How many airports are in Istanbul? A Comprehensive Guide to the City’s Aviation Landscape

Istanbul stands as a cornerstone of international travel, linking Europe and Asia in a way few cities can. The question of how many airports are in Istanbul is more nuanced than a simple count. The city currently operates two active passenger airports that handle the vast majority of traffic, alongside a historic facility that retains cargo and general aviation use. This guide unpacks the current reality, the historical context, and the practical implications for travellers navigating Istanbul’s aviation network.

How many airports are in Istanbul?

How many airports are in Istanbul? In terms of active commercial passenger services, the city operates two main airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). A third facility, Istanbul Atatürk Airport, previously served as Istanbul’s principal passenger hub but ceased regular commercial service in 2019 and now functions primarily for cargo and private flights. So, the straightforward answer for modern commercial air travel is: two active passenger airports, with a historic third that still serves aviation needs on a more limited basis.

The two main passenger hubs: IST and SAW

Istanbul Airport (IST): The flagship gateway

Known to travellers as IST, Istanbul Airport is the city’s oversized, modern hub on the European side. It opened to relieve the traffic burden on the old terminals and to position Istanbul as a major connecting point between continents. IST is designed to handle a very high volume of international routes as well as domestic flights. The terminal complex offers extensive shopping, dining, lounges, and passenger amenities, reflecting the city’s ambition to be a global aviation centre. For many travellers, IST is the primary destination for long-haul journeys, with a growing network of European connections and long-haul services to Asia, the Americas, and Africa. If your travels require connecting to European or long-haul itineraries, IST is often the most convenient starting point for onward journeys.

Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW): The Asian hub

On the Asian side of the city sits Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, or SAW. This airport has long been associated with domestic flights and low-cost international routes, and it remains a critical alternative for travellers seeking lower fare options or convenient access to certain destinations. SAW is particularly popular with certain carriers and regionally focused routes, and it serves a substantial portion of Turkey’s domestic travel market as well as international connections that complement the network offered by IST. For travellers staying on the Asian side or aiming for cheaper cross-border travel, SAW can be a practical choice, though it may involve longer transfers to central Istanbul depending on traffic and your final destination in the city.

Historical context: Atatürk Airport and the shift in traffic

The role of Istanbul Atatürk Airport

Historically, Istanbul Atatürk Airport provided the bulk of the city’s international and domestic flights. In preparation for the new hub, the sprawling operations at Atatürk were scaled back for passenger traffic. By 2019, regular commercial passenger flights had largely migrated to Istanbul Airport, and Atatürk’s role transformed toward cargo operations and general aviation. Understanding this shift helps explain why, today, How many airports are in Istanbul? remains answered by IST and SAW for passenger travel, with Atatürk Airport living on in a more specialised capacity.

The opening of Istanbul Airport and the consolidation of passenger traffic

The arrival of Istanbul Airport marked a turning point in the city’s aviation landscape. A purpose-built gateway, IST was designed to handle significant future growth and to showcase Turkey’s capacity to attract cross-border travel. The transition away from Atatürk’s heavy passenger role was gradual, paired with expansion at SAW to maintain capacity and route diversity. For travellers, this consolidation often means more streamlined security, larger facilities, and a more streamlined experience when connecting to long-haul or European services from IST.

Geography and location: Where are the airports?

IST and SAW sit on opposite sides of Istanbul, reflecting the city’s unique geography spanning two continents. IST is situated on the European side, near Arnavutköy, while SAW is located in the Pendik district on the Asian side. The separation by the Bosphorus means that travel times to the city centre can vary widely depending on traffic, time of day, and your starting point. The European site of IST makes it a natural hub for connections into Europe and beyond, whereas SAW serves as a practical gateway for domestic routes and markets with strong growth potential on the Asian side.

Choosing the right airport for your trip

When planning a journey to or from Istanbul, selecting the right airport can save time and reduce travel stress. The choice generally depends on your travel profile, airline preferences, and final destination within the city or its surrounding regions.

• Long-haul and international routes where you want a modern, expansive terminal with robust transfer connections.
• Travellers staying in central or European-adjacent neighbourhoods who expect straightforward access and a broad range of services.
• When your ticket is issued by carriers that operate predominantly from IST or offer convenient connections through IST’s network.

• Lower fares on select domestic routes or certain international services that originate from SAW.
• Travellers who are staying on the Asian side or near Pendik or nearby districts, where SAW can reduce travel time from the destination.
• Connections with carriers that have a strong presence at SAW, including budget-friendly options.

Facilities and services at IST and SAW

Both airports offer a wide range of facilities designed to enhance the passenger experience, but there are notable differences in layout, capacity, and emphasis. Below is an overview of what you can expect at each facility.

Facilities at Istanbul Airport (IST)

• Multiple terminal sections with extensive retail, dining, and lounge options
• Comprehensive passenger amenities, including children’s play areas, prayer rooms, and business lounges
• State-of-the-art security and immigration facilities to support high throughput
• Transfer infrastructure designed for efficient connections between international and domestic flights

Facilities at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)

• Extensive shopping and dining options tailored to a broad mix of travellers
• Domestic and international gates with a focus on efficiency for regional and budget routes
• Services to assist passengers with transit, luggage, and accessibility needs

Airlines and routes: Which airline operates where?

Turkish Airlines operates a comprehensive network from IST, with a heavy emphasis on international routes and intercontinental connections. SAW is a strong base for Pegasus Airlines and other carriers that focus on domestic and regional services, along with some international routes geared toward affordable travel. For travellers, this means:

• If your itinerary includes long-haul travel or major international connections, IST is often the primary gateway.
• If your trip is domestic or involves shorter international hops, SAW may offer convenient options, depending on the airline.
• Always check your ticket’s issuing airport, as some routes may operate from one airport while others connect at the alternative terminal.

Getting to and from the airports: Transport options

Public and private transport options exist to move between Istanbul’s airports and the city centre, as well as between IST and SAW themselves. The practical choice depends on your budget, luggage, and time constraints.

IST is well connected by road and, over time, has expanded public transit links. Airport shuttles and taxi services are readily available. For those preferring public transport, road options such as express buses and private transfers are common, while ride-hailing services operate in the city with routes to IST. Plan for varying journey times during peak hours, and consider giving yourself extra time for security lines and potential queues at peak travel periods.

SAW offers a range of transfer options to central Istanbul, including airport shuttles and taxi services. The Asian-side location means that journey times may be shorter for travellers based in Pendik, Kartal, and nearby districts, but longer if your final destination is on the European side or in central areas with heavy traffic. Havaist and other airport shuttle services provide affordable linking options to major hubs and central locations around the city.

To make the most of your journey when navigating How many airports are in Istanbul, keep these practical tips in mind:

• Check your flight details carefully to confirm whether you are flying from IST or SAW, as misrouting can add significant delays to your trip.
• Allow extra time during peak travel periods or if you have a tight connection, especially when moving between the city and the airports or between IST and SAW.
• Utilise official airport transfers or reputable taxi services to ensure safer, more reliable transfers.
• Consider your accommodation location when planning travel to the airport to minimise journey times and avoid late arrivals.

Is there more than one airport in Istanbul for passenger travel?

Yes — but in the context of regular commercial passenger service, Istanbul operates two main airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). A third facility, Istanbul Atatürk, has limited use for cargo and private aviation after the shift of passenger traffic to IST. For most travellers, the practical number to consider is two active passenger hubs.

Can I fly directly from Atatürk Airport today?

Regular commercial passenger services at Istanbul Atatürk Airport are no longer the standard route. While cargo flights and private aviation may operate, most travellers use IST or SAW for passenger travel. If you hear about flights from Atatürk, confirm whether they are cargo, charter, or private aviation rather than scheduled passenger services.

Which airport should I choose for a city-centre stay?

Consider IST if you want access to a broad international network and a modern terminal with extensive amenities. If your visit is primarily on the Asian side or you are seeking cheaper or regional connections, SAW can be a sensible alternative. Your choice may also be influenced by your hotel’s location, your airline, or the speed of your transfer plan.

What is the difference between Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen?

Istanbul Airport (IST) is the newer, European-side hub designed for high-capacity international and domestic travel, while Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) is an Asian-side facility that serves a mix of domestic routes and budget international flights. IST tends to have a broader international network and larger facilities, whereas SAW provides access to a different set of routes and operating carriers.

Are there plans to connect IST and SAW with fast rail?

Planned or proposed rail connections have been discussed for years as part of Istanbul’s broader transit expansion. While there have been announcements and designs for rail links to improve airport access, the availability and timing depend on ongoing infrastructure projects. Travellers should check current travel advisories as new railway links could change transfer times and options in the future.

In today’s aviation landscape, the answer to how many airports are in Istanbul is two active passenger airports, IST and SAW, with a historic third that remains relevant for cargo and certain private aviation needs. For most travellers, IST is the primary gateway for international journeys and long-haul connections, with SAW offering strong options for domestic and specific international routes. The distinction between the two is practical, guiding everything from airline choice to transfer planning and travel time estimates. By understanding the roles of IST and SAW, you can optimise your route, minimise layovers, and navigate Istanbul’s aviation network with confidence.