Istanbul Airport (IGA)

Since its opening six years ago, Istanbul Airport, also known as Istanbul International Airport (IST), has garnered a prestigious position among the world's airports. 

It stands out for its high-quality services in travel organization, traffic management, and security for those departing from and arriving in Turkey, a key tourist and economic hub. 

This article will explore the advantages of Istanbul Airport, the awards it has won, and the records it has achieved thus far.

Location and Opening of Istanbul's New Airport

Istanbul Airport is located in the Arnavutkoy district on the European side of Istanbul. It is about 40 kilometers from the city center and approximately 150 kilometers from Bursa, with a car journey taking between two to three hours depending on the starting point and traffic conditions.

The airport was inaugurated in October 2018, with construction having started in 2015. The airport covers an area of about 76.5 million square meters, including various facilities such as the main passenger buildings, logistics areas, parking lots, roads, runways, and other services. 

The construction cost of the new Istanbul airport was $12 billion, and it was designed to be one of the largest airports in the world, a major aviation hub with modern facilities and a large capacity to meet the increasing demand for air travel. 

It is expected to serve over 200 million passengers annually when all its phases are completed in 2025. As of 2023, it serves 64 million passengers.

Before establishing the new Istanbul International Airport, Istanbul and its surrounding Turkish cities relied heavily on Ataturk International Airport for air travel. 

However, due to the immense pressure on the airport and the expansion of Turkish Airlines, which serves many countries, a new airport with greater capacity and more modern and high-quality facilities was necessary.

Key Advantages of Istanbul Airport

1. Capacity: Designed to accommodate a larger number of passengers and increased air traffic.
2. Modern Technology: Equipped with advanced aviation and security technologies, enhancing the travel experience and airport efficiency.
3. Strategic Location and Expandability: Positioned to allow future expansion, strengthening its role as a major aviation hub between continents.
4. Infrastructure: Features a large, modern passenger terminal offering a smooth and comfortable travel experience, including numerous shops, restaurants, and entertainment facilities.
5. Connectivity and Transportation: Linked to Istanbul's public transportation network, including buses and the metro, facilitating easy access from various parts of the city.
6. Routes and Destinations: Offers flights to hundreds of international destinations, serving as a key connection point between Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
7. Economic Impact: Contributes to the Turkish economy by boosting tourism and business activities, especially as a major hub for air cargo, supporting international trade.

These advantages make Istanbul's new airport a crucial infrastructure project, enhancing Turkey's position in global aviation and commerce.

Facilities of Istanbul's New Airport

The airport boasts six runways, designed with the latest specifications to ensure safe landings and high-efficiency air traffic management, reducing congestion. 

The runways also feature modern takeoff and landing technologies to ensure flight safety and energy efficiency, with the capability to handle large aircraft like the Airbus A380. 

They are designed according to green technology standards to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency.

Passenger Terminal: One of the largest passenger terminals in the world, with dedicated areas for international and domestic flights.

Travel Lounges:

• Departure Lounges: Equipped with check-in desks, self-service kiosks, security screening, and passport control.
• Arrival Lounges: Include baggage claim areas, customs, information, and assistance desks.
• VIP Lounges: Provide a comfortable environment with special services such as food, beverages, business services, and internet access.
• Transit Lounges: Equipped with comfortable seating and facilities for charging electronic devices.
• Shopping and Dining Lounges: Include international and local shops and restaurants.

Runways: Six runways designed to the latest specifications, ensuring safe landings, efficiently managing aircraft movements, accommodating large aircraft such as the Airbus A380, and implementing green technology standards to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency.

Duty-Free Zone: Large areas containing a variety of stores offering duty-free products such as clothing, books, and souvenirs.

Entertainment and Cultural Services: Includes the GART operator that hosts weekly concerts, cultural events, and workshops for art enthusiasts.

Restaurants and Cafes: Offer a wide range of local and international cuisines.

Miscellaneous Services and Facilities: Include information desks, waiting areas, VIP lounges, business centers, metro and bus stations, and parking lots.

General Services: Features an airport-specific museum, ATMs for various local and international banks, car rental services, and more amenities to enhance the travel experience.