Istanbul Airport is the international aerodrome serving the city of Istanbul in Turkey. The airport, located on the European side of the city, between the villages of Tayakadın and Akpınar, on the Black Sea coast, was put into service on October 29, 2018.
When all phases of the airport, which continued to expand and improve in 2020, are completed, it is designed to serve with six independent runways, with 2 terminals that can be increased to an annual capacity of 200 million passengers on an area of 76.5 km2. Although the main airport of private jets is Atatürk Airport, the airport is frequently used by private jet charter services for connecting flights.
When was Istanbul Airport established?
The most important reasons for the establishment of Istanbul Airport was the lack of space to build an additional runway at Atatürk Airport, the impossibility of expanding the airport due to the growth of the city, the Turkish Aeronautical Association not allowing additional cargo or charter flights to the airport, and worsening air traffic congestion. In addition, due to the slot capacity and lack of parking spaces, some of Turkish Airlines’ planes had to be diverted to Sabiha Gökçen Airport. The opening ceremony of the airport took place on October 29, 2018, to coincide with the 95th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey.
Thoughtful interior design
The airport has a terminal for domestic and international flights and four runways currently in operation. The two 17/35 runways are both 4.100 meters long, and the 16/34 runways are both 3.750 meters long. The 17L / 35R and 16R / 34L runways are 60 meters wide, while the 17R / 35L and 16L / 34R runways are 45 meters wide. All runway surfaces are asphalt.
All flights of international and domestic passengers are operated from the departing passenger floor. Gates 1 and 2 will be used by all economy class passengers flying domestically. Gates 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 are used for international flights. Gate 5 is reserved for business people, artists and important passengers.
How to reach Istanbul Airport?
Although the airport is currently only served by Havaist and IETT buses from Istanbul, it will eventually be connected to two lines of the Istanbul Metro. The new M11 line starting from Gayrettepe station is planned to be opened in August 2021. Another one from Halkalı on the Marmaray railway line is planned to be completed in 2022.
In case of arriving at the airport by car, there is only one car park entrance at the airport. Valet service is also provided at the facilities, and the vehicle delivered to the valet can be received by paying at the valet payment points in return.
Havaist, IETT and Istanbul Seyahat offer services for passengers who will use public transportation to Istanbul Airport. Havaist offers luxury transportation services with luggage on 11 separate lines with 34 intermediate stops. Havaist provides service by city integration from Istanbul Airport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Places to visit in in Istanbul
Having the highest population in Europe, Istanbul has hosted many civilizations throughout its 8.000-year history. For this reason, Istanbul comes to the forefront with its culture and arts tourism. The Hagia Sophia Mosque, which reflects the historical past of Istanbul in the best way, is one of the first places to visit in Istanbul. The Grand Bazaar, Topkapı Palace, Basilica Cistern, Rumeli Fortress, Anadolu Fortress, Dolmabahce Palace are the other important places to see in the city home to countless historical monuments.
Entertainment venues such as 360Istanbul, Sortie Club and Klein are among the places that are preferred the most by tourists in the city, where nightlife is also quite colorful. In Istanbul, the cradle of civilizations, there are many flavors from Anatolia and Europe.
