Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) is the second major international airport serving Istanbul, located on the city's Asian (Anatolian) side. It functions as a primary hub for numerous low-cost and full-service carriers, significantly increasing the region's aviation capacity. The airport is named after Sabiha Gökçen, the first female combat pilot in the world and one of Turkey's first female aviators.
- Location and Transportation: The airport has good transport connections, including Havabüs shuttles to key areas like Taksim and Kadıköy, and a metro line directly underneath, making city access easy.
- Navigation: Travelers generally find the airport easy to navigate.
- Duty-free Shops: The duty-free shops are often viewed positively, with prices considered typical for an airport.
- Staff (Mixed Reviews): While some report unhelpful staff, others have found staff, including security and service workers, to be friendly and helpful and able to assist in English.
- Cleanliness (Mixed Reviews): Many reviews describe the airport as clean and well-organized, particularly the VIP lounge and its restrooms.
- Crowding and Queues: The airport is frequently crowded, leading to long queues at security, check-in, and other areas. Waiting rooms are often overcrowded with limited seating and power outlets.
- Organization and Staff Assistance: Many travelers describe the airport's organization as chaotic, with insufficient staffing ratios and a lack of assistance. Some staff are reported to be unhelpful or unresponsive.
- Pricing: Food, drinks, and basic services are often described as unreasonably expensive.
- Parking: Parking is a significant issue, with the lots often full and no available spaces.
- Cleanliness (Mixed Reviews): Despite some positive comments, other reviews mention dirty bathrooms, a strong bad smell in toilets, and unhygienic conditions in places of worship.
- Boarding Process: Travelers frequently complain about being transferred to airplanes via crowded buses and experiencing flight delays.
- Sources researched: yandex.com, flightqueue.com, secretflying.com, upgradedpoints.com, sabihagokcen.aero*
Bottom line: SAW is seen as a functional airport, particularly for those seeking a smaller, less overwhelming experience than IST. However, travelers should be prepared for potential crowds, long queues, and high prices, especially during peak times. Utilizing services like Fast Track can help mitigate wait times.
New & changed departures
4 changes to SAW's schedule in the last 90 days.
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Track all changesRoutes from SAW
169 nonstop destinations · 28 airlines.
Airlines at SAW
28 carriers operate scheduled departures.
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Airport routes
Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) offers 358 flight routes operated by 28 airlines. Major carriers include Pegasus Airlines, Turkish Airlines, AJet and others. Popular destinations from Pendik, Istanbul include Amsterdam Schiphol, Ercan Int'l, İzmir Adnan Menderes Int'l, Antalya, Stockholm-Arlanda.
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Common questions about SAW
Quick answers, straight from the schedule data.
How many destinations have nonstop flights from SAW?
Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport has 358 scheduled routes to 169 destinations in 55 countries, operated by 28 airlines.
Which airlines fly from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport?
28 carriers operate scheduled departures, including Pegasus Airlines, Turkish Airlines, AJet.
Where is Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport located?
Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is located in Pendik, Istanbul, TR, at an elevation of 312 ft. Its IATA code is SAW and ICAO code is LTFJ.