Istanbul Airport (IGA)

Since its opening six years ago, Istanbul Airport, also known as Istanbul International Airport (IST), has garnered a prestigious position among the world's airports. 

It stands out for its high-quality services in travel organization, traffic management, and security for those departing from and arriving in Turkey, a key tourist and economic hub. 

This article will explore the advantages of Istanbul Airport, the awards it has won, and the records it has achieved thus far.

Location and Opening of Istanbul's New Airport

Istanbul Airport is located in the Arnavutkoy district on the European side of Istanbul. It is about 40 kilometers from the city center and approximately 150 kilometers from Bursa, with a car journey taking between two to three hours depending on the starting point and traffic conditions.

The airport was inaugurated in October 2018, with construction having started in 2015. The airport covers an area of about 76.5 million square meters, including various facilities such as the main passenger buildings, logistics areas, parking lots, roads, runways, and other services. 

The construction cost of the new Istanbul airport was $12 billion, and it was designed to be one of the largest airports in the world, a major aviation hub with modern facilities and a large capacity to meet the increasing demand for air travel. 

It is expected to serve over 200 million passengers annually when all its phases are completed in 2025. As of 2023, it serves 64 million passengers.

Before establishing the new Istanbul International Airport, Istanbul and its surrounding Turkish cities relied heavily on Ataturk International Airport for air travel. 

However, due to the immense pressure on the airport and the expansion of Turkish Airlines, which serves many countries, a new airport with greater capacity and more modern and high-quality facilities was necessary.

Key Advantages of Istanbul Airport

1. Capacity: Designed to accommodate a larger number of passengers and increased air traffic.
2. Modern Technology: Equipped with advanced aviation and security technologies, enhancing the travel experience and airport efficiency.
3. Strategic Location and Expandability: Positioned to allow future expansion, strengthening its role as a major aviation hub between continents.
4. Infrastructure: Features a large, modern passenger terminal offering a smooth and comfortable travel experience, including numerous shops, restaurants, and entertainment facilities.
5. Connectivity and Transportation: Linked to Istanbul's public transportation network, including buses and the metro, facilitating easy access from various parts of the city.
6. Routes and Destinations: Offers flights to hundreds of international destinations, serving as a key connection point between Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
7. Economic Impact: Contributes to the Turkish economy by boosting tourism and business activities, especially as a major hub for air cargo, supporting international trade.

These advantages make Istanbul's new airport a crucial infrastructure project, enhancing Turkey's position in global aviation and commerce.

Facilities of Istanbul's New Airport

The airport boasts six runways, designed with the latest specifications to ensure safe landings and high-efficiency air traffic management, reducing congestion. 

The runways also feature modern takeoff and landing technologies to ensure flight safety and energy efficiency, with the capability to handle large aircraft like the Airbus A380. 

They are designed according to green technology standards to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency.

Passenger Terminal: One of the largest passenger terminals in the world, with dedicated areas for international and domestic flights.

Travel Lounges:

• Departure Lounges: Equipped with check-in desks, self-service kiosks, security screening, and passport control.
• Arrival Lounges: Include baggage claim areas, customs, information, and assistance desks.
• VIP Lounges: Provide a comfortable environment with special services such as food, beverages, business services, and internet access.
• Transit Lounges: Equipped with comfortable seating and facilities for charging electronic devices.
• Shopping and Dining Lounges: Include international and local shops and restaurants.

Runways: Six runways designed to the latest specifications, ensuring safe landings, efficiently managing aircraft movements, accommodating large aircraft such as the Airbus A380, and implementing green technology standards to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency.

Duty-Free Zone: Large areas containing a variety of stores offering duty-free products such as clothing, books, and souvenirs.

Entertainment and Cultural Services: Includes the GART operator that hosts weekly concerts, cultural events, and workshops for art enthusiasts.

Restaurants and Cafes: Offer a wide range of local and international cuisines.

Miscellaneous Services and Facilities: Include information desks, waiting areas, VIP lounges, business centers, metro and bus stations, and parking lots.

General Services: Features an airport-specific museum, ATMs for various local and international banks, car rental services, and more amenities to enhance the travel experience.

Renowned Restaurants and Cafes

Istanbul Airport offers a wide range of restaurants and cafes catering to all tastes. Here is a list of some of the prominent dining options available:

1. Traditional Turkish Cuisine

• Turcuisine: Serves kebabs, grilled dishes, vegetarian options, Turkish appetizers, and traditional desserts.
• Simit Sarayı: Offers Turkish pastries like simit and börek, along with Turkish tea.

2. Fast Food Restaurants

• Popeyes: Known for fried chicken, sandwiches, fries, and soft drinks.
• Burger King: Offers burgers, fast food meals, and fries.
• McDonald's: Provides a variety of burgers, fries, and other fast food items.

3. Specialty Restaurants

• Tavuk Dünyası: Specializes in grilled and fried chicken dishes.
• Sbarro: Serves Italian-style pizza and pasta.
• Seferi: Offers fresh and diverse seafood dishes.

4. Cafes

• Starbucks: Serves a variety of coffee drinks, teas, juices, and pastries.
• Nero Café: Offers coffee, tea, sandwiches, and desserts.
• Gloria Jean's Coffees: Provides coffee, cold drinks, and pastries.

5. Healthy Dining Options

• Green Salad: Specializes in fresh salads and healthy meals.
• Fresh Garden: Offers vegetarian dishes and fresh salads.

6. International Restaurants

• P.F. Chang's: Serves Chinese and Asian cuisine.
• Shake Shack: Known for burgers, hot dogs, and desserts.
• Le Pain Quotidien: Offers fresh pastries and organic dishes.

7. Fine Dining

• Turkish Kitchen: Provides a luxurious dining experience with upscale Turkish dishes.
• Caviar House & Prunier: Specializes in seafood and caviar.

8. Dessert and Ice Cream Shops

• Mado: Famous for traditional Turkish desserts and ice cream.
• Häagen-Dazs: Offers premium ice cream and desserts.

9. Diverse Dining Options

• Need Stop Café: Serves sandwiches, drinks, and desserts.
• La Patisserie: Offers French pastries and desserts.

10. Cultural and Entertainment Areas

• GART: Hosts cultural events, musical performances, and art workshops.

Getting to Istanbul Airport

Due to the advanced design of Istanbul Airport and the need to meet the growing travel demands to and from Turkey, an easy and excellent transportation network has been provided to facilitate access to the airport. 

Here are the available transportation options:

Metro The M11 Metro line provides direct access to the airport, connecting it to various areas in Istanbul. The metro offers a comfortable and fast means of travel, making it an ideal choice for passengers looking for a convenient route to the airport.

Buses

• Havaist Buses: These buses provide direct services from several areas in the city to the airport. They are comfortable and equipped with amenities such as Wi-Fi, ensuring a pleasant journey for passengers. These buses can be found at the Istanbul New Airport Bus Garage "İstanbul Havalimanı Garaj".
• IETT Buses: These buses serve various parts of the city. Although they might be slower due to multiple stops, they offer an economical option for reaching the airport.

Taxis Taxis are widely available around the airport and provide a convenient means of transportation. Passengers are advised to ensure that the driver uses the meter or agrees on the fare in advance to avoid any issues.

Private Cars Passengers can use private cars or ride-sharing services such as Uber and Careem to reach the airport. 

Additionally, car rental services are available at the airport, providing the option of self-driving for those who prefer it.

Regardless of the chosen mode of transportation, it is advisable to check schedules and traffic conditions to ensure timely arrival.

Global Recognition of the Airport

Ranked sixth globally in 2023, Istanbul Airport has quickly earned recognition for its design, management, and responsiveness. 

Here is a table of awards and records it has achieved:

Istanbul Airport Nearby Hotels

Budget Hotels

• Yotel Istanbul Airport: A modern, budget-friendly hotel offering small rooms and basic amenities.
• Hampton by Hilton Istanbul Kurtkoy: Located in the Kurtkoy area near the airport, this hotel offers comfortable living at affordable prices.

Mid-Range Hotels

• Crowne Plaza Istanbul – Florya: A suitable option for mid-range budgets, located a short drive from the airport, offers luxurious services and beautiful sea views.
• Courtyard by Marriott Istanbul West: Provides comfortable rooms and modern facilities, ideal for travelers who want to stay near the airport without paying high costs.

Luxury Hotels

• Hilton Istanbul Bakirkoy: Offers panoramic sea views and a high level of comfort and luxury, located just a few kilometers from the airport.
• Radisson Blu Hotel Istanbul Atakoy: Features an ideal location near the sea, providing luxurious services and recreational facilities.

These options meet the diverse needs of travelers in terms of budget and services offered, making staying near Istanbul New Airport comfortable and suitable for all categories.

Challenges Facing the New Airport

Despite its many advantages, Istanbul's new airport faces challenges such as traffic congestion during peak times and the ongoing need for expansion and maintenance to keep up with the increasing number of travelers.

Written by: Reyana Tourism