Istanbul Airport Terminal

An Overview of the Terminal at New Istanbul Aiport

The immense Istanbul airport terminal stretches across a vast 1,440,000 square meter area and is renowned as the largest terminal building in the world, all under one roof. With its state-of-the-art design, the brand-new terminal is separated into a departure area and an arrival zone. To ensure ease of access for those arriving by car, the turquoise and green parking lots are designated for domestic flights, while the yellow, red, and blue parking areas cater to international flights.



Passengers can enter the departure level through seven different doors. Generally, doors 1 and 2 are more convenient for domestic flights, whereas the remaining doors lead to the international check-in counters. Domestic travelers should proceed to check-in counters D and E, which include self-service options, and then continue to the passport control area located near aisle D. On the other hand, passengers flying abroad should make their way to aisles E (featuring a self-service check-in counter), F, G, H, and J, with the relevant passport control area situated just across from these aisles. It is important to note that entrance 5 is exclusively for business-class passengers and Miles & More members who will be boarding an international flight.



Furthermore, specific check-in counters have been designated for special passenger categories. Large travel groups and individuals with special needs are accommodated in aisle G, while aisle K is dedicated to families. Travelers coming from the US, UK, and Canada should pass through check-in counter K, whereas Star Alliance Gold members and Turkish Airlines business-class passengers should head to aisle L.



Lastly, the new Istanbul terminal features five piers. Piers A, B, D, and F are assigned to international boarding gates, while Pier G and three boarding areas in Pier F cater to domestic flights.



It is worth highlighting that although Istanbul airport currently has only one terminal building, by 2025, when its construction is fully completed, the new aviation hub will boast four interconnected terminals, with a railway system facilitating convenient movement between them.

The Outstanding New Istanbul Airport Terminal

The new airport terminal represents a remarkable fusion of contemporary architecture with national history and culture. Its grand size immediately captures one’s attention, exuding an astonishing sense of magnificence. Furthermore, the vast ceilings, expansive picture windows, and skylights create an invigorating and lively ambiance. Notably, the terminal incorporates a clever design that accentuates the vital zones such as check-in areas with enhanced illumination, subtly emphasizing their significance. In addition to its modern elements, the terminal pays homage to history and religion, evident through its Islamic-inspired arcs and curves reminiscent of mosques, as well as the main hall’s captivating resemblance to the renowned Bosphorus strait. 



However, the true pièce de résistance of the airport lies in its iconic air traffic control tower, which has garnered countless awards and accolades. Standing at an impressive height of 90 meters, the tower bears a striking resemblance to the tulip, a symbol deeply rooted in Istanbul’s historical heritage.

The Main Drawback of Istanbul Airport Terminal

While the new Istanbul airport boasts an impressive and technologically advanced environment, it does have a notable drawback. Despite its division into five separate concourses, there is only one airport security area for domestic flights and another for international passengers. This, combined with the absence of an internal transit system such as shuttle buses or trains, intensifies the risk of potential flight delays. Additionally, the existing moving walkways do not adequately accommodate the significant walking distance between gates, as well as from the central terminal zone to each pier, ultimately making internal transfers time-consuming and arduous. 



Consequently, it is advised that passengers arrive at Istanbul International Airport at least 2.5-3 hours prior to their scheduled flights to ensure a stress-free journey to their respective gates.

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