shared as an airport from Uttar Pradesh.
