Airlines Operating at Istanbul Airport (IST): Full List & Guide
Quick answer: Around 100 airlines fly from Istanbul Airport (IST), reaching more than 350 destinations in over 120 countries. Turkish Airlines is the home carrier and operates the overwhelming majority of flights as a Star Alliance global hub. Other major carriers include Lufthansa, Emirates, Qatar Airways, KLM and Air France. Low-cost Pegasus is based mainly at the city’s second airport, Sabiha Gökçen (SAW).
Which airlines fly from Istanbul Airport?
Istanbul Airport (IST) took over from the former Atatürk Airport in April 2019 and is now the city’s main international gateway. As of 2026 roughly 100 airlines serve the airport, linking it to more than 350 destinations across over 120 countries. The list spans the big full-service names, Gulf and Asian carriers, and European flag airlines, with Turkish Airlines flying the largest share by far. The table below shows a sample of the major carriers and their IATA codes, which appear on your ticket and the departure boards.
| Airline | IATA code | Type / region |
|---|---|---|
| Turkish Airlines (hub carrier) | TK | Home carrier, global network |
| AJet (formerly AnadoluJet) | VF | Turkish low-cost, domestic & short-haul |
| Lufthansa | LH | Europe |
| Air France | AF | Europe |
| KLM | KL | Europe |
| British Airways | BA | Europe |
| Emirates | EK | Gulf / Middle East |
| Qatar Airways | QR | Gulf / Middle East |
| Etihad Airways | EY | Gulf / Middle East |
| Saudia | SV | Middle East |
| Singapore Airlines | SQ | Asia |
| Korean Air | KE | Asia |
| Air China | CA | Asia |
| All Nippon Airways | NH | Asia |
| EgyptAir | MS | Africa / Middle East |
| Ethiopian Airlines | ET | Africa |
| Aegean Airlines | A3 | Europe (Greece) |
| Azerbaijan Airlines | J2 | Caucasus / regional |
This is a sample, not the full roster, and routes change with the seasons. Always confirm your specific flight with the airline or the official Istanbul Airport site before you travel.
Is Istanbul Airport a Turkish Airlines hub?
Yes. Istanbul Airport is the global hub of Turkish Airlines (TK), a Star Alliance member, and the airline operates the overwhelming majority of departures here. From IST, Turkish Airlines runs one of the widest route networks in the world, which is why so many passengers pass through on a connection rather than starting or ending their trip in the city. Its low-cost sister carrier AJet (formerly AnadoluJet) also flies from IST, mainly on domestic and short-haul routes. If you are connecting between two Turkish Airlines or Star Alliance flights, you usually stay airside and simply follow the transfer signs without clearing passport control.
IST or Sabiha Gökçen — which airport does your airline use?
Istanbul has two airports, and mixing them up is the single most common mistake travellers make. Istanbul Airport (IST) sits on the European side and handles most full-service and long-haul carriers. Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) is on the Asian side and is the low-cost base, home to most Pegasus flights. The two are roughly 70 km apart, so a wrong assumption can cost you a flight. The table sums up the split.
| Istanbul Airport (IST) | Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) | |
|---|---|---|
| Side of the city | European | Asian |
| Main airlines | Turkish Airlines, AJet, most international carriers | Pegasus, AJet, low-cost operators |
| Best for | Long-haul, Star Alliance connections, most intl routes | Budget and domestic flights, some international |
| Code to check on your ticket | IST | SAW |
Pegasus Airlines (PC) is based mainly at Sabiha Gökçen and has only a limited presence at IST, so if you have booked Pegasus, assume SAW unless your ticket clearly says otherwise.
How do you find your airline’s check-in desk at Istanbul Airport?
Istanbul Airport has a single passenger terminal, so every airline checks in under one roof rather than at separate buildings. Check-in is spread across 13 islands with 566 counters, backed by 36 dedicated bag-drop desks and 112 self-service kiosks. The departure screens above the entrance show your flight number and the island letter, so you can walk straight to the right row. Turkish Airlines, as the home carrier, occupies a large block of these islands. If you are flying Turkish Airlines, our guide to the earliest check-in and bag drop at IST sets out the exact timings, and the Istanbul Airport departures guide covers screens, security and gates for every carrier.
Frequently asked questions
How many airlines operate at Istanbul Airport?
As of 2026, around 100 airlines fly from Istanbul Airport (IST) to more than 350 destinations in over 120 countries. Turkish Airlines operates the largest share by a wide margin, and the rest range from European flag carriers to Gulf, Asian and African airlines.
Is Turkish Airlines the only airline at Istanbul Airport?
No. Turkish Airlines is the biggest operator and uses IST as its global hub, but roughly 100 carriers serve the airport, including Lufthansa, Emirates, Qatar Airways, KLM, Air France and many more.
Does Pegasus Airlines fly from Istanbul Airport (IST)?
Mostly no. Pegasus is based at Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side and has only a limited presence at IST. If you have booked Pegasus, check the three-letter airport code on your ticket before you set off.
Which terminal do airlines use at Istanbul Airport?
Istanbul Airport has just one passenger terminal, so all airlines check in there. Find your airline by the island letter shown next to your flight on the departure screens, then continue to your gate by pier.
Is Istanbul Airport a Star Alliance hub?
Yes. Turkish Airlines is a Star Alliance member and IST is its global hub, which makes it a strong connecting point for travellers using Star Alliance partner airlines.
How do I know if my flight is from IST or SAW?
Check the three-letter code on your booking: IST is Istanbul Airport on the European side, SAW is Sabiha Gökçen on the Asian side. They are about 70 km apart, so confirm which one your airline uses before you travel.
About the author. Anastasia Maisuradze writes about Istanbul Airport and travel across Türkiye, with a focus on practical, current airport guidance for connecting and departing passengers.
Airline lists, codes and route counts were checked against Istanbul Airport and carrier information in June 2026 and can change. Airlines add and drop routes every season, so always confirm your own flight and airport (IST or SAW) with the airline before you travel. This is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the airport or any airline.
