December 2, 2025
The newly built Istanbul airport is growing to become one of the biggest in the world. When completed 200 million passengers will pass through the airport annually. Even though it is still in its final stage of construction, the airport has already won multiple awards including Airport of the Year and Skytrax Best Airport Dining.
Turkish Airlines is able to check you into your flight from counters D, E, F, G, H, J, K, and L. Business class passengers have priority check-in and can use counter L for an easier process. There are also self service check in points at the entrance of the terminal near gate three. International passengers can self check in and bag drop at the kiosks located in E, F, H and J blocks of the airport. From here passengers can move through security to the departures terminal, gates and other flight information can be found on the airport app and information screens around the airport.
After landing in Istanbul airport you will need to pass through passport counters, and move downstairs to the baggage claim area. Outside the airport you will find a range of transportation options to get you from the airport to the city.
The Istanbul Airport iGA Pass is the airport’s VIP membership, giving travellers access to a range of extra options including sleep pods, showers, and business pods at the base level. On top of that travellers can sign up for premium packages which offer lounge access, fast track, valet and a buggy to your gate.
People ages 15-30 can relax at the Youth Lounge, which offers a range of activities, including four hours of free Wi-Fi, a PlayStation, an audio system and a large-screen projector. Guests can also enjoy a game of table football, complimentary board games, or contemporary comics.
A wide variety of shops are available at the airport including fashion, accessories, watches, electronics and supermarkets. There are also specialty stores; art gallery, day spa, Bottega Veneta, BOSS, Cartier and Celine.
Recently named the Best Airport dining in the 2024 Skytrax Awards, you can find anything from a quick bite to eat, all the way to sit down dining at venues such as Burger King, Caffe Nero, Godiva, McDonald’s, and Pizzeria Enzo.
Up to two hours of free Wifi is provided throughout the terminal.
The Istanbul Airport Mobile App has been designed to streamline the travel experience while travelling through the airport. This guides users at every point of their travel journey, from pre-flight preparations, to boarding.
Mobile App Features
Istanbul Airport has a range of different facilities available to help make traveller’s time in the airport more enjoyable. These include accessible charging points, a fresh air terrace, beauty and spa services and complimentary water dispensers. Along with these standard airport facilities Istanbul Airport is also home to a Museum with an aim of introducing Turkish culture to global citizens.
The Istanbul Airport is the most accessible airport in Europe, and is host to a range of services to make travelling more enjoyable for everyone. These include a queue management system, state of the art infrastructure to aid disabled people, therapy dogs and even vehicle repair services.
A recent announcement from Qantas disclosed another order for 20 new A321XLRs. The aircraft will start to arrive in 2028 and is in addition to the airline’s current commitments for 28 aircrafts of this type. Also, the airline revealed that 16 of the newly ordered jets will feature Qantas Business
At Zurich Airport, SWISS presented the new First and Business Class seats of its ‘SWISS Senses’ cabin concept. The new seats will come into service together with the company’s brand-new Airbus A350-900s from later this year. SWISS Senses will deliver an even more comfortable air travel experience to guests in