Those who plan to buy a flight ticket to Istanbul Airport should first get familiar with the airport. Istanbul is known as the most populous city in Turkey. Istanbul Airport was ranked as Europe’s busiest international airport in both 2022 and 2023. The airport is operated by İGA Airport Operation Inc., while its ownership belongs to the General Directorate of State Airports Authority (DHMİ).
About Istanbul Airport
For those looking to purchase a flight ticket to Istanbul Airport, it is helpful to know some information about the airport. Istanbul Airport is located in Istanbul, one of Turkey’s largest and most populous cities. It is situated on the European side of the city, between the villages of Tayakadın and Akpınar on the Black Sea coast. The airport opened on October 29, 2018, and its first flight was from Istanbul to Ankara.
The airport is capable of handling up to 200 million passengers. It features two terminals and six independent runways. During the planning stage, it was named “Istanbul New Airport,” but after the project was completed, it was officially named “Istanbul Airport.” The foundation of the airport was laid on June 7, 2014.
The main reason for opening Istanbul Airport was the excessive congestion and insufficient capacity at Istanbul Atatürk Airport. Therefore, on August 13, 2012, the Council of Ministers decided to build a new airport in Istanbul. The official opening took place on October 29, 2018. The airport also includes a library, three runways, a mosque, and a state guest house. In July 2020, the airport became home to a museum as well.
The main terminal building covers an area of 1.3 million square meters, making Istanbul Airport one of the largest airports in the world. It has a total of six runways: five between 3.5 and 4 km long and one parallel to the Black Sea. The first two runways were opened in 2018 and the third in 2020. Currently, the airport has three main active runways. Additionally, there is a 90-meter-tall, 17-story air traffic control tower, whose foundation was laid in October 2016. Its tulip-shaped design earned it the International Architecture Award.
Frequently Asked Questions About Istanbul Airport
Which airlines operate flights to Istanbul Airport?
One of the most frequently asked questions by those buying tickets to Istanbul Airport is which airlines operate at this location. Many airlines operate flights to and from Istanbul Airport. Some of these include:
Aegean Airlines, Air Albania, Aeroflot, Air Astana, Air France, Asiana Airlines, Azerbaijan Airlines, British Airways, China Southern Airlines, Emirates, Gulf Air, Iran Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Wizz Air.
Which destinations are served by flights from Istanbul Airport?
Flights from Istanbul Airport operate to many international and domestic destinations including:
Athens, Moscow, Almaty, Paris, Seoul, Baku, London, Beijing, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Tehran, Warsaw, Frankfurt, and many other cities in Turkey and around the world.
How do I get from Istanbul Airport to the city center?
If you’ve bought a flight ticket to Istanbul Airport, one important detail is knowing how to get to the city center. There are many options available for transport between the airport and the city. These include taxis, buses, and car rental services.
What public transportation options are available from Istanbul Airport to the city center?
Although there is no metro line currently connecting the airport to the city center, transportation is still easily accessible through buses, taxis, or car rentals. Havaist and IETT buses provide 24/7 service between Istanbul Airport and the city. Taxis and private airport transfers are also commonly used to reach the city center.
What is the passenger capacity of Istanbul Airport?
Istanbul Airport has a capacity of up to 200 million passengers.
