The World’s Biggest Airport, Istanbul Airport, Takes off
Istanbul Airport is the new airport in the city and is considered a huge achievement of the Turkish Government. Added to the two already existing airports of Istanbul (Atatürk Airport and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport), the new aviation hub has undertaken all the Atatürk Airport’s passenger flights from 10/29/18 and is expected to host more than 200 million passengers in the next few years.
Istanbul Airport is located in the Çatalca- Göktürk-Arnavutköy area, on the European side of the city, 40km/24.8 miles from Taksim and 52km/32.3 miles from Kadıköy. Set in the middle between Tayakadin and Akpinar villages, it serves more than 350 domestic and international destinations in 122 countries, while its duty-free area is one of the largest (if not the largest) worldwide. For the time being, only one terminal is functional, five runways (out of the 8 in total when the project will be utterly completed) are in operation, and five concourses are home to the numerous airlines that fly from and to the airport. Last but not least, the services and facilities provided at the airport are one-of-a-kind, and of course, cutting-edge technology is applied all over the environmentally-friendly airport.
All in all, Istanbul Airport, fully functional from 04/06/19, has already become a major transportation hub connecting three continents, Europe, Asia, and Africa, and will be developed into an even more significant aviation center as time goes by. In fact, it is currently the second busiest airport in Europe and the Middle East, and the seventh busiest globally in terms of both international and total passenger traffic, having handled more than 80.43 million travelers in 2024.
Airport Name: Istanbul International Airport
IATA Code: IST
ICAO: LTFM
Location: Arnavutköy, Istanbul, Turkey
Time Zone: TRT Turkey Time (UTC+3)
Airport Map: Istanbul Airport at Google Maps
Official Website: https://www.istairport.com/
Istanbul Airport’s History
Up until the new airport’s construction, two airports served Istanbul: Atatürk Airport and Sabiha Gökçen. They were both international. In fact, Atatürk Airport was one of the busiest airports in Europe. The two airports together handled over 100 million passengers in 2017, comparable to Europe’s busiest aviation hubs, such as the airports in London and Paris. However, both airports had reached their limits, operating at full capacity. Atatürk Airport couldn’t be further expanded. Therefore, a new airport was decided to be constructed.
The selected site for the new airport was in the Arnavutköy, Göktürk, and Çatalca areas, located on the northern side of Istanbul, far from the city center. The architectural design was developed by Grimshaw Architects, Nordic Office of Architecture, and Haptic Architects. The airport’s construction began in May 2015, and the first landing is said to take place on February 26, 2018. In any case, the first official landing took place on June 20, 2018, and the airport officially opened on October 29, 2018, coinciding with the 95th anniversary of the foundation of the Turkish Republic.
The construction was planned to proceed in four phases. During the first phase, the main terminal would be constructed, along with two pairs of runways, eight parallel taxiways, an indoor parking, and several facilities, including hotels, VIP lounges, prayer rooms, etc. The second phase would include the construction of the third and fourth runways as well as more taxiways and apron areas. During the third phase, a second passenger terminal will be constructed, along with additional runways and facilities, while satellite terminals and more runways will be added to the airport’s complex during the fourth phase. The airport is expected to be fully completed by 2027. By then, it’ll feature eight runways, 16 taxiways, a total parking capacity of 500 aircraft, a medical center, convention centers, power plants, and other amenities.
The new airport in Istanbul is officially named Istanbul Airport. The first flight departing from its premises took place on October 31, 2018, operated by Turkish Airlines and heading to Ankara. On April 6, 2019, all flights were transferred from Atatürk Airport to Istanbul Airport, along with the airport’s IATA Code. Thus, Istanbul Airport’s IATA Code is IST.
Nowadays, Istanbul Airport is the busiest airport in Turkey, and the second busiest European and Middle Eastern airport, while being listed among the most occupied air hubs in the world. Moreover, it is the biggest privately operated airport globally. Plus, in 2025, it became the first European airport to use Triple Runway Operations, allowing three aircraft to take off simultaneously.
Istanbul Airport’s Layout
For the moment, Istanbul International Airport has only one terminal building, but it is the biggest terminal building under one roof worldwide. The impressive terminal is considered an actual masterpiece, split over two areas: Departures and Arrivals. It features 566 check-in counters over 13 counter islands and 36 baggage drop-off points. Moreover, 112 self-service check-in kiosks are also available. Its control tower is also worth mentioning, with a design that symbolizes the tulip, the national flower. Overall, it has a total of 143 boarding bridges, and 5 piers, out of which four (Piers A, B, D, and F) serve the international boarding gates, and the fifth (Pier G), as well as 3 boarding areas of Pier F, serve the domestic destinations. Once the airport is entirely completed, it is expected to consist of 4 terminal buildings.
Although Istanbul airport’s one and only terminal is, without a doubt, impressive, it features one main disadvantage: it has only one security control area for domestic flights and another one for flights to international destinations. This fact, added to the enormous size of the terminal, makes the airport procedures tedious and time-consuming. What’s more, the distances from the IST terminal’s central area to the boarding areas are considerable.
Flights
IST Airport is one of the busiest airports in Europe and the world. The relatively recently inaugurated airport is a modern aviation hub, serving flights to and from destinations all over the world. From domestic destinations to European, Eastern, and even intercontinental cities, Istanbul Airport serves flights to almost every part of the world. In fact, in 2025, the airport was the first aviation hub in Europe to manage the simultaneous takeoff of three flights (Triple Runway Operations system).
Domestic Departures from IST Airport
Istanbul Airport offers connections to several domestic airports, such as Kahramanmaraş Airport, Dalaman, Milas-Bodrum, Malatya, and Kars. The airport procedure for domestic travelers is overall simple and hassle-free.
Domestic travelers are advised to arrive at the airport 1-1.5 hours before their flight. As soon as they enter the terminal, they can check the waiting times at checkpoints, domestic control, etc., to manage their time more efficiently. They can find their check-in counter through the flight information screens, the airport’s app, or the official website. Online check-in is an option in most cases, while IST Airport also features self-service check-in kiosks. Once they get their boarding pass (and tag receipt in case of checked luggage), they must proceed to the security control to enter the terminal’s airside area. From that point, they’ll have to reach their departing gate. Please note that IST Airport is a quiet airport, where no announcements are made, and that the departing gates often change unexpectedly. Therefore, you should check the flight information monitors or download the app and use the Track Flight service to be updated on any changes to your flight’s status.
International Departures from IST Airport
Various flights depart daily from Istanbul Airport, heading to international destinations. Indeed, flights are flying from IST Airport to Budapest, Tunis, Novosibirsk, London, Rome, Toronto, Atlanta, and more.
Passengers flying to an international destination are advised to be at the airport 2-3 hours before their departure. The airport features information screens displaying the average waiting times at checkpoints, the passport control area, and more, helping passengers make better use of their time. International passengers can make use of the airport’s app, the official website, and the flight information monitors to find their check-in counter. Most airlines also offer web check-in, while self-service check-in areas can also be found at the Departures hall. As soon as they get their boarding pass, they must go through security screening and passport control before proceeding to their departure gate. It’s important to remember that your departing gate may change without prior warning, as IST Airport is a quiet airport. Therefore, no announcements are made. You should frequently check the flight information monitors or download the airport’s app and use the Track Flight service, which allows passengers to stay constantly updated about any changes to their flight schedules.
Our Tip: Please note that citizens of the Republic of Türkiye must pay a departure fee. Moreover, they can use the e-passport points to minimize waiting time during the airport procedures.
Domestic Arrivals at IST Airport
Passengers arriving from a domestic destination at Istanbul Airport have to make their way from the aircraft to the baggage claim area to retrieve their hold luggage. There are screens displaying the correct carousel for each flight. Alternatively, passengers can also use the airport’s app. Once they collect their luggage, they can exit Arrivals and the terminal and make their way to their journey’s end. If they are traveling with hand luggage only, they’ll exit the airside area of Arrivals directly and head to the nearest exit to leave the terminal and continue to their final destination.
International Arrivals to IST Airport
International passengers must go through passport control before reaching the baggage claim area. Directions from the disembarkation point to passport control are marked in blue. In the baggage claim zone, screens display the carousel assigned to each flight. After collecting their luggage, passengers may need to pass through customs, where they must declare goods or cash if required. Once the procedure is complete, they are ready to exit the terminal and head into Istanbul.
Connecting Passengers at IST Airport
Transit passengers don’t have Istanbul as their final destination but need to catch a connecting flight from IST Airport. So, what is the procedure they should follow?
- The only thing passengers who have a boarding pass for their upcoming flight need to do is to proceed to the departing gate.
- Passengers with no boarding pass must go through passport control (international passengers), retrieve their luggage, and head from Arrivals to Departures to check in for their next flight.
- Are you traveling with checked luggage? If your baggage is checked through to your final destination, you won’t need to retrieve it. Otherwise, you must collect it from the baggage carousel, go through customs (if arriving internationally), and head to Departures to check in and drop off your baggage for the next flight.
Luggage at Istanbul Airport
There are two types of luggage: checked luggage (stored in the aircraft’s lower compartments) and hand luggage, carried inside the cabin. Restrictions and limitations apply to both:
- Hold Luggage: Checked luggage has weight limits. The exact limits vary depending on the airline operating the flight and the ticket type and category. Moreover, even though the luggage isn’t stored inside the cabin, there are still items that are prohibited from being packed.
- Hand Luggage: Hand luggage must fit inside the overhead storage compartments of the aircraft’s cabin. Therefore, there are strict regulations regarding its weight and size. Additionally, there are strict limitations on liquids and other restricted items in hand luggage.
IST Airlines
The new and impressive Istanbul International Airport serves flights from and to over 350 destinations. Verily, it is well-connected to a number of cities in Turkey as well as to international and even intercontinental destinations. Thus, it is hardly surprising that it houses a wide array of airlines, from local and low-cost air carriers to international or conventional providers. As a matter of fact, Istanbul Airport is the hub for the flag carrier of Turkey. Hence, Turkish Airlines and Turkish Cargo use the airport as a base for operations.
The Necessary Documents
You’ll need to carry certain documents when flying from Istanbul International Airport. The necessary documents are:
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Boarding pass
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ID or passport (depending on your origin and destination)
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Visa (if required by your destination country)
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Proof of vaccination (only for certain destinations)
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Travel insurance (if required)
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Additional documents may also be necessary (for example, when traveling with a minor)
An Overview of Istanbul Airport Services and Amenities
The vast and cutting-edge IST Airport is a modern hub, equipped with all the services and amenities needed to offer passengers the latest technology and a seamless travel experience. Travelers with special needs, families, elderly passengers, and those traveling with pets receive special treatment to facilitate airport procedures and ensure an equally stress-free stay at the airport. Thus, regardless of your needs or preferences, you’ll likely enjoy, or at worst, tolerate, your time at Istanbul Airport.
The IST Airport Shopping Options
Istanbul Airport houses countless retail shops (more than 160) inside its vast terminal. From local brands to international chains, and from luxury designer boutiques to casual stores, IST passengers enjoy a rich and fulfilling shopping experience. Some of the most popular retail stores inside the IST airport terminal are:
- LC Waikiki
- Samsonite
- Tumi
- Louis Vuitton
- Gucci
- Prada
- US Polo
- KIKO Milano
- Cube
- Dior
- Fendi
- Celine
- Hermes
- Old Bazaar
- Tobacco Shop
- Bottega Veneta
- Bvlgari
- Xpress Spa
- Gifts of Istanbul
- Greyder
The IST Dining Facilities
The dining and drinking facilities at Istanbul Airport are numerous and cater to all preferences and budgets. Whether you want to grab a quick bite, enjoy a full dinner, sip a refreshing beverage, or relax at a cozy bar, you’ll find plenty of options. In fact, some of the most common among IST passengers are:
- Arby’s
- Backhaus
- Bite
- Bottega Bosphorus
- Burger King
- Çay Saati
- Café Yanımda
- Caffe Nero
- Enva
- Godiva
- Malatya Pazari
- Carls Cafe
- Cups and Clouds
- HD Doner
- Jackie’s
- Komyunity Bar & Restaurants
- Max Brenner
- McDonald’s
- Mvnch
- Mood up
- Simit Sarayi
- Starbucks
- Subway
- Via Kiosk
- Yo! Sushi
The Duty-Free Outlets
Istanbul Airport offers a wide range of duty-free options for its passengers. Indeed, travelers can access the duty-free areas scattered airside throughout the airport. The Unifree Duty Free facilities feature numerous products. From children’s clothing and toys to electronics, books, and eyewear, and from beauty products, cosmetics, perfumes, and jewelry to watches, souvenirs, and tobacco, Istanbul airport’s duty-free shopping reflects its diverse character.
The IST Lounges and Hotels
Apart from the airport hotel (YOTEL Istanbul Airport Hotel), located both airside and landside inside the terminal building, IST Airport also houses several lounge areas. Explicitly, the available lounges are:
- iGA Lounge (International Departures)
- iGA Domestic Lounge (Domestic Departures)
- iGA Pop-Up Lounge
- Turkish Airlines Business Lounge (International Departures)
- Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles Lounge (International Departures)
- Turkish Airlines Domestic Lounge (Domestic Departures)
The IST Airport Accessible Services
Istanbul Airport more than efficiently meets both national and international accessibility standards. Passengers with physical or mental challenges (permanent or temporary) are entitled to any necessary assistance. Previous reservations are strongly recommended to reduce waiting time at the airport. IST Airport features tactile pavements for travelers with sight problems, information desks in sign language, and the My Route service, which allows passengers to navigate the airport by receiving voice instructions to their destination. Moreover, wheelchair charging stations, accessible restrooms, and adult changing points are available, as well as a silent room and therapy dogs for passengers who experience stress during the airport procedures. Finally, the Café Yanımda is a fully accessible facility, located opposite Gate G4 at Domestic Departures, where employees with disabilities provide premium services.
Family Services at Istanbul Airport
Istanbul Airport is truly family-friendly, and this isn’t just a slogan. Its kid-friendly character is evident through numerous services, including playgrounds located throughout the check-in and boarding areas, free buggy rides for families traveling with children up to 2 years of age, special entrance gates and priority checkpoints, and dedicated baby care rooms. Moreover, there are designated parking areas for families, as well as gaming zones. Baby strollers are also available.
Services and Amenities
The brand-new Istanbul Airport is a modern aviation hub, providing its passengers with all the anticipated services and amenities. In detail, some of the main services available at IST Airport are:
- Baggage wrapping
- Luggage storage
- Pharmacies
- Medical services
- Banks
- ATMs
- Currency exchange areas
- Lost & Found offices
- Prayer rooms
- Art galleries
- Business Center
- Spa facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Travel agencies
- Tour operators
- Information kiosks
Pet Facilities at IST Airport
Pets are more than welcome at Istanbul International Airport. In fact, some airlines even allow pets to travel in the cabin. Still, this depends on the air carrier operating the flight, and restrictions on the number and type of pets may apply. The airport features five pet relief areas that are fully equipped. They can be found on both the domestic and the international Departures zones, as well as on the Arrivals level. Pets may be subject to special regulations. For instance, they must always remain with their owner, dogs must be on a leash, and so on.
Contact Info
Official Name: Istanbul Airport
Address: Tayakadın Mahallesi, Terminal Caddesi No:1, 34283 Arnavutköy/İstanbul
Phone Number: 444 1 442
Email: ist@igairport.aero
Transit Options
The New Istanbul Airport, the aviation hub that has transformed the city’s air travel map, is efficiently connected to Istanbul, the surrounding areas, and more distant destinations. Most travelers arriving at the airport head to Istanbul. To that end, there are various ways to travel from Istanbul Airport to the city center. Travelers can catch an airport taxi, or a comfortable private airport transfer, use one of the bus lines serving the airport or the Metro M11 traveling from IST Airport to Istanbul. Lastly, airport car rentals are also available.
Istanbul Airport Taxis
Three types of taxis (orange “C”, blue D”, and black “E” taxis) serve the airport. Overall, Istanbul airport taxis are one of the most comfortable options for the ride from the airport. They are metered, charging fares according to the taximeter, and are available at the official airport taxi ranks located outside the Departures and Arrivals areas of the terminal building.
Istanbul Airport Bus Lines
You’ll find numerous bus lines departing from IST Airport and connecting it to most parts of the city. Istanbul airport buses are considered an affordable way to travel, highly valued by budget-conscious travelers. Havaist buses and IETT bus lines operate at the airport. Moreover, intercity buses connect Istanbul’s main airport to various nearby cities and regions.
Istanbul Airport Metro
The underground Istanbul airport metro offers fast journeys, completely unaffected by Istanbul’s notorious traffic. The M11 Metro Line (Gayrettepe–Istanbul Airport–Halkalı Metro Line) serves ten stops, and is regarded as a convenient and cost-effective option for traveling between the airport and Istanbul.
Istanbul Airport Car Rentals
An Istanbul airport car rental is the most suitable transit option for travelers who value independent rides. While traffic jams in Istanbul are a real hassle, nothing beats car hire in terms of flexibility for journeys outside the city limits. IST Airport houses numerous car hire companies, offering a wide variety of car rentals as well as tempting prices and deals.
Istanbul Private Airport Transfers
A private airport transfer from Istanbul Airport is the most luxurious way to reach your journey’s end in Istanbul. Offering top-quality and numerous services, private airport transfers are widely favored by travelers who set comfort as a top priority during their travels. Welcome services at the airport, door-to-door journeys, highly skilled drivers, well-maintained vehicles, and customized rides are just some of the perks that justify the popularity of this transit option.
Parking Facilities
The parking facilities of Istanbul International Airport are spread over 5 blocks. Therefore, it is undeniable that IST Airport can fully accommodate its passengers’ parking needs as it is equipped with 40000 parking spots in total. Hence, the Green Car Park, the Yellow Car Park, the Blue Car Park, the Red Car Park, and the Turquoise Car Park are to be found inside the airport premises, fairly close to the terminal building. All the parking lots can be used for short-term parking and for longer stays as well.
The City of Istanbul
Istanbul is a colorful blend of two diametrically opposite worldviews (the East and the West), actually standing at the borders of Europe and Asia. With its Byzantine and Ottoman legacy visible everywhere in the city, Istanbul’s attractions have a unique vibe. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, and the Galata Tower usually leave their visitors mesmerized after their visit. On the other hand, the “shop till you drop” mentality is always welcomed in Istanbul, where apart from the numerous retail stores, the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar introduce travelers to the eastern market’s philosophy. Moreover, the city is surrounded by the beautiful Bosphorus. Verily, Bosphorus cruises are regarded as one of the top experiences in Istanbul. At the same time, amid its traditional character, Istanbul is a modern city with vibrant nightlife and a fusion gastronomic scene.
FAQs
Has the new Istanbul Airport opened?
Istanbul Airport was officially inaugurated on 10/29/18, coinciding with the 95th anniversary of the proclamation of the Turkish Republic. The first flight took off on 10/31/18, while from 04/06/19, all the passenger flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport moved to the new airport. Despite not reaching its full capacity, Istanbul Airport is already fully operational.
Is Istanbul Ataturk Airport closing?
Istanbul Ataturk Airport ceased operations regarding passenger flights which are now served by Istanbul Airport. The new airport has also inherited Ataturk’s IATA Code (IST). Nevertheless, Ataturk Airport is still being used for cargo and general aviation and provides maintenance services.
Which is the main airport in Istanbul?
The brand new Istanbul Airport (IST, IGA) is the main airport in the city. Located on the European side of Istanbul, in the Arnavutköy area, Istanbul Airport has undertaken all the passenger flights from Ataturk Airport which now provides only cargo and general aviation services. The second, “minor” airport of the city, Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, is located on the Asian side.
What are the transportation options from Istanbul Airport?
The impressive new Istanbul Airport has a competent transportation system, which in its final form will provide safe, multimodal transfer options to Istanbul city center. For the moment, Istanbul airport buses run from and to the airport with a ticket ranging from 15.33₺-85₺ (0.84€-4.66€/080.$-4.60$) while Istanbul airport taxis are available around the clock, reaching the city center in about 50 minutes with an average tariff of 310₺ (17€/16.90$). The new Metro Line M11 also serves Istanbul Airport, while a high-speed train is going to connect the new landing field to the “old” Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
How many terminals does Istanbul Airport have?
Currently, Istanbul Airport has only one main terminal. However, in the long term, three more terminals, possibly smaller, are planned to be added to the airport complex.