Jazmin Li
Istanbul Airport is considered a very safe airport for transit, with strict security checks at the main entrance and behind arrival/departure gates, and an extensive system of security cameras. The airport has a capacity of 90 million yearly passengers and is expected to be able to handle 200 million when the project is complete, making it one of the biggest airports in the world. The previous airport, Ataturk, was also considered very safe, with travellers facing multiple security checks and body scans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Istanbul Airport is considered very safe, with strict security checks at the main entrance, behind arrival/departure gates, and an extensive system of security cameras. |
| Visa Requirements | Most foreign citizens require a Turkey e-Visa for transit, which can be obtained online. |
| Passenger Capacity | The airport covers 76 million square meters and has a capacity of 90 million passengers yearly. It is expected to handle 200 million passengers annually when fully completed. |
| Transit Experience | The airport offers luxury facilities, including a vast Duty-Free Mall within the transit area. Turkish Airlines also provides hotel and catering services for longer layovers. |
| Baggage Claim | Passengers must claim their baggage at the arrival point and proceed to the domestic terminal for check-in procedures for their connecting flight. |
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What You'll Learn
Istanbul Airport is one of the safest in the world
Istanbul was previously served by Ataturk Airport, which was known as one of the busiest airports in the world with over 70 million annual passengers. However, this airport closed in April 2019, and the mega-Istanbul airport opened in October 2019. The new airport has been implemented in response to the massive growth of Turkish Airlines and includes a wealth of luxury services for travellers.
The new airport covers approximately 76 million square meters, making it one of the biggest airports in the world. It features huge arrival and departure lounges, a 451-room boutique hotel, and an elegant air traffic control tower shaped like a tulip, a popular symbolic flower in Turkey. Those transiting through Istanbul Airport can enjoy the luxury facilities on offer, including the vast Duty-Free Mall located within the transit area.
Istanbul Airport is very safe for transit passengers, with multiple security checks and screenings in place. Passengers with a domestic flight connecting from the first destination may check in to their final destination if the transit period is less than 12 hours. If the connection time is 6 hours or more, passengers can take the opportunity to discover Istanbul with the TourIstanbul service.
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Strict security checks are in place at the airport
Istanbul Airport is considered a very safe airport to travel to, with strict security checks in place. The airport is set to become the biggest and busiest airport in the world, with a capacity to admit 90 million passengers yearly. The airport is expected to be able to handle around 200 million passengers a year when the project is completed.
Istanbul Airport has strict security checks at the main entrance and behind the arrival and departure gates. An extensive system of security cameras has also been installed. All passengers are screened three times prior to their flight: first when entering the airport, then after passport control, and finally, before boarding US-bound flights. Additionally, cars are checked for bombs as they enter the airport premises.
For passengers with a domestic flight connection from the first destination, they can check in to their final destination if the transit period is less than 12 hours. However, they must claim their baggage at the first destination and go through customs clearance. If the connection period exceeds 12 hours, passengers must collect their baggage and proceed to the check-in counter for their upcoming flight.
Istanbul Airport offers a smooth and safe transit experience, and passengers can enjoy the various luxury facilities available, including a vast Duty-Free Mall located within the transit area.
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An extensive system of security cameras monitors the airport
Istanbul Airport is considered a very safe airport to travel to, with strict security checks and an extensive system of security cameras monitoring the airport. The airport is set to become the biggest and busiest airport in the world, with a capacity of 90 million yearly passengers and an expected capacity of 200 million when the project is complete.
The security measures in place at the airport include multiple screenings and luggage checks. Upon entering the airport, passengers go through an initial security check, where their luggage is scanned, and they may be subject to a body check. After this, passengers proceed to check-in and then go through security again, where their hand luggage is checked, and they pass through a body scanner. Finally, there is another security check at the departure gate.
The extensive system of security cameras supplements these rigorous screening procedures, providing additional monitoring coverage throughout the airport. This network of cameras covers various areas, including the arrival and departure zones, ensuring that the safety of passengers and staff is maintained at all times.
The implementation of these security measures ensures that Istanbul Airport maintains a high level of safety for all individuals transiting through the airport. The combination of thorough screenings and a comprehensive surveillance system helps to create a secure environment, allowing passengers to feel protected during their time at the airport.
Istanbul Airport's focus on security is particularly notable given Turkey's volatile political situation. Despite potential concerns, the airport has implemented robust measures to ensure the safety of transit passengers, who face virtually no risk while utilising the airport's facilities.
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Istanbul is Turkey's biggest city and a popular destination for foreign travellers
Istanbul is Turkey's biggest city, with a population of approximately 15 to 16 million people. It is also one of the most popular Turkish cities for foreign travellers. In December 2023, Euromonitor International ranked Istanbul as the world's most visited city for international arrivals, with 26% growth year-on-year. The city's unique position as a bridge between Europe and Asia is a significant draw for tourists, as it enables them to experience two continents in a single day. Istanbul has a rich history as a trade route between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, and its diverse cultural influences are reflected in its cuisine and events.
Istanbul's famous Hagia Sophia attracts around 3 million tourists annually, while its famous bazaar has historically been a popular shopping destination. In addition, Istanbul's airport is a major hub for travellers, with a capacity of 90 million passengers per year and plans to expand to 200 million. The airport offers luxury services for transiting travellers, including a vast Duty-Free Mall. However, travellers wishing to leave the airport during transit must obtain a Turkey transit visa.
Istanbul's popularity as a tourist destination is further evidenced by the growth of its medical tourism industry. In 2022, 1.2 million people travelled to Turkey for medical procedures, with this number increasing to 746,290 in the first half of 2023 alone. The city's diverse range of natural, historical, and cultural attractions, as well as its relatively low cost of living, make it an appealing destination for international travellers.
However, it is important to note that Turkey has been ranked as "unsafe" for travellers by the HelloSafe Global Safety Index, and the U.S. State Department has warned against travel to select regions, including Istanbul, due to security risks such as terrorist activity and arbitrary arrests. Travellers should stay informed about potential risks and take necessary precautions when visiting Istanbul or any other destination with safety concerns.
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The airport offers a smooth transit experience
Istanbul Airport is considered a very safe airport to travel to. Strict security checks have been implemented at the main entrance to the airport, behind the arrival/departure gates, and an extensive system of security cameras has been installed. Passengers are screened three times prior to their flight: first when entering the airport, then after passport control, and finally before boarding US-bound flights. This means that travellers can enjoy a smooth transit experience at Istanbul Airport.
Istanbul Airport also offers a range of luxury services and facilities for travellers to enjoy when transiting through the country. These include a 451-room boutique hotel with landside and airside access, vast arrival and departure lounges, and a Duty-Free Mall located within the transit area.
For passengers with a long layover, Turkish Airlines offers hotel and catering services for Economy Class passengers with layovers of over 12 hours and Business Class passengers with layovers of over 9 hours. Additionally, passengers with a connection time of 6 hours or more can take the opportunity to explore Istanbul with the TourIstanbul service.
Istanbul Airport is one of the biggest airports in the world, covering approximately 76 million square meters with a capacity of 90 million passengers yearly. The airport is still under construction and is expected to handle around 200 million passengers annually when completed, making it the world's biggest airport for passenger traffic, second only to Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
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Frequently asked questions
Istanbul Airport is considered a very safe airport to travel to. Strict security checks have been implemented at both the main entrance to the airport and behind the arrival/departure gates, and an extensive system of security cameras has been installed.
At Istanbul Airport, you are screened three times prior to your flight: first as you are coming into the airport, then again after passport control, and finally once more before your flight on U.S.-bound journeys.
If you do not have a boarding pass for your next flight, you can obtain one from the transit check-in counter. After completing your flight, you can collect your baggage at the arrival point. Then, proceed to the check-in counter of the airline you will continue your travel with and go to the boarding gate.
Turkish Airlines offers hotel and catering services for Economy Class passengers with transit stops over 12 hours and Business Class passengers with transit stops over 9 hours.
Yes, it is possible to leave the airport and explore Istanbul during a transit stay. However, you will need to apply for a Turkey transit visa before departing from your home country. Additionally, if your transit duration is more than 20 hours, you can take advantage of Turkish Airlines' TourIstanbul service to discover the city.
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