The Council of Ministers stated that Ataturk Airport was inadequate in certain ways, so a new airport was needed. In 2018, Istanbul Airport opened to the public. Since Ataturk Airport shut down, it has served as the sole airport on Istanbul’s European side.
Istanbul Airport is designed as more than just a place to catch a flight. The airport includes hotels, apartments, commercial facilities, a hospital, a library, a museum, a cultural center, and even a carnival. There is also a children’s playground in the airside departures area, making it a practical stop for families as well as solo travelers.
New Airport in Istanbul: Terminal and Flight Procedures
Through its massive terminal, Istanbul Airport serves both domestic and international passengers. The station can be accessed through seven different gates. There are more than 500 counters available for check-in and baggage procedures, and international flights are supported by 228 passport control points.
Because of the airport’s size, it is recommended that you arrive at least 3 hours before your flight to stay on the safe side. If you arrive early, you can make good use of your time by relaxing in one of the cafés or spending quiet moments in the library.
If your trip includes time in the city before departure, you can pair your airport plans with central Istanbul highlights such as Taksim Square or historic areas around Sultanahmet Square.
How to Get to the New Airport
The new airport is located in Arnavutkoy on Istanbul’s European side. You can reach it by taxi, private car, or bus. There are also companies offering special transportation services for travelers who want a more direct transfer.
Taksim Square, one of Istanbul’s most visited areas, is about 40 kilometers away. If you prefer driving, the airport offers extensive parking facilities, along with car wash and fuel station services.
For current public transportation details, route updates, and official service information, it is best to check IETT and Metro Istanbul before you travel.
Shopping and Dining in Istanbul Airport
One of the most enjoyable parts of spending time at the airport is the wide range of dining and shopping options. At Istanbul Airport, you can choose from 150 food and beverage points prepared for travelers. These include coffee chains, cafés, restaurants, buffets, and fast-food options, especially in the international departures areas.
The airport also has exhibition spaces worth seeing while you wait. You can visit the photography exhibition of Ara Guler, the famous photographer known as “the Eye of Istanbul.” There is also a Victory Monument Exhibition that presents the airport’s development.
Shopping choices are equally extensive. International departures include many duty-free stores, while domestic areas also feature cosmetic and clothing shops. Pharmacies and bookshops add to the convenience. If you have a layover or arrive early, the airport offers enough variety to make your waiting time feel more like time spent in a shopping center.
You can enjoy a meal, browse for books, or pick up gifts for loved ones before boarding. For many travelers, the airport experience begins the moment they enter the terminal, and Istanbul Airport is built to make that time comfortable and eventful.
What to Expect Before Your Flight
Because the airport is large and busy, it helps to plan ahead. Leave enough time for transport, baggage procedures, and passport control, especially on international routes. If you are connecting your airport trip with sightseeing, nearby city icons such as the Grand Bazaar and Galata Tower can be part of your broader Istanbul itinerary.
In short, the new airport in Istanbul is more than an arrival and departure point. It is a large travel complex with practical services, places to eat, shopping areas, and cultural touches that reflect the city itself.
FAQ
What is the new airport in Istanbul called?
The new airport in Istanbul is called Istanbul Airport. It opened to the public in 2018 and has served as the main airport on Istanbul’s European side since Ataturk Airport closed.
Where is Istanbul Airport located?
Istanbul Airport is located in Arnavutkoy on the European side of Istanbul. Travelers can reach it by taxi, private car, bus, or other transfer services depending on their budget and schedule.
How early should I arrive at Istanbul Airport?
It is recommended to arrive at least 3 hours before your flight to be on the safe side. The airport is very large, and extra time can help with check-in, baggage drop, and passport control.
Are there places to eat and shop at Istanbul Airport?
Yes. The airport has 150 food and beverage points, including cafés, restaurants, buffets, and fast-food options. It also offers duty-free stores, clothing and cosmetic shops, pharmacies, and bookshops.
What can I do while waiting at Istanbul Airport?
While waiting, you can spend time in cafés, browse shops, visit the library, see the Ara Guler photography exhibition, or explore the Victory Monument Exhibition about the airport’s development.
