Istanbul Airport Features and Transportation
Istanbul Airport is Turkey’s largest and most modern airport, located on the European side of Istanbul in the Arnavutköy district, approximately 35 kilometers from the city center. The airport covers an area of 76.5 million square meters.
Istanbul Airport, with a capacity of approximately 200 million passengers per year, is one of the largest airports in the world. It is planned to expand and increase its capacity by 2028.
Key Features of Istanbul Airport:
Location and Access:
Istanbul Airport is located in the Arnavutköy district on the European side of Istanbul, about 35 kilometers from the city center.
The airport covers a total area of 76.5 million square meters.
Terminals and Capacity:
The airport consists of four terminals: Domestic and International Terminals.
Istanbul Airport has a capacity to handle approximately 200 million passengers annually, making it one of the largest airports globally.
Plans are in place for the airport’s expansion and capacity increase by 2028.
Runways:
There are six runways at the airport, designed to accommodate large aircraft for takeoff and landing.
Infrastructure and Services:
The airport offers various amenities for passengers, including modern terminal buildings, duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, VIP areas, children's play areas, and free Wi-Fi.
Additionally, there is a hotel within the airport, providing comfortable accommodation options for travelers.
Transportation Options:
Metro: Istanbul Airport is connected to the city’s metro network, with the M11 Airport Metro Line providing direct access to major points in the city.
Bus and Havaş: Regular bus and Havaş services operate between the city center and the airport, providing 24/7 transportation.
Taxi and Private Vehicles: Taxis and car rentals are also available, with a trip from the city center taking about 30-45 minutes.
Domestic and International Flights from Istanbul Airport
Istanbul Airport is not only Turkey's largest airport but also a significant transfer hub for international flights. Many international flights operate through Istanbul Airport, and it serves as the main hub for Turkish Airlines (THY).
Domestic Flights:
Istanbul Airport offers regular domestic flights to cities across Turkey, including Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, Adana, Bodrum, Kayseri, and Trabzon. These flights are operated by Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, and SunExpress.
International Flights:
Istanbul Airport provides flight connections to over 300 destinations worldwide. It is a major transfer point for flights to Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, North America, and South America. Key international destinations from Istanbul Airport include:
Europe: Flights to Germany, the UK, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and more.
Major German cities, including Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Berlin, and Hamburg, have frequent flights.
Middle East: Direct flights to cities like Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Beirut, and Jeddah.
Asia: Direct flights to cities such as Singapore, Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong.
Africa: Flights to Cape Town, Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Lagos.
America: Direct flights to New York, Miami, Chicago, and Los Angeles, with additional flights to São Paulo (Brazil).
Other Regions: Flights to northern European cities like Moscow.
Thanks to Turkish Airlines’ global network, Istanbul Airport also facilitates transfer flights. It serves as a bridge between Asia and Europe, making it an essential transit point. Many passengers use Istanbul Airport to transfer to other destinations.
Conclusion
Istanbul Airport functions as a major global transport hub. With its extensive connections for both domestic and international flights, it serves as a central point for Turkish Airlines' global network. Its modern infrastructure and various transportation options offer passengers a comfortable and efficient travel experience. Furthermore, with ongoing expansion plans, Istanbul Airport aims to increase its flight destinations and capacity in the future.
