The new Istanbul International Airport, or by its new name – Istanbul International Airport. In English ((Istanbul International Airport)), it is one of the largest international airports with an area exceeding 76 square kilometers, located northwest of the European side of Istanbul. It was inaugurated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on October 29, 2018, which is the national day of the Turkish state. The opening of the third Istanbul Airport constituted a qualitative leap that increased the importance of Istanbul. It also positively reflected on the Turkish economy, as the number of passengers is expected to reach 200 million passengers per year.

Istanbul Airports

Istanbul International Airport is one of the most prominent modern landmarks reflecting Turkey’s ambition to enhance its global standing. Opened in 2018, the airport is now considered one of the largest airports in the world in terms of capacity, capable of accommodating more than 90 million passengers annually. The airport stands out as a vital link between East and West, making it an ideal starting point for international flights.

The airport’s innovative architectural design integrates modernity with cultural heritage, enhancing the passenger experience by providing advanced facilities and luxurious services. The airport includes a variety of shops and restaurants that reflect the richness of Turkish culture, offering visitors a unique experience before their departure or arrival.

The airport management continuously strives to improve services and infrastructure, ensuring smooth air traffic and enhancing passenger safety. In this article, we will review more details about Istanbul International Airport, from its facilities to its impact on the Turkish and global economy.

Istanbul Airport

In the following article, we, Masar Istanbul company, will clarify the most important details and information about the new Istanbul International Airport, including its area, strategic location, and implementation stages. We will also explain how to travel to and from the airport, and we will provide you with some links to important articles that we hope you will find interesting, such as the top 10 projects in Istanbul, properties for sale in Istanbul, and more.

New Istanbul Airport

Istanbul International Airport

New Istanbul Airport Guide – Third Istanbul Airport

The new Istanbul Airport is the latest international airport in Istanbul, officially opened in 2018 in the presence of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

The third Istanbul International Airport, which is the second largest airport in the world, was built to receive passengers instead of Atatürk International Airport. All airline company offices, as well as cafes and restaurants, were moved to the new airport.

It is expected that the construction procedures for the airport, in its four phases, will be completed before 2030. Experts anticipate that it will receive 200 million passengers annually by that time.

Location of Istanbul International Airport – Istanbul International Airport

After a long academic study and with the help of prominent experts, the Turkish government chose the best location to build the third Istanbul Airport.

This strategic airport is located in the Arnavutköy district on the European side of Istanbul, and is characterized by its proximity to hotels, main roads, and important centers in the city, the most famous of which are:

• The third Istanbul Airport overlooks a long stretch of the Black Sea coast in Turkey.
• The new Istanbul Airport is a short distance from the main D020 highway, making it easy for passengers to travel to and from the airport.
• The third Istanbul Airport is 85 km away from Sabiha Gökçen Airport, and about 35 km from Atatürk Airport.
• A distance of 40 km separates the new Istanbul Airport from Taksim Square, making it closer to Taksim Square than Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
• Easy access from the new Istanbul Airport to the high-speed train line, as well as to the new Istanbul Water Canal, and to many ports and land and sea transportation routes.

Area of Turkey’s New Istanbul International Airport

The area of the third Istanbul Airport, built in the Arnavutköy district, was announced to be 76,500,000 square meters (76 square kilometers).

Within this massive area, the airport includes approximately 50 domestic aircraft departure points and approximately 250 international departure points, with ample parking spaces.

The vision for Istanbul Airport was developed to meet the increasing demand for air traffic in the region. With an initial annual passenger capacity of 90 million passengers, it has the potential to accommodate up to 200 million passengers annually once all development phases are completed. This expansion not only supports the rapid growth of Turkey’s aviation sector but also enhances Istanbul’s position as a major global aviation hub.

Istanbul New Airport

Istanbul International Airport

Istanbul Real Estate Path

Phases of Construction of the Third Istanbul International Airport

The third Istanbul Airport is being built in four phases, noting that the opening took place after the completion of the first phase only, and it is expected that all phases of Istanbul Airport will be completed before 2030.

The distinctive Istanbul Airport includes the following facilities:

These facilities are distributed over the following four phases:

Phase One

• A main terminal with an area of 680,000 square meters, accommodating approximately 90 million passengers annually.
• A second terminal with an area of approximately 170,000 square meters.
• A parking lot with a capacity for 12,000 cars without congestion.
• 88 bridges.
• 8 parallel aircraft taxiways.
• Two independent runways.
• An aircraft parking area of 4 million square meters.
• Control tower.
• VIP lounge.

Phase Two

The second phase of the third Istanbul Airport includes:

• Two independent runways.
• Only one aircraft taxiway.

Phase Three

The third phase of the new Istanbul Airport includes:

• A terminal with an area of 500,000 square meters, accommodating approximately 30 million passengers annually.
• One aircraft taxiway.
• One runway.

Phase Four

The fourth phase of Istanbul International Airport includes:

• A terminal with an area of 240,000 square meters, accommodating more than 30 million passengers annually.
• One runway.

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

Istanbul International Airport

Economic Impact of Istanbul Airport on Turkey

As a massive infrastructure project, Istanbul Airport has had a significant economic impact on the region. The construction of the airport and its ongoing operations have created job opportunities, stimulated economic growth, and attracted foreign investments. The increase in air traffic and connectivity has also boosted tourism, trade, and commercial activities, further contributing to the economic development of Istanbul and Turkey as a whole.

Services of the New Istanbul International Airport – Istanbul International Airport

The Turkish government has been keen to provide all service facilities to make it easier for travelers to rest at the airport, and also offers them various entertainment and essential services, the most important of which are:

The luxurious YOTEL hotel

The luxurious YOTEL hotel is one of the most important service facilities at the third Istanbul Airport, providing its services to Turkish and foreign travelers arriving in Turkey.

The luxurious YOTEL hotel is only a few minutes’ walk from the passport control area at the new Istanbul Airport.

The luxurious YOTEL hotel is distinguished by its diverse services, most notably:

• 24-hour reception.
• Clean rooms and comfortable beds.
• Flat-screen TV in every bedroom.
• Air conditioning services.
• Free internet service.
• Fitness center.

Commercial area

There is a huge commercial area at Istanbul Airport with shops selling products at a cheaper price than regular stores.

You can shop for clothes, gold, jewelry, and electronics as much as you want in this huge market at the new Istanbul Airport.

Restaurants and cafes

You can taste the most delicious foods in the restaurants located at the third Istanbul Airport.

Art exhibitions

There are several exhibitions you can visit at the airport, the most important of which is the Airport Museum, which showcases Turkish culture to foreign travelers.

There is an exhibition at the new Istanbul Airport displaying photos illustrating the construction process of the airport, and an exhibition featuring paintings by the photojournalist “Ara Güler”.

Children’s playground

A child may get bored while waiting at the airport, but at the new Istanbul Airport, you can take your children to have fun in the entertainment areas designated for them.

Parking lots

There are huge parking lots at the third Istanbul Airport, accommodating more than 40,000 cars.

Number of airports in Istanbul

Istanbul International Airport

Control Tower at Istanbul International Airport

A magnificent architectural masterpiece at the new Istanbul Airport is the control tower, with its shape inspired by the tulip flower, for which the city of Istanbul is famous.

This flower is one of the symbols of Islamic and Turkish culture, and the height of the tower at the airport is approximately 95 meters.

What is the importance of Istanbul Airport?

Istanbul Airport holds great importance at various levels, from local to global. Below, we will review some key aspects that highlight the importance of Istanbul Airport:

Global Connectivity

Istanbul Airport serves as a primary hub connecting continents, including Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Its strategic location makes it a vital transit point for international travelers, facilitating seamless connections and enabling efficient travel between major cities worldwide. This interconnectedness enhances global trade, tourism, and cultural exchange, fostering economic growth and strengthening international relations.

Regional Aviation Hub

Istanbul Airport plays a pivotal role as a global regional aviation hub, serving not only Turkey but also the entire Middle East and Eastern Europe. Its extensive flight network connects travelers to a wide range of destinations, promoting regional economic development, business opportunities, and tourism in neighboring countries.

Passenger Capacity and Expansion

With its immense capacity, Istanbul Airport can handle a large number of passengers, contributing to the efficient movement of people and goods. As one of the largest airports in the world, it accommodates the growing demands for air traffic in the region, supporting the growth of Turkey’s aviation sector and enhancing its competitiveness in the global market.

Tourism and Travel Industry

As a gateway to Turkey, Istanbul Airport plays a significant role in attracting tourists and facilitating travel to the country. The airport’s connectivity and efficient operations make it easy for international visitors to explore Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and natural beauty. The influx of tourists contributes to the local economy, supporting businesses, hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-related industries.

Infrastructure Development

Istanbul Airport stands as a massive infrastructure project, representing Turkey’s commitment to modernization and development. Its construction not only led to the creation of state-of-the-art airport facilities but also entailed the development of supporting infrastructure, such as road networks, public transportation, and logistics. These improvements benefit the entire region, enhancing connectivity, accessibility, and overall infrastructure standards.

Conclusion

Istanbul Airport is a remarkable engineering achievement and a symbol of Turkey’s ambition to establish itself as a global aviation power. With its modern infrastructure, strategic location, and technological advancements, the airport has transformed Istanbul into a major player in international air travel. As it continues to grow and expand, Istanbul Airport will remain an essential enabler of global connectivity, economic growth, and cultural exchange, reinforcing Istanbul’s position as a dynamic and prosperous city.