Istanbul Airport (IST/LTFM) serves as the primary international gateway to Istanbul and is a significant global hub connecting flights between Europe, Asia, and Africa. Its official opening took place on October 29, 2018, Turkey's Republic Day, with a full operational transfer from the former Atatürk Airport completed in April 2019.
- Modern and Visually Impressive Terminal: The airport is often described as stunning, new, and modern, with high vaulted ceilings and spacious areas.
- Cleanliness: Many travelers appreciate the cleanliness of the terminal, including restrooms, seating, and floors.
- Comprehensive Duty-Free Shopping: The airport features a large and well-designed duty-free area with a wide variety of shops, akin to a high-end mall.
- Good WiFi (initially): Some reviews mention good WiFi connectivity, at least for the initial free period.
- Effective Metro Connection: The Metro Line M11 connects the airport to Kagithane Station near the city center and is described as an easy and affordable transportation option.
- Excessive Walking Distances: A predominant complaint is the immense size of the terminal, leading to extremely long and often exhausting walks between gates, to baggage claim, and to passport control, with insufficient moving walkways.
- Exorbitant Prices: Food, beverages, and other services within the airport are consistently reported as "ridiculously high," "insane," and "extortionist," with water being particularly expensive.
- Unhelpful and Rude Staff: Numerous travelers report negative interactions with airport personnel, describing them as unhelpful, dismissive, arrogant, slow, and often having poor English language skills.
- Confusing Navigation and Signage: Despite its modernity, some travelers find the airport's signage unclear and struggle with navigation, leading to missed flights or added stress.
- Multiple and Disorganized Security Checks: Passengers frequently encounter multiple security checks, including an initial scan to enter the airport and further checks before passport control and at the gate, which can be disorganized and time-consuming. Passport control queues can also be long, potentially taking 30-45 minutes from landing.
- Limited Free WiFi: While available, free Wi-Fi is often limited to one hour, with subsequent access requiring payment at high rates.
Bottom line: While Istanbul Airport is praised for its impressive architecture and cleanliness, the consistently high prices, extensive walking distances, and perceived poor customer service significantly detract from the traveler experience, often leading to stress and dissatisfaction. Travelers are advised to allow ample time for connections and be prepared for high costs.
New & changed departures
17 changes to IST's schedule in the last 90 days.
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Track all changesRoutes from IST
339 nonstop destinations · 118 airlines.
Showing the top 200 destinations by frequency.
Airlines at IST
118 carriers operate scheduled departures.
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Airport routes
İstanbul Airport (IST) offers 488 flight routes operated by 118 airlines. Major carriers include Turkish Airlines, ULS Airlines Cargo, Aegean Airlines and others. Popular destinations from Arnavutköy, Istanbul include Mitiga Int'l, İzmir Adnan Menderes Int'l, Ankara Esenboğa Havalimanı Int'l, Ercan Int'l, Imam Khomeini Int'l.
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Common questions about IST
Quick answers, straight from the schedule data.
How many destinations have nonstop flights from IST?
İstanbul Airport has 488 scheduled routes to 339 destinations in 123 countries, operated by 118 airlines.
Which airlines fly from İstanbul Airport?
118 carriers operate scheduled departures, including Turkish Airlines, ULS Airlines Cargo, Aegean Airlines.
Where is İstanbul Airport located?
İstanbul Airport is located in Arnavutköy, Istanbul, TR, at an elevation of 325 ft. Its IATA code is IST and ICAO code is LTFM.