Istanbul Airport (IST)

About Istanbul Airport (IST)

Istanbul Airport (IST) is Turkey's primary international gateway and home hub of Turkish Airlines, one of the world's most far-reaching carriers. Opened in 2018 to replace Ataturk Airport, it connects Turkey to over 300 destinations across six continents and is designed to eventually handle 200 million passengers a year.

Istanbul Airport Details – Istanbul Airport IATA, Address and Pin Code

• Official Name: Istanbul Airport
• IATA Code: IST
• ICAO Code: LTFM
• Address: Tayakadin Mahallesi, Osmanli Bulvari No:3, Arnavutkoy, Istanbul, Turkey
• Airport Pin Code: 34283
• Distance from Istanbul City Centre: Approximately 35 km northwest of Taksim Square
• Phone Number: +90 444 1 442
• Old Name: Previously served by Ataturk International Airport (ISL), closed in 2019

How Many Airports in Istanbul?

Istanbul has two commercial airports. Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side handles the majority of international and domestic traffic. Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) on the Asian side mainly serves low-cost carriers like Pegasus Airlines. The two airports are around 70 km apart, so always confirm which one your flight uses.

How Many Terminals in Istanbul Airport?

Istanbul Airport operates one large terminal building, divided into domestic and international sections:

• International Section: Handles all international departures and arrivals, served by Turkish Airlines and over 100 international carriers.
• Domestic Section: Connected within the same building, serving destinations across Turkey including Ankara, Antalya, and Izmir.

Distance Between Istanbul Airport Terminals

IST is a single terminal building. Domestic and international sections are connected internally via signposted walkways. Allow at least 90 minutes for connections switching between domestic and international flights due to separate check-in and immigration requirements.

How Many Runways in Istanbul Airport?

IST has three runways, with expansion to six planned at full build-out. The current configuration handles over 60 million passengers annually, and the completed system will make IST one of the world's highest-capacity airports.

Visa and Immigration for Istanbul Airport – Information for Indian Travellers

Turkey offers a straightforward entry process for Indian passport holders. Here is what to know before flying into IST:

• e-Visa: Indian citizens must obtain a Turkish e-Visa before travel via evisa.gov.tr. It is valid for 180 days with stays of up to 30 days per visit, available as single or multiple entry.
• Visa on Arrival: Indian nationals are not eligible for visa on arrival. The e-Visa must be secured before departure.
• OCI Cardholders: OCI status has no bearing on Turkish entry. A Turkish e-Visa is required for all Indian nationals.
• Transit: Short airside transits generally do not require a visa. If exiting the airport during a layover, a valid e-Visa is required.
• Documents Required: Valid Indian passport (6+ months validity), return ticket, proof of accommodation, and a digital or printed copy of the approved e-Visa.
• At Immigration: First-time visitors go through standard counters for biometric capture. Queues can build during peak Turkish Airlines connection banks.

Apply for your e-Visa at least 3 to 5 days before travel.

Istanbul Airport Lounges and Facilities

• Lounges: The Turkish Airlines Lounge, over 5,000 sq metres, is open to business class and elite members. LoungIST is accessible to all via a paid day pass.
• Duty-Free and Shopping: IST has one of Europe's largest duty-free zones, operated by ATU Duty Free, with perfumes, electronics, Turkish specialties, and luxury brands.
• Dining: Wide choice of Turkish and international restaurants and cafes throughout the terminal, including well-known Turkish restaurant brands.
• Other Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, prayer rooms, mosque, medical centre, children's play areas, spa, and YotelAir hotel within the terminal.

Things to Do in Istanbul Airport

• Experience the Turkish Airlines Lounge if eligible, one of the finest business class lounges in the world.
• Browse ATU Duty Free for Turkish delight, baklava, spices, and luxury goods at competitive prices.
• Dine at one of the terminal's Turkish restaurants for a taste of local cuisine before your flight.

Places to Visit Near Istanbul Airport

• Miniaturk (30 km): An open-air miniature park on the Golden Horn displaying scaled models of Turkey's most iconic landmarks.
• Taksim Square and Istiklal Street (35 km): Istanbul's most vibrant public square and pedestrian boulevard, lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings.
• Hagia Sophia and Sultanahmet (45 km): Home to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar. Reachable in 45 to 60 minutes by taxi or metro.

FAQs About Istanbul Airport – Istanbul Airport

What is the Official Name of Istanbul Airport?

The official name is Istanbul Airport, operated by iGA Istanbul Grand Airport under a build-operate-transfer agreement with the Turkish government.

What is the IATA Code for Istanbul Airport?

The IATA code is IST and the ICAO code is LTFM.

Which Terminals Serve Domestic and International Flights at Istanbul Airport?

Both domestic and international flights operate within the same terminal building. The domestic section connects to destinations across Turkey, while the international section covers over 300 global routes.

Where is Istanbul Airport Located?

Istanbul Airport is on the European side of Istanbul, in Arnavutkoy district, approximately 35 km northwest of Taksim Square.

When Was Istanbul Airport Built?

Istanbul Airport opened its first phase in October 2018, with full operations transferring from Ataturk Airport in April 2019.

Is IST Open 24 Hours?

Yes, Istanbul Airport operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as a major Turkish Airlines hub with around-the-clock global connections.

How Far is Istanbul Airport from Istanbul City Center?

The airport is about 35 km from Taksim Square. Taxis take 40 to 60 minutes. The Havaist bus and metro are more affordable, reaching the city in around 35 to 45 minutes.

What Airlines Operate from IST?

Turkish Airlines operates to over 300 destinations. Other airlines include Pegasus, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, British Airways, Air India, and Singapore Airlines.

Are There Lounges at Istanbul Airport?

Yes. The Turkish Airlines Lounge is one of the largest and most celebrated airport lounges in the world. LoungIST is open to all passengers via a paid day pass.