Ruth Haines
Istanbul Airport has been labelled the most expensive airport in Europe for food and drinks. The airport developers have to share the airport profits with corrupt politicians, and the high costs are reflected in the prices. For example, a traveller paid £21 (Rs 2,376) for a 90-gram portion of lasagna, and another paid £17 for a single shot of gin. Even fast-food ice cream costs 6 euros. Istanbul Airport is also located in the middle of nowhere, so travellers have no choice but to pay the exorbitant prices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| High rent | The airport developers have to pay rent to the government in foreign currency, which is then reflected in the prices. |
| Exchange rate difference | The prices at Istanbul Airport are similar to those at airports in Europe but appear expensive due to the exchange rate difference. |
| Location | The airport is in the middle of nowhere, so travellers have no choice but to buy food and drinks there. |
| Inflation | Turkey is experiencing high inflation, which impacts the prices at the airport. |
| Overcharging | There is a pervasive idea in Turkey that it is acceptable to overcharge foreigners because they are perceived as rich. |
| Limited options | There are limited affordable options for food and drinks at the airport, with even fast-food chains like McDonald's and Burger King charging inflated prices. |
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What You'll Learn
High food and drink prices
Istanbul Airport has been labelled the most expensive airport in Europe for food and drinks. Travellers have complained about the exorbitant prices of basic food and beverage items, such as a banana for Rs 565, a 90-gram portion of lasagna for Rs 2,376 (or £21), a pint of beer for €15-17, a croissant for over €20, and water for €6. Even popular fast-food chains like McDonald's and Burger King reportedly sell their standard items at inflated rates compared to other major airports.
Several factors have been suggested to explain the high food and drink prices at Istanbul Airport. One reason could be the high rent that airport businesses have to pay to the government in foreign currency, which gets passed on to customers. Additionally, the airport is located in an isolated area, giving vendors a monopoly and limited options for passengers. There is also a general mindset in Turkey that "airports are expensive," leading to a lack of complaints and allowing airport shops to charge high prices.
Furthermore, there is a strange economic situation in Turkey, with high inflation and a devalued Turkish lira, which may contribute to the high prices. Some have also pointed to corruption, with airport developers sharing profits with politicians, and a general acceptance of overcharging foreigners as they are perceived to be wealthy.
It is worth noting that Istanbul Airport is not the only airport with expensive food and drinks. Many airports worldwide charge premium prices due to their captive customer base. However, Istanbul Airport stands out for its particularly high prices, even when compared to other European airports.
While the architectural grandeur and infrastructure of Istanbul Airport are commendable, the steep pricing of food and beverages has negatively impacted the travel experience for many passengers. Some have called for greater price regulation to make essential food and beverage items more affordable.
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Foreign currency rent payments
Istanbul Airport is known for its high food and beverage prices, with many travellers expressing their surprise at the cost of eating and drinking at the airport. One reason for the high prices is the foreign currency rent payments that businesses operating at the airport have to make.
Businesses at Istanbul Airport pay rent to the government in foreign currency, and this cost is passed on to their customers. In a comment on a forum, a user noted that the high rents within the airport are due to the airport developers having to share the airport profits with corrupt politicians. Additionally, these businesses also receive payments from their tenants in foreign currency, which further contributes to the high prices.
While the prices in euros may seem exorbitant, businesses operating at the airport have stated that their prices are comparable to those at airports in Europe. However, due to the exchange rate difference, the prices appear much higher. To mitigate this, some businesses have installed vending machines selling essential food and drink items at more affordable prices.
Istanbul Airport is not the only airport in Turkey with high prices. Some travellers have noted that other Turkish airports, such as Dalaman, also charge high prices for food and drinks. Additionally, Turkey's high inflation rates may also play a role in the perceived high prices at Istanbul Airport.
To avoid paying high prices for food and drinks at Istanbul Airport, travellers can bring their own food or purchase it before entering the airport. Additionally, it is advisable to be cautious when exchanging currency at the airport, as the rates may not be favourable.
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Lack of nearby alternatives
Istanbul Airport has been labelled the most expensive airport in Europe for food and drinks. Travellers have been shocked by the high prices, with some calling for greater price regulation. A possible reason for the high prices is the lack of nearby alternatives. The airport is located in the middle of nowhere, leaving customers with no choice but to accept the exorbitant prices.
One traveller on Reddit commented, "IST airport is literally in the middle of nothing so they are aware that you have no choice but them." Another said, "Don't shop from Turkish airports if you don't have to." This sentiment was echoed by a user on TripAdvisor, who warned fellow passengers about the high prices and advised them to bring their own food.
The issue of high prices at Istanbul Airport has been a topic of discussion on forums and review sites, with many passengers expressing their dissatisfaction. Some have pointed out that the prices are not universal and that there are affordable options for domestic flights. However, for international travellers, the lack of nearby alternatives means that they are at the mercy of the airport's pricing strategies.
The high prices at Istanbul Airport are not unique to airports in Turkey. Airports around the world tend to charge more for food and drinks because they have captive customers. However, Istanbul Airport stands out as one of the worst offenders for overcharging. While vending machines with more affordable options have been installed, the overall impression is that the airport takes advantage of its customers' limited choices.
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High inflation in Turkey
Istanbul Airport has been labelled the most expensive airport in Europe for food and drinks. A 90-gram portion of lasagna, for example, costs £21 (Rs 2,376). Even fast-food ice cream costs around €6. Travellers have also noted that a pint of beer can cost €17, and two bottles of water and a simit (a Turkish bread) can cost 1300 lira.
The high prices at Istanbul Airport are due in part to high rents within the airport. The airport developers have to share the airport profits with politicians, and the government does not intervene on behalf of citizens. Additionally, Turkey is currently experiencing high inflation, which contributes to the high prices at the airport. The country's currency, the Turkish lira, is also experiencing very limited deflation, which further exacerbates the issue.
While it is common for airports to charge higher prices than other locations, as customers are often willing to pay more, the prices at Istanbul Airport are particularly excessive. Some travellers have noted that the quality of the food does not match the price, and that even basic food items are overpriced.
The issue of high prices at Istanbul Airport has gained attention on online forums and social media platforms, with travellers expressing their frustration and calling for greater price regulation. However, as of 2025, no significant changes have been implemented to address the issue.
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Overpriced basic items
Istanbul Airport has been labelled the most expensive airport in Europe for food and drinks. A 90-gram portion of lasagna, for example, costs £21 (Rs 2,376). Even fast-food ice cream costs around €6. A pint of beer can cost €17, and a bottle of water can cost €6.
The airport developers have to share the airport profits with politicians, which may be one reason for the high prices. Additionally, the airport's tenants pay rent in foreign currency, so the cost is reflected in the prices of items. The high inflation in Turkey and the location of the airport in the middle of nowhere may also contribute to the high prices.
Some travellers have noted that the prices at Istanbul Airport are two to four times higher than at other airports, such as Frankfurt and Dublin. However, some airports, such as LaGuardia and Orlando MCO, are reported to have reasonably priced food and drinks.
The high prices at Istanbul Airport have been a topic of discussion on forums like Reddit, where users have called for greater price regulation to ensure that basic food and beverage items are more affordable.
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Frequently asked questions
Istanbul Airport is expensive due to high rent costs, which are paid to the government in foreign currency. This cost is reflected in the prices of food and drinks.
Istanbul Airport has installed vending machines selling water, biscuits, and cakes at more affordable prices. However, some travellers have noted that it is better to bring your own food.
While airport prices are generally higher than regular stores, Istanbul Airport is notably more expensive than other airports. Some travellers have noted that US airports like LaGuardia and Orlando MCO have more reasonable prices.
Travellers have called for greater price regulation at Istanbul Airport to ensure that basic food and beverage items are more affordable. However, as of my last update, I could not find information on any specific plans to address this issue.
