Sachin Walls
Istanbul Airport is one of the largest airports in the world, with the capacity to handle 90 million passengers per year. The airport is located 30km northwest of Istanbul, close to the shores of the Black Sea. It is known for its striking architecture, including Ottoman-esque pillars and hypnotizing Iznik tiles, as well as its variety of amenities, such as designer stores and fine-dining restaurants. Istanbul Airport has also been praised for its sustainability features and special assistance services, earning it the ACI Accessible Airport award in 2021. However, some travellers have criticised the airport for long walking distances, limited toilet facilities, and expensive food and drinks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of opening | 2018 |
| Number of runways | Three main runways and two backups |
| Number of aircraft parking spaces | Over 350 |
| Connectivity | Over 100 destinations in Europe and 50 in Africa |
| Number of passengers per year | 90 million |
| Design | Ottoman-esque pillars, hypnotizing Iznik tiles, a "Wish Tree", a "Dreams of Childhood" installation, and a central atrium illuminated by a skylight |
| Amenities | Designer stores, fine-dining restaurants, a luxury hotel, a museum, art installations, and cultural events |
| Efficiency | Sustainable design, low-flow faucets, low-water consuming plants, energy-efficient lighting, and mechanical equipment |
| Accessibility | Special assistance services, ACI "Accessible Airport" award in 2021 |
| Negative reviews | Long walking distances, expensive food and drinks, limited toilets, confusing signage, and long queues |
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What You'll Learn
Design and architecture
The Istanbul Airport, which opened in 2018, is one of the largest and most impressive airports in the world. It is located 30km northwest of Istanbul, close to the shores of the Black Sea. The airport's design and architecture reflect the city's rich history and culture while also embodying Istanbul's character as a truly international city. The main terminal, currently the only functioning terminal, is composed of two curved wings connected by a central atrium illuminated by a skylight. The terminal features soaring Ottoman-esque pillars and hypnotizing Iznik tiles, giving it a grandiose and luxurious feel.
The airport is designed to be a destination in itself, with various artworks, including traditional Turkish paintings and modern sculptures, spread throughout the building. One of the highlights is the "Wish Tree," decorated with colourful ribbons and wishing cards. Other notable pieces include the "Istanbul in Motion" mural and the "Dreams of Childhood" installation, consisting of hundreds of colourful hand-painted tiles. The airport also has its own museum, displaying various exhibits such as a statue of the Roman emperor, Caracalla.
Istanbul Airport prioritises sustainable design and efficiency, with implementations such as low-flow faucets and toilet tanks expected to reduce water consumption by over 50%. The airport also focuses on energy efficiency through the use of efficient lighting and mechanical equipment. With six main runways and over 350 aircraft parking spaces, the airport serves more destinations than any other, offering numerous connection possibilities for travellers.
The airport's cutting-edge design and state-of-the-art facilities set a new standard for 21st-century air travel. However, some critics have noted that the vast size of the airport leads to long walking distances and excessive queuing times during security and passport control. Despite these criticisms, Istanbul Airport stands as an iconic and impressive structure, solidifying its reputation as a world-class travel destination.
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Amenities and facilities
Istanbul Airport, which opened in 2018, is one of the largest and most impressive airports in the world. It has a striking design, with Ottoman-esque pillars and hypnotizing Iznik tiles, and is intended to reflect the city's rich history and culture. The airport currently handles about 90 million passengers per year and is expected to expand further in the coming years.
Istanbul Airport offers a variety of amenities and facilities for travellers, including:
- Designer stores and fine-dining restaurants.
- A luxury hotel, Yotel, with smart beds, ultra-fast Wi-Fi, and blackout cabins.
- A museum featuring exhibits such as a statue of the Roman emperor, Caracalla, and a variety of artworks, including traditional Turkish paintings and modern sculptures.
- Special assistance services, making travel more comfortable and convenient for all passengers, earning it the ACI "Accessible Airport" award in 2021.
- A “nap zone” for travellers to rest, although some have noted that it is far from comfortable due to construction noise.
- Sustainable design and infrastructure, with low-flow faucets and toilet tanks, low-water consuming plants, efficient lighting, and mechanical equipment, reducing the building's water and energy consumption.
- A large number of aircraft parking spaces—over two and a half times more than the old airport.
- Various activities, including weekly concerts, cultural events, and workshops curated by the İGART atelier.
However, some travellers have noted issues with the airport's amenities and facilities, including limited seating, a lack of toilets, and expensive food and drinks. There have also been complaints about the long walking distances within the airport and the complexity of the self-bag check process.
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Location and transport
Istanbul Airport is located 30km northwest of Istanbul, close to the shores of the Black Sea. It is one of the largest airports in the world, with more than 350 aircraft parking spaces available. The airport is easily accessible by road, with shuttle services available. Taxis and the train are also options, with the Metro expected to make a connection to the airport.
The airport is known for its impressive architecture, with two curved wings connected by a central atrium illuminated by a skylight. The design is intended to reflect Istanbul's rich history and culture, with Ottoman-esque pillars and hypnotizing Iznik tiles. The airport also features a variety of artworks, including traditional Turkish paintings and modern sculptures, as well as a "Wish Tree" decorated with colourful ribbons and wishing cards.
Istanbul Airport offers a range of amenities, including designer stores, fine-dining restaurants, and a luxury hotel, Yotel, with smart beds, ultra-fast Wi-Fi, and blackout cabins. The airport also has a museum, with exhibits such as a statue of the Roman emperor, Caracalla. However, some travellers have criticised the airport for its long walking distances, limited toilet facilities, and expensive food and drinks.
The airport has won awards for its special assistance services, making travel more accessible and convenient for all passengers. It has also implemented sustainable design features, such as low-flow faucets and low-water-consuming plants, which are expected to reduce water consumption by over 50%.
Istanbul Airport is the main arrival point for one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It serves as a hub for Turkish Airlines, which offers flights to a wide range of destinations, including Europe, Africa, and soon, Australia. The airport has a high volume of traffic, handling 37 million passengers in 2021 and 64 million in 2022.
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Customer service
Istanbul Airport offers a range of services to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for its passengers. The airport has been designed to cater to the needs of all passengers, including those with special assistance requirements.
For passengers with disabilities, Istanbul Airport provides a "'Barrier-Free Airport' experience. This includes dedicated seating, accessible toilets, and phone/fax services located at the airlines' check-in areas. Visually impaired passengers are also accommodated with guidance markings. Additionally, passengers with disabilities can request to be escorted to their aircraft by calling the officials after entering the terminal.
The airport also offers a Fast Track service for departing passengers, allowing them to bypass long lines at passport control and security. This service includes specific check-in counters and travel insurance, ensuring a swift and stress-free experience. It is especially beneficial for passengers with tight schedules or connecting flights.
Istanbul Airport provides a waiting area for both arriving and departing passengers. The airport also offers up to 2 hours of free Wi-Fi service in the terminal, café, and dining areas. Additionally, there are stores where passengers can purchase mobile phones and data packs if needed.
While the airport aims to provide efficient customer service, some reviews highlight instances of unhelpful staff and long waiting times, especially at passport control and security checks. There are also mentions of expensive food options and duty-free shopping within the airport. However, other reviews praise the convenience and professionalism of airport transfer services to and from the airport, with friendly and polite drivers.
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Dining and shopping
Istanbul Airport offers a wide range of dining options to suit every traveller's tastes and preferences. From fast food joints to gourmet restaurants, the airport has it all. The landside area offers several fast-food options, including Burger King, Popeyes, and Sbarro. If you're looking for something more authentic, Seferi serves up traditional Turkish pide (a type of flatbread) with various toppings.
The international area of the airport also offers a diverse range of dining options. Paşa Döner offers freshly made döner kebabs and other Turkish favourites like lahmacun (Turkish pizza). Bottega Prosecco Bar serves Italian wines and small plates, while Brewmark offers craft beers and pub fare. For Italian cuisine, there's Carluccio's, which offers a range of pasta, pizzas, and other Italian dishes. Crousty Co offers French pastries, sandwiches, and quiches, while Deli Aux Pain serves sandwiches, salads, pastries, and desserts. Enva provides healthy food options, including salads, wraps, and smoothies.
The airport also has various cafes, patisseries, bars, popular coffee chains, and Grab-and-Go buffets. One notable coffee shop is known for its personalized drinks, where baristas ask customers how much sugar they prefer and remind them to wait a minute before drinking to allow the grounds to settle. They serve Italian-style coffees, frappes, teas, and Turkish coffee. They also offer light snacks such as dolmas (rice-stuffed grape leaves) and stuffed flatbread gözleme.
Istanbul Airport also offers several lounges with dining options, such as the iGA Domestic Lounge, Turkish Airlines Domestic Lounge, and iGA International Lounge, which offer open buffets, bars, and complimentary services like massages and workspaces.
For those looking to extend their stay, Istanbul Airport offers the YOTELAIR Istanbul Airport Transit Hotel, located in the departure transit lounge, and the YOTEL Istanbul Airport Landside, near entrance #7.
When it comes to shopping, Istanbul Airport offers a unique experience with a blend of selected brands and a modern retail concept. The airport features local and international fashion brand stores offering accessories, jewellery, watches, kids' wear, toys, home textiles, and electronics. The Duty-Free area, designed to give passengers a sense of belonging to Istanbul, consists of nine sections with different concepts, including Fashion Garden, Family Palace, High&Lux Hills, and Style Beach.
The airport also has souvenir and gift shops, including Afrika Evi, Ren, and Tırtıl Kids. Additionally, there are tobacco shops and pharmacies.
For a more extensive shopping experience, the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, is a short distance from the airport. It boasts a vast array of shops, covered streets, mosques, fountains, and rest houses, offering an enchanting shopping experience amidst the scents of spices, handicrafts, and Turkish coffee.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport's design reflects the city's rich history and culture, with Ottoman-esque pillars and hypnotizing Iznik tiles. The airport also features artworks, traditional Turkish paintings, modern sculptures, and a "Wish Tree" decorated with colourful ribbons and wishing cards. Istanbul Airport is also known for its special assistance services, earning it the ACI "Accessible Airport" award in 2021.
Istanbul Airport is one of the largest airports in the world, with the capacity to handle about 90 million passengers per year using a single terminal. The airport has three main runways and two backups, serving more destinations than any other airport.
Istanbul Airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options, including designer stores and fine-dining restaurants. However, some passengers have complained about the high prices of food and drinks.
