Arrivals and departures at Istanbul Airport (IST)
Istanbul International Airport is one of the busiest flight hubs worldwide and the busiest one in Europe in recent years.
Do you know that IST hosts over 1,375 flights daily including domestic and intercontinental flights?
You can get the most relevant info about the current arrival and departure timetable at Istanbul Airport in the following ways:
- Check the schedule of flights in the airport on its informational tables.
- Use the table we indicated above or check it on the airport’s official site.
- Download the Istanbul International Airport app to track flights in real time.
When do I need to check in at the Istanbul airport for my outbound flight?
Although most flight operators offer to check in online on their websites, you still need some time to pass all the procedures to board your flight. So, there are a couple of tips for your successful departure from IST.
- As usual, it’s a rule to arrive at the airport no later than 2 hours before your flight if these are domestic or short-haul flights. In the case of a long-haul outbound flight, it is better to get to the airport no less than 3 hours before departure.
- Always consider time for dropping off your baggage and getting to your gate, as the airport is spacious, and it often takes time to get to the terminal and gate you depart from.
- Check the rules for check-ins on your flight operator’s site. In case you additionally need to check in personally at the airport, reserve more time for this so as not to be late.
In any case, even if you arrive too early, and you still have a couple of hours before your departure, there are lots of things to do in IST! Just enjoy your coffee in local cafés, do some shopping, or relax in numerous lounge zones in the airport. We wish you the happiest flight ever from Istanbul Airport.
FAQ
There are some questions about Istanbul airport arrivals and departures which need to be considered. So, let’s answer to them.
How early to arrive at Istanbul airport?
The earlier you arrive, the better is for you. Please, ensure you arrive no later than 2 hours before departure to collect all boarding passes and drop off your baggage.
Which airport to fly into Istanbul
Typically, for outbound flights, Istanbul International Airport (IST) is the best option. It is situated in the European part of Istanbul and offers fast transportation to the city center. Besides, you can also arrive at Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) which is also allocated within the borders of Istanbul or at Bursa Airport (YEI) which is 98 km from Istanbul