Istanbul Airport: Welcome to Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the most important cities in the world, bringing the continents of Asia and Europe together. The gate to enter the city from the European side is the Istanbul International Airport known by the code IST.

Here are some key details about Istanbul Airport:

Location: Istanbul Airport is located on the European side of Istanbul, near the Black Sea coast. It is situated approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Istanbul’s city center.

Terminals: The airport has a large and modern terminal complex consisting of a main terminal building (Terminal 1) and several concourses (Concourses A, B, D, and F). These terminals are interconnected, and passengers can easily navigate between them.

Airlines: Istanbul Airport serves as a hub for several major airlines, including Turkish Airlines, the national flag carrier of Turkey. It also serves as a base for other domestic and international airlines.

Facilities: The airport offers a wide range of facilities and amenities for travelers, including duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, lounges, currency exchange offices, ATMs, car rental services, and baggage storage facilities. There are also facilities for passengers with disabilities and families traveling with children.

Transportation: Istanbul Airport is well-connected to the city center and other parts of Istanbul. Travelers have various transportation options to and from the airport, including taxi services, private transfers, public buses, and the Istanbul Airport Shuttle service. Additionally, the airport has a dedicated metro line (M11) that connects it to the city’s metro network.

Services: Istanbul Airport provides a range of passenger services to ensure a smooth travel experience. These include baggage handling services, information desks, medical assistance, prayer rooms, Wi-Fi access, and a dedicated Lost & Found office.

Expansion: Istanbul Airport is still undergoing expansion and development. Once fully completed, it is expected to become one of the largest and busiest airports in the world, with the capacity to handle millions of passengers annually.

Welcome to Istanbul, we hope you will enjoy your stay.

Istanbul Airport is well-connected to the city center and other parts of Istanbul. Here are several ways to get to Istanbul Airport:

Taxi: Taking a taxi is a convenient and direct way to get to Istanbul Airport. Taxis are available throughout the city, and you can easily find one to take you to the airport. Make sure to use official taxis with meters and ask for an estimated fare before starting the journey.

Istanbul Airport Shuttle: Istanbul Airport operates a shuttle service called Havaist, which provides transportation to and from various locations in the city. The shuttle buses have different routes and stops, covering major areas and transportation hubs. You can check the Havaist website or inquire at your hotel about the nearest shuttle stop and schedule.

Metro: Istanbul Airport is connected to the city’s metro network via the M11 line. You can take the metro from various locations in Istanbul and transfer to the M11 line at the appropriate station. The metro is a convenient and cost-effective option for reaching the airport.

Private Transfers: If you prefer a more personalized and comfortable option, you can arrange for a private transfer service to pick you up from your location and take you directly to Istanbul Airport. Many private transfer companies operate in Istanbul, and you can book their services in advance.

Public Bus: Istanbul has an extensive public bus network, and several bus lines serve Istanbul Airport. You can check the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s website or use public transportation apps to find the bus lines that connect to the airport from your location.

Istanbul Airport is located outside the city center, so there are limited accommodation options directly at the airport itself. However, there are several hotels in the vicinity of the airport that offer convenient access and comfortable stays. Here are some popular hotel options near Istanbul Airport:

YOTEL Istanbul Airport (located within the airport complex): This hotel offers compact and stylish rooms with modern amenities. It’s conveniently located within walking distance of the airport terminals, making it an excellent choice for travelers with early-morning or late-night flights.

Istanbul Gonen Hotel: Situated around 4 kilometers from the airport, this hotel offers comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, and various dining options. They provide a complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport for hotel guests.

TAV Airport Hotel Istanbul: Located approximately 2 kilometers from the airport, this hotel offers contemporary rooms, a restaurant, and a fitness center. They provide a shuttle service to the airport terminals.

ISG Airport Hotel: Situated around 3 kilometers from the airport, this hotel features modern rooms, a restaurant, and a fitness center. They offer a complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport.

Courtyard by Marriott Istanbul International Airport: This hotel is located about 5 kilometers from the airport and provides comfortable rooms, a restaurant, a fitness center, and a free shuttle service to the airport.

Istanbul Airport, also known as Istanbul Airport (IST), is a relatively new airport that opened in 2018. It serves as the main international gateway to Istanbul and is one of the largest airports in the world in terms of passenger capacity.

The history of Istanbul Airport begins with the need for a new and larger airport to replace Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST), which was operating at maximum capacity and had limited room for expansion. Construction of the new airport started in May 2015, and it was officially inaugurated on October 29, 2018, by the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The construction of Istanbul Airport was a massive undertaking that involved the development of a vast area on the European side of Istanbul, near the Black Sea coast. The airport was built in multiple phases, and its first phase included the construction of a terminal building, two parallel runways, and other essential infrastructure.

The design of Istanbul Airport is inspired by Turkish architecture and culture. The terminal building features a modern and spacious design, with high ceilings, natural light, and state-of-the-art facilities to accommodate the growing number of passengers. The airport has the capacity to handle over 90 million passengers annually, and with future expansions, it is expected to accommodate even higher numbers.

Istanbul Airport is not just a transportation hub but also a significant economic driver for the region. It has created job opportunities and contributed to the development of infrastructure and services in the surrounding areas.

The opening of Istanbul Airport marked a new era in air travel for Istanbul and Turkey as a whole. It has enhanced the city’s connectivity with the rest of the world and positioned Istanbul as a major aviation hub in the region.

As a relatively new airport, Istanbul Airport (IST) has not yet had a long history to establish famous firsts or achieve significant milestones. However, it is noteworthy for being one of the largest and most technologically advanced airports in the world. Here are some notable features and achievements of Istanbul Airport:

Size and Capacity: Istanbul Airport is one of the largest airports globally, covering an expansive area of 76.5 million square meters. It has the capacity to handle over 90 million passengers annually, and with further expansions planned, it is expected to accommodate even higher numbers.

Modern Infrastructure: Istanbul Airport boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities. It features a striking terminal building with spacious interiors, advanced technology, and a range of amenities for travelers.

Sustainability: The airport has prioritized sustainability and environmental considerations in its design and operations. It has implemented various eco-friendly practices, including energy-efficient systems, waste management, and water conservation measures.

Technological Advancements: Istanbul Airport incorporates cutting-edge technology to enhance the passenger experience and operational efficiency. It features self-check-in kiosks, automated baggage handling systems, biometric identification, and advanced security systems.

Cargo Operations: Istanbul Airport serves as a major cargo hub, facilitating the transportation of goods and enhancing global trade. It has a dedicated cargo terminal with modern facilities and infrastructure to handle various types of cargo efficiently.

Connectivity: Istanbul Airport has significantly improved the connectivity of Istanbul with the rest of the world. It offers a wide range of domestic and international flight options, connecting passengers to numerous destinations globally.

Economic Impact: The establishment of Istanbul Airport has had a significant economic impact, generating employment opportunities and contributing to the growth of tourism, trade, and related industries in Istanbul and Turkey.

Istanbul Airport offers a variety of dining options to cater to the diverse tastes and preferences of travelers. Here are some of the best restaurants in Istanbul Airport:

Borsa: This restaurant offers a contemporary dining experience with a menu that combines Turkish and international cuisine. It features a stylish interior and a selection of delicious dishes.

Simit Sarayi: A popular Turkish bakery chain, Simit Sarayi offers a range of traditional Turkish snacks and baked goods. You can enjoy freshly baked simit (Turkish sesame bread rings), pastries, sandwiches, and more.

Comptoir Libanais: Known for its Middle Eastern cuisine, Comptoir Libanais offers a variety of Lebanese-inspired dishes. From mezze platters to shawarma and falafel, you can indulge in flavorful and authentic Lebanese cuisine.

Kofteci Ramiz: If you’re looking for a taste of Turkish kofte (meatballs), Kofteci Ramiz is a great choice. They serve delicious kofte dishes with different accompaniments, such as rice, bulgur, and salads.

Le Pain Quotidien: This international bakery and café chain offers a selection of freshly baked bread, pastries, and healthy breakfast options. It’s a great spot for a quick meal or a coffee break.

Brioche Dorée: Brioche Dorée is a French bakery known for its delectable pastries, sandwiches, and salads. It’s a perfect place to grab a light bite or indulge in a sweet treat.

Cookshop: Cookshop is a restaurant that focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. They offer a diverse menu of dishes ranging from salads and sandwiches to pasta and grilled meats.

Pide Keyfi: Pide Keyfi specializes in Turkish pide, a type of flatbread topped with various ingredients such as cheese, meat, and vegetables. They serve traditional Turkish pide cooked in a stone oven.

Caffè Nero: Caffè Nero is a well-known international coffee chain that serves a variety of coffee beverages, pastries, and light snacks. It’s a popular spot for coffee lovers.

Starbucks: Istanbul Airport has several Starbucks outlets where you can enjoy your favorite coffee and snacks.

Istanbul Airport offers a wide range of shopping options, allowing travelers to find unique and popular gifts. Here are some of the most popular gift items available at Istanbul Airport:

Turkish Delight: Known as “lokum” in Turkish, Turkish Delight is a popular sweet treat made from gelatin, sugar, and various flavors such as rosewater, pistachio, and lemon. It is beautifully packaged and makes for a delicious and traditional gift.

Turkish Tea and Coffee: Turkey is famous for its tea and coffee culture. You can find a variety of Turkish tea blends and Turkish coffee sets at Istanbul Airport. These make for great gifts, especially for tea and coffee enthusiasts.

Turkish Spices and Herbs: Istanbul Airport offers a wide selection of Turkish spices and herbs, such as sumac, saffron, dried mint, and Aleppo pepper. These aromatic and flavorful spices are perfect for adding a taste of Turkey to dishes and make for unique gifts.

Turkish Ceramics: Turkey is renowned for its beautiful ceramics and pottery. Istanbul Airport has shops where you can find hand-painted ceramic plates, bowls, and decorative items featuring traditional Turkish designs and patterns.

Turkish Carpets and Kilims: If you’re looking for a more luxurious and unique gift, consider Turkish carpets and kilims. Istanbul Airport has carpet shops where you can find a variety of handwoven carpets and kilims in different sizes, patterns, and colors.

Turkish Souvenirs: Istanbul Airport features numerous souvenir shops where you can find a wide range of Turkish-themed gifts, including miniature landmarks, keychains, magnets, and traditional Turkish handicrafts.

Turkish Bath Products: Turkey is famous for its traditional bath culture, and you can find a variety of Turkish bath products at Istanbul Airport. These include olive oil soaps, natural sponges, and hammam towels.

Turkish Jewelry: Istanbul Airport hosts jewelry stores where you can find beautiful Turkish jewelry pieces, including Ottoman-inspired designs, silver accessories, and unique gemstone creations.

Turkish Leather Goods: Turkey is known for its high-quality leather products. At Istanbul Airport, you can find a range of leather goods such as bags, wallets, jackets, and shoes.