Malaysian Sabiha Gokcen operator seeks relief from Turkey in airport contract

"We are discussing with the government some forms of relief due to the pandemic," Mohammad Nazli Abdul Aziz, executive director of the operator, ISG, told Reuters. (File pic: Sabiha Gocken airport.)

ISTANBUL: The Malaysian 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 1.93 billion euros ($2.01 billion).