Istanbul Airport

The new Istanbul Airport (IATA: IST) is not merely an air hub, but a magnificent gateway connecting East and West. Located in the European part of the metropolis, it is one of the most modern and busiest aviation hubs in the world. Since its opening, this airport has become a symbol of the ambitions of modern Turkey and a key transit centre for millions of travellers, offering the highest level of comfort and technology under one of the largest terminal roofs in the world.

Istanbul Airport impresses with its scale and thoughtful design. Its gigantic yet intuitive terminal allows for easy orientation even on your first visit. One of its main features is the huge duty-free shopping area, which in itself can become an exciting part of your journey. Here you will find hundreds of global brands, restaurants to suit every taste, and cosy lounge areas for relaxation.

For passenger convenience, the airport is equipped with the latest technology: from numerous self-check-in kiosks to robotic assistants. Transport connections to the city are excellently developed and include high-speed HAVAIST shuttle buses and a new metro line, which allows you to reach the centre of Istanbul quickly and without traffic jams. As the main hub for Turkish Airlines, the airport offers convenient connections for flights to almost anywhere in the world, making it an ideal choice for both a final destination and transit.

• Official Website: www.istairport.com
• Information Desk Phone: +90 444 1 442 (operates 24/7)
• Address: Tayakadın Mahallesi, Terminal Caddesi No.1, 34283 Arnavutköy, İstanbul, Türkiye
• Email for General Enquiries: customercare@igairport.aero
• Social Media: You can follow airport news on the official pages on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
• Lost & Found: If you have lost items within the terminal, please contact the Lost and Found Office (IGA Lost and Found Office), located on the arrivals floor. You can contact them via email: kayipesya@igairport.aero. For luggage lost on board the aircraft, you should contact your airline directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance and consultations, you can use the 24-hour phone line +90 444 1 442 or write to the customer support email.

Reaching the main airport of Istanbul (IST), located in the European part of the city, is possible through several convenient methods. The choice depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and available time. On average, a trip from central districts such as Sultanahmet or Taksim takes from 40 to 90 minutes depending on the mode of transport and traffic conditions in Turkey.

Public Transport: Metro and Buses

The fastest and most reliable way to avoid the famous Istanbul traffic jams is the M11 metro line (Gayrettepe – Istanbul Airport – Halkalı). It directly connects the airport with the city metro network, allowing you to reach the centre without transferring to ground transport. Gayrettepe station provides a convenient transfer to the M2 line (towards Taksim Square and the historical peninsula), and Kağıthane station to the M7 line. The trip is paid using the Istanbulkart, making this option one of the most budget-friendly. The travel time from Gayrettepe station to the airport is about 30 minutes.

Another popular option is the comfortable Havaist express buses. They operate around the clock on more than 10 routes, connecting the airport with key points in the city, including Taksim Square, Sultanahmet, and districts on the Asian side. The buses are equipped with comfortable seats and ample luggage space. Travel time ranges from 60 to 100 minutes; the cost is higher than the metro but lower than a taxi. There are also cheaper municipal IETT buses (e.g., H-1, H-2, H-8), but they make more stops and can be crowded.

Taxi and Private Transfer

A ride by taxi is a convenient "door-to-door" option, especially if you are travelling with family or a large amount of luggage. In Istanbul, there are official yellow, turquoise (more comfortable), and black (premium class) taxis. The cost of the trip is calculated by the meter and can vary significantly depending on traffic and the time of day. For a predictable cost and additional comfort, you can book a private transfer in advance. The driver will meet you with a name sign, assist with luggage, and drive you for a fixed price.

Car Rental and Parking

For those planning to travel around the outskirts of Istanbul, offices of international and local car rental companies operate at the airport. However, it is worth remembering that driving in the metropolis requires experience due to heavy traffic and navigation specifics. The airport features a huge multi-level car park, one of the largest in the world, where you can leave your vehicle for both short and long periods.

Tip: Before travelling, be sure to check which airport your flight departs from. Istanbul has another major airport — Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), located on the Asian side of the city, which has its own transport routes.

The new Istanbul Airport (IST) is famous for its scale and modern architecture. The main feature of its structure is the presence of one giant terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. This is one of the largest terminal buildings in the world, so it is worth allocating extra time for navigation.

Although there is only one terminal, it is clearly divided into zones. Conventionally, it can be divided into international and domestic parts. The airport layout is intuitive: the arrivals zone is located on the lower level, and the departures zone on the upper level. Navigation is significantly simplified thanks to numerous signs in Turkish and English, as well as interactive information stands. All boarding gates are located in several piers, designated by letters (A, B, D, F, G).

The departure zone is striking in its size. After entering the building, you find yourself in a huge hall with numerous check-in counters, divided by airlines. After check-in, passengers pass through a unified security screening and passport control zone. Please note that the distance from the terminal entrance to the gate can be very long, so movement between different parts of the terminal is done on foot or using travelators (moving walkways).

Completing all procedures can take a significant amount of time, especially during peak hours. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3-4 hours before an international flight and 2-3 hours before a domestic one. The walk from passport control to distant gates can take up to 25-30 minutes. Always monitor the information screens, as your gate number may change.

To avoid getting lost and to save time, follow these simple tips:

• Immediately after passing security control, check your gate number and estimate the distance to it.
• Actively use travelators — they significantly speed up movement along long corridors.
• Download the official "Istanbul Airport" mobile app for navigation and up-to-date flight information.
• If you are short on time or travelling with children, consider using the paid electric buggies that circulate throughout the terminal.

The history of the new Istanbul Airport (IST) is the story of an ambitious project designed to turn Istanbul into one of the world's main aviation hubs. The decision to build it was made because the old Atatürk Airport had exhausted its expansion possibilities and could not cope with the growing passenger traffic. The official opening ceremony of the new airport took place on October 29, 2018, on the Republic Day of Turkey.

A key moment in the airport's history was the period from April 5 to 7, 2019. During this time, a unique operation in terms of scale took place, dubbed "The Great Move" (Büyük Göç). Within 45 hours, all commercial passenger flights, equipment, and services were completely transferred from Atatürk Airport to the new Istanbul Airport. This highly complex logistical task was completed without serious disruptions and went down in the history of global civil aviation.

The airport was designed from scratch and is being built in several phases. The first phase, already in operation, includes a gigantic terminal, one of the largest in the world under a single roof, and several runways. The project provides for further expansion, which, upon full completion of all phases, will allow the airport to serve up to 200 million passengers per year, making it one of the largest on the planet.

Among the interesting facts is the design of the air traffic control tower, shaped like a tulip, one of the national symbols. Despite its short history, Istanbul Airport has already won numerous prestigious international awards for architecture, service, and innovative technologies, quickly establishing itself as one of the leading airports in Europe and the world in terms of passenger traffic and service quality.

Istanbul Airport (IST) offers passengers the highest level of comfort and a wide range of services, making the wait for a flight as pleasant and productive as possible. Here, every traveller will find everything they need, from exquisite restaurants to modern business zones. The terminal houses a huge number of restaurants, cafes, and fast-food outlets, offering dishes of both Turkish and international cuisine. The Duty-Free shopping zone is one of the largest in the world and impresses with its assortment of branded clothing, cosmetics, souvenirs, and delicacies.

For comfortable rest, numerous lounges are provided, including the exclusive IGA Lounge and various airline lounges, where you can relax in a quiet atmosphere, have a snack, and use the shower facilities. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport (usually for a limited time, with the option to extend), and numerous charging stations for electronic devices allow you to always stay connected. Financial matters can be easily resolved at bank branches, currency exchange points, and numerous ATMs.

Istanbul Airport pays great attention to the needs of all categories of passengers. For travellers with children, free playgrounds and mother and baby rooms are equipped. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with all necessary assistance, including special check-in counters, adapted restrooms, and escort services. In case of necessity, you can contact the 24-hour medical centres or purchase medicines at pharmacies located in the terminal.

If you have a long layover or an early flight, you can stay at one of the hotels located right inside the airport building, for example, at YOTEL (available in zones both before and after passport control). For business travellers, conference rooms and business centres equipped with everything necessary for meetings and work are available, making Istanbul Airport not just a transit hub, but a fully functional multi-purpose complex.

Istanbul Airport (IST) is a true gastronomic centre where every traveller will find something to suit their taste and budget. Dozens of establishments are represented here: from world-famous fast-food chains to restaurants offering exquisite dishes of Turkish and international cuisine. Most cafes and restaurants are concentrated in the departure zone after passing passport control (airside), but there are also places to grab a bite in the public zone before control (landside).

Once here, be sure to take the opportunity to get acquainted with the cuisine of Turkey. Stop by `Simit Sarayı` for a fresh simit (a crispy sesame bagel) and a cup of Turkish tea. For a more substantial meal, restaurants such as `Tadında Anadolu` or `Kebab-Zone` are suitable, where you can try traditional kebabs, meze (a set of appetizers), and other authentic dishes. This is a wonderful way to experience the taste of the country without even leaving the airport.

If you have little time before your flight, there are plenty of options for a quick snack at your service. In addition to the already mentioned `Simit Sarayı`, you will find `Starbucks`, `Burger King`, `Popeyes`, and other outlets where you can quickly grab food and drinks to go. For those who have time and want to enjoy a full lunch or dinner in a calm atmosphere, restaurants with à la carte service are open. Here you can leisurely try several dishes and relax before your flight.

Most establishments in the international departure zone operate 24/7, which is especially convenient for passengers on night and transit flights. Regarding special dietary needs, finding halal dishes will not be difficult — this is the standard for most establishments. Vegetarians also have a wide selection available, especially among Turkish meze appetizers and vegetable dishes. Vegan and gluten-free options are less common, but they can be found on the menus of major international chains or specialized cafes.

Food prices at the airport, as in any major hub, are higher than in the city, but the range is quite wide. You can have coffee with pastries for a moderate amount or arrange a full dinner in a premium restaurant. The main food court is located in the departure zone after passport control. In the arrivals zone and the public zone before control, the choice of establishments is significantly more modest, but several cafes for greeters and newly arrived passengers are always open.

Istanbul Airport (IST) is one of the largest and busiest air hubs in the world. To ensure your journey goes smoothly, familiarise yourself with our tips.

Arrival time at the airport. Given the gigantic size of the terminal and potential queues, arrive at the airport well in advance. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at least 3-4 hours before departure, and for domestic flights — 2-3 hours. This will give you enough time for check-in, baggage drop, security screening, and passport control without unnecessary haste.

Check-in and security. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight, which usually opens 24 hours before departure. There are many self-check-in kiosks at the airport. Security control can take a lot of time, especially during peak hours. Keep your passport and boarding pass handy, and prepare laptops and liquids for inspection in advance.

Seat selection on the plane. If the airline allows, select a seat when booking. Window seats are suitable for those who like to admire the views, while aisle seats are convenient for those who want to stand up freely and stretch their legs. Seats in emergency exit rows usually offer more legroom but may cost more.

Hand luggage. Standard rules prohibit carrying liquids in containers larger than 100 ml. All liquids must be packed in one transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are also prohibited. Be sure to check your airline's rules, as weight and size requirements for hand luggage may differ.

Transfer passengers. Istanbul Airport is huge, and the path from one gate to another can take up to 25-30 minutes. Immediately after arrival, find the number of your next boarding gate on the information screens. Follow the signs for "International Transfers". If you have a long connection, explore the options for rest: the airport has hotels, lounge zones, and even sleep pods.

Customs control. Upon arrival in Turkey or when departing from it, you must pass through customs. If you have no goods to declare, proceed through the "Green Channel". If you are carrying goods exceeding duty-free limits (e.g., tobacco products, high-value electronics), you must pass through the "Red Channel" and declare them.

Saving time and money. Transfer from the airport to the city is best booked online in advance or use the official Havaist buses — it is cheaper than a taxi. Bring an empty reusable water bottle to fill at drinking fountains after passing security control. Food and drinks at the airport are quite expensive, so you can take a light snack with you.

In case of flight delay. First of all, contact your airline representative for information. Depending on the duration of the delay and airline rules, you may be provided with vouchers for meals or even hotel accommodation. Having travel insurance that covers such cases can significantly simplify the situation.