The three Istanbul options
- Istanbul Airport (LTFM): the main airport, far from the historic centre.
- Atatürk (LTBA): the closest to the centre, mainly used for business aviation and cargo.
- Sabiha Gökçen (LTFJ): on the Asian side, with slots to request at least 48 hours ahead.
What to plan for
Türkiye generally requires slots, and the aircraft must be registered with the Turkish authority, which can take a few business days. Book with some lead time.
Indicative facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Runways | 09/27 2,820 m; 16L/34R 3,750 m; 16R/34L 3,750 m; 17L/35R 4,100 m; 17R/35L 4,100 m; 18/36 3,060 m |
| Operating hours (as listed) | H24 |
| Customs and immigration (as listed) | H24 |
Sources and last check
Checked on 3 November 2026. Sources: airfield.directory. Indicative data, as listed by the source: not for flight planning or flight preparation. Hours, runways and customs change: we confirm them for your actual flight.
Routes from and to this airport
FAQ
Which Istanbul airport should I choose?
It depends on where you are going. Atatürk is closest to the centre, Istanbul Airport is the main hub and Sabiha Gökçen serves the Asian side.