Istanbul Airport

As an experienced travel writer, I am happy to introduce you to Ist Havalimani, Istanbul's airport. Ist Havalimani is Turkey's largest airport and one of the most important air traffic hubs in Europe. It is located about 20 kilometers outside the city center of Istanbul and was officially opened in 2019.

The airport is an impressive structure that covers an area of 76.5 square kilometers. With its six runways, 114 gates and a capacity of up to 200 million passengers per year, it is one of the largest airports in the world. The modern terminal has been designed in the style of traditional Ottoman architecture and offers a variety of amenities for travellers.

The Ist Havalimani has the function of bundling air traffic in the region and establishing Istanbul as an important hub for flights to Europe, Asia and Africa. It replaced the old Ataturk Airport as the city's main airport and is intended to solve the capacity bottlenecks of earlier years. Due to its strategic location and excellent connections to the road and rail network, the Ist Havalimani plays a decisive role in tourism and the economy of the metropolis.

The importance of the Ist Havalimani for Istanbul

The Ist Havalimani is of immense importance for Istanbul. As a hub for international air traffic, it is an important economic factor for the city. Every year, millions of passengers use the airport to travel to Istanbul or fly from here to the world.

For tourism in Istanbul, the Ist Havalimani is crucial. As the gateway to the metropolis, it welcomes visitors from all over the world and gives them easy and convenient access to the city's many sights and attractions. Many tourists use the airport as a starting point for their trips to Turkey or other countries in the region.

In addition, the Ist Havalimani is also of great importance for Istanbul's economy. As an important logistics location for companies, it enables the efficient transport of goods all over the world. Numerous cargo airlines have established their hubs at Ist Havalimani, which strengthens Istanbul's position as Turkey's commercial and industrial center.

Overall, the Ist Havalimani is a key element for the further development and modernization of Istanbul. It helps to position the city as a global hub for travel and trade and to strengthen its competitiveness in international competition.

The main airlines operating in Ist Havalimani

Ist Havalimani is home to numerous international airlines that offer a wide range of destinations. The main airlines that fly to the airport regularly include:

Turkish Airlines: As the national airline of Turkey, Turkish Airlines is the largest provider at Ist Havalimani. It connects Istanbul with over 300 destinations worldwide.
Pegasus Airlines: One of the leading low-cost airlines in Turkey, offering numerous domestic and international connections from Istanbul.
Emirates: The major Arab airline from Dubai flies several times a day from Ist Havalimani to the United Arab Emirates.
Lufthansa: The German airline is represented at Ist Havalimani with connections to Frankfurt, Munich and other German cities.
British Airways: The British airline offers direct flights from Ist Havalimani to London.
KLM: The Dutch airline connects Istanbul with its hub in Amsterdam via the Ist Havalimani.
Qatar Airways: The airline from Qatar flies several times a day from Ist Havalimani to the capital Doha.

These airlines and many more make Ist Havalimani one of Europe's best-connected airports, offering travelers a variety of travel options.

How to get to Ist Havalimani

The Ist Havalimani is very easy to reach thanks to its excellent connection to the city's transport network. There are several ways to get to the airport from the city center or other parts of Istanbul:

Public transport:

The M1A metro line connects the airport directly to the city centre. The journey takes about 45 minutes.
Numerous buses and shuttle buses run regularly between the airport and various points in Istanbul.
The airport is also connected to the Marmaray rapid transit network.

Taxi and private transfers:

From the city center, you can reach the airport in about 30-45 minutes by taxi.
Many hotels and tour operators offer private transfer services to Ist Havalimani.
Uber and other ride-hailing companies are also represented at the airport.

Rental car:

There are several car rental stations at the airport itself where you can rent a car.
This gives you the flexibility to get to the airport individually and then travel on to Turkey.

Whichever travel option you choose, Ist Havalimani is very accessible thanks to its excellent transport links.

Amenities and Services at Ist Havalimani

The Ist Havalimani offers travelers a variety of amenities and services to make their stay at the airport as comfortable as possible. Some of the main facilities and services are:

Shopping:

Numerous shops, boutiques and duty-free shops for fashion, electronics, souvenirs and more
Wide range of restaurants, cafes and snack bars

Lounges and relaxation areas:

Comfortable business lounges for frequent flyers and travelers with premium status
Quiet areas with loungers for passengers who want to take a break

Entertainment and leisure activities:

Cinemas, arcades and video game zones
Exhibition spaces for art and culture
Fitness center and spa facilities

Service facilities:

ATMs, currency exchange offices and post offices
Medical care by doctors and pharmacies
Luggage storage, children's play areas and baby changing facilities

Mobility and connections:

Taxi, car rental and shuttle services
Connection to the metro, buses and long-distance trains
Parking for cars and bicycles

With this comprehensive infrastructure and numerous amenities, Ist Havalimani is much more than just a transit point. It offers travelers a comfortable and pleasant stay before moving on to Turkey or other countries.

If you would like to know more about Ist Havalimani and your travel options from Istanbul, please contact us. Our experienced travel team will provide expert advice and help you find your perfect flight.

Stichworte Istanbul Airport