العربية
Русский
Istanbul Airport is the newest airport in Istanbul and All over Turkey. It’s on the European side of Istanbul and it was officially opened on October 29, 2018. It is the main international airport for the city of Istanbul.
The Airport was designed to be one of the largest and most modern airports in the world, to become a major global hub for air travel. Worth mentioning that it was built to replace the old Ataturk Airport, which was in a heavily populated area of Istanbul and had limited room for expansion.
The new airport is within the Arnavutkoy district near the Black Sea coast and covers an area of 76.5 million square meters. Additionally, it has six runways, four currently operating, making it one of the few airports in the world with that many runways.
Istanbul Airport – Unique Design and Architecture
One of the things that set Istanbul Airport apart from other airports around the world is its modern design and architecture. It was designed by a group of architects, engineers, and designers from around the world, led by the Istanbul Grand Airport (IGA) architecture team. The airport’s main terminal building is designed to look like a seagull in flight, with a series of vaulted ceilings and skylights that allow natural light to flood the interior.
Features, Facilities, and Amenities
In addition to its stunning design, the Airport offers a wide range of services and amenities for travelers. The airport has:
- Over 500 check-in counters
- More than 70 restaurants and cafes
- A shopping center with over 450 stores
There are also several lounges for travelers to relax in, including:
- Turkish Airlines lounge
- Business Lounge
- Comfort Lounge
For passengers who need to catch up on work or stay connected while traveling, the Airport offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. There are also charging stations throughout the airport. In addition to private workstations for those who need a quiet place to work.
Another unique feature of Istanbul Airport is its art program. The airport features over 50 works of art from Turkish and international artists, including paintings, sculptures, and installations. The airport also hosts a variety of cultural events and performances throughout the year.
Prizes and Awards
In addition to its many services and amenities, Istanbul Airport has won several awards since its opening.
In 2019, the airport was named the “World’s Best Airport” at the Skytrax World Airport Awards, beating out other major airports such as:
- Singapore’s Changi Airport
- South Korea’s Incheon International Airport.
The airport has also received awards for its design and sustainability initiatives. Including the Green Airport Award at the Airport Carbon Accreditation program in 2020.
Further, it was also awarded the “Airport Health Accreditation” certificate by the Airports Council International (ACI) in 2020. The certificate is awarded to airports that meet strict health and safety standards. It was the first airport in Turkey to receive this certification.
