Sachin Walls
Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) is located on the Asian side of Istanbul, about 30 kilometres southeast of Üsküdar, the Kadıköy ferry dock, and the Harem intercity bus terminal. The airport is named after Ms Sabiha Gökçen, the world's first female fighter pilot. In 2023, it was ranked as the second busiest airport in Turkey and the ninth busiest airport in Europe.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Sabiha Gökçen International Airport |
| City | Istanbul |
| Country | Turkey |
| Location | Pendik and Kurtköy neighborhoods |
| District | Asian side of Istanbul |
| Distance from Istanbul city Center | 45 km |
| Distance from Ankara | 400 km |
| Nearest Airport | Istanbul Airport, 90 km |
| Airport Code | SAW |
| Website | https://www.sgairport.com/ |
| Operating Company | ISG Airport Operation Co. Inc. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Istanbul's second airport
Istanbul is served by two major international airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). Located on the Asian side of Istanbul, on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus, about 30 km southeast of Üsküdar, Sabiha Gökçen Airport is considered Istanbul's "second airport".
Sabiha Gökçen Airport is named after Ms Sabiha Gökçen (1913-2001), the world's first female fighter pilot. In her long career, she flew 22 different combat and aerobatics aircraft and was the first woman to fly the Focke Wulfe 190-A3. The airport is located between the suburbs of Kurtköy and Pendik and is easily accessible by major highways, roads, and public transport. It is reachable by car and taxi from the E80 European motorway, which passes through the Istanbul Metropolitan Area. The airport is also connected to the city of Istanbul and its wider metropolitan area through various transport options, including shuttle buses, city buses, the Havataş Airport Bus, public transport, taxis, shuttle vans, and car rentals.
Sabiha Gökçen Airport has experienced significant growth in passenger traffic and was voted the World's Best Airport at the World Low-Cost Airlines Congress in London in 2010. The airport handled 11,129,472 passengers in 2010, a 71% increase from 2009. By 2019, the airport had already received over 35 million passengers, surpassing its 2011 goal of hosting 25 million passengers by 2023. In 2023, the airport served over 37.1 million passengers, ranking as the second busiest airport in Turkey and the ninth busiest in Europe.
The airport has undergone developments to accommodate increasing demand, including the inauguration of a second runway on 25 December 2023, doubling its hourly capacity from 40 to 80 aircraft movements. The M4 metro line was also extended to Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı station in October 2022, improving transport connections to the airport.
Frontier Flights: Austin Airport Departure Options Explored
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Asian side of Istanbul
Istanbul is served by two major international airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). The latter is located on the Asian side of Istanbul, about 30 kilometres southeast of Üsküdar, the Kadıköy ferry dock, and the Harem intercity bus terminal. It is situated between the suburbs of Kurtköy and Pendik.
Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is named after Ms Sabiha Gökçen (1913-2001), the world's first female fighter pilot. In her long career, she flew 22 different combat and aerobatics aircraft. The airport is easily accessible by major highways, roads, and public transport. It is reachable by car and taxi from the E80 European motorway, which passes through the Istanbul Metropolitan Area. Shuttle buses, such as Havaist, and express public buses E10 and E11 operated by İETT, serve Taksim and Kadıköy. There are also coaches to nearby towns and cities. The airport is located 14 kilometres from the Pendik railway station and sea-taxi stations. The M4 metro line was extended to Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı station in 2022, and a connection to Marmaray and Yüksek Hızlı Tren via the Pendik station is currently under construction.
Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is Istanbul's "second airport" after the newer Istanbul Airport (IST). However, it is the 2nd busiest airport in Turkey and the 9th busiest airport in Europe, serving over 37.1 million passengers in 2023. The airport has experienced a remarkable increase in its direct connectivity, with a 71% increase in passengers between 2009 and 2010. It was voted the World's Best Airport at the World Low-Cost Airlines Congress in London in 2010 and received several other awards that year.
The airport is conveniently located for those travelling to the Asian side of Istanbul, which is a vibrant city serving as a bridge between the West and East. With over 15 million residents, Istanbul is one of the most unique cities in the world, as it is the only city located on two continents. The Asian side of Istanbul offers a range of attractions, including ancient mosques and vibrant markets. It is also within close proximity to Cappadocia, a must-see destination known for its surreal landscapes, cave hotels, and hot air balloon rides.
Charles de Gaulle Airport: Understanding the Code CDG
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Transport options
Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is located on the Asian side of Istanbul, Turkey. It is easily accessible by major highways, roads, and public transport. Here are some transport options to get to and from the airport:
Taxi
Taxis are readily available at the airport. You can either hail a municipal taxi or book a private taxi service. Private taxi services like Suntransfers offer low-cost, reliable, and comfortable transfers to and from the airport. They provide various vehicle options, including private cars, minivans, and coaches to cater to different group sizes. These services often include a meet-and-greet service at the arrivals terminal, where drivers assist with luggage and ensure a seamless transition to your vehicle.
Shuttle Services
Airport shuttle services offer a convenient and stress-free alternative to public transport or taxis. Shuttle services, such as Havaist, provide scheduled rides directly to your destination without the hassle of deciphering maps or negotiating with taxi drivers. They are an efficient option, especially if you book them in advance, ensuring a worry-free start or end to your journey.
Public Transport
The airport is well-connected to Istanbul's public transport network. The M4 metro line extension connects the airport to the city. Additionally, shuttle buses like the E10 and E11 operated by İETT serve Taksim and Kadıköy. Pendik railway station, located 14 km from the airport, also provides rail and sea-taxi connections.
Coaches
Coach services are available at the airport, offering connections to nearby towns and cities.
Lax Airport's Sleeping Pods: A Comfortable Nap Spot?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![National Geographic Road Atlas 2026: Adventure Edition [United States, Canada, Mexico]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81rRihqWqgL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Location relative to Pendik
Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is located on the Asian side of Istanbul, Turkey. The airport is situated 14 km from Pendik railway station and sea-taxi stations. Pendik is a municipality and district of Istanbul Province, Turkey. It is located on the Asian side of the city, along the Sea of Marmara, and neighbours Tuzla district and Kocaeli city.
Pendik is a large district in the area of Kaynarca, in the eastern neighbourhood of Istanbul, western Turkey. It is part of a large metropolitan area of Istanbul and is one of the oldest and most populous areas in the neighbourhood, with a population exceeding 625,000 people. The district is famous for its large international airport, Sabiha Gökçen, as well as a small campus of Sabancı University.
The airport is easily accessible from Pendik via the M4 metro line, which was extended to the airport in 2022. A connection to Pendik station via the M10 metro line is currently under construction. In addition to public transport, the airport is reachable by car or taxi from the E80 European motorway, which passes through the Istanbul Metropolitan Area.
Pendik has transformed from a small town in the 1990s to a modern and crowded mix of working-class housing and more expensive apartments with sea views. It has a busy shopping district, including the traditional Pendik Bazaar held on Saturdays, and a variety of restaurants and movie theatres. The district also features a Formula One racetrack, Istanbul Park, and the Viaport Shopping Mall.
Airport Express Payment Options: Debit Card Acceptance
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![National Geographic Road Atlas 2026: Scenic Drives Edition [United States, Canada, Mexico]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/814R4OsGtCL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![2 Pack - Laminated World Map & US Map Poster Set - Wall Chart Map of the World & United States - Made in the USA [Yellow]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91d58tGhj2L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Named after Sabiha Gökçen
Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is located on the Asian side of Istanbul, Turkey. It is 40 km away from the city centre of Taksim and 25 km away from Kadıköy, the city centre of the Asian side of the city. The airport is easily accessible by major highways, roads, and public transport.
Sabiha Gökçen, who the airport is named after, was the world's first female fighter pilot. She was the adopted daughter of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. In 1925, Atatürk adopted her after visiting her school in Bursa and learning about her wish to continue her education despite her poor living conditions. Gökçen went on to attend the Çankaya Primary School in Ankara and the Üsküdar American Academy in Istanbul.
Atatürk played a significant role in Gökçen's aviation career. In 1935, he took her to the opening ceremony of the Türkkuşu (Turkish Bird) Flight School, where she expressed her interest in becoming a skydiver. However, she was much more fascinated by flying and earned her pilot's license. She underwent the same fighter pilot training courses in Ankara and Russia as her male counterparts. In 1936, at just 23 years old, she was stationed in Eskisehir and gained recognition for her various missions. Gökçen continued flying until 1964 and accumulated more than 8000 hours of flight time. She also trained other women to become fighter pilots.
In 1996, the United States Air Force recognised Gökçen as one of the 20 Greatest Aviators in History. She passed away in 2001, leaving behind a rich and inspiring legacy.
Jeju Island's Airport Count: A Comprehensive Overview
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is located in Istanbul, Turkey.
The airport is located on the Asian side of Istanbul, on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus.
The airport is located 40 km away from the city centre Taksim and 25 km away from Kadıköy, the city centre of the Asian side of the city.
There are several transport options to get to the airport from the city of Istanbul, including by bus, Havataş Airport Bus, taxi, shuttle van, car rental, and public transport (bus, Metro Marmaray).
