Istanbul Ataturk Airport Passenger Reviews and Istanbul Airport Traveller Reports

Dreadful experience. This airport is far too small to handle all the flights arriving and departing there. Early morning arrival from Sochi, not all airbridges in use, but still a remote stand and bus transfer to the terminal. Poor signage, long queues and surly staff. Very long queues at security screening (waiting time 40 mins), and this airport is promoting itself as the ideal transfer airport? The whole airport is very overcrowded. Connecting flight to Brussels also from a remote stand. Not a single boarding call was made. The airport just cannot cope with the expansion of Turkish Airlines. Avoid.

Awful experience. Firstly no air bridge and needed bus transfer. Not enough buses meant 40 passengers left standing on Tarmac for 10 minutes. Into terminal to join horrendous queue for visa, extremely hot, one employee and over an hour, then have to join another queue for passport control, another half hour. By the time we got to baggage carousel it had stopped with cases left standing. All in all nearly two hours.

Used 3 times recently: International arrival, Domestic departure, Domestic - International transfer. The experience was far better than previous reviews led me to expect. The international arrival was calm and orderly - it was mid-evening so perhaps a quiet time. The domestic departure - early afternoon - ditto. The need to undergo two security checks - one for the building, one for airside is a bit tedious but worked OK. The domestic - international transfer was more pressured - you get taken landside after domestic arrival (why?) and then mixed in with local departing international passengers, but passport / security etc worked smoothly enough with structured queues etc. Facilities airside immediately downstream of security were crowded, but once you made your way to gate all fairly spacious and calm.

Atatürk is positioned as a hub for Turkish - an airline that claims to be Europe's best. However, lots of transfer passengers are required to pass through security screening only a few meters after stepping off their original plane, which leads to huge bottlenecks and completely unacceptable waiting times. Queues are not only long but also completely disorganized. The staff are rude and unhelpful while being unable to utter more than a couple of English phrases. You will wait in vain for basic courtesies. Did I mention that the few toilets you might find after long strolls throughout the terminal are usually overcrowded and extremely smelly. Avoid.

At first impression the airport may seem nice and cosy but that lasts for only few seconds. The airport is pretty small and incredibly overcrowded, long queues and bottlenecks in every area are the norm. On departure: lengthy security checks, the agent at check-in didn't know a word of English - a superior had to step-in. Seating is scarce around the terminal. The food court area is like a bazaar, hard to make your way through. The smoking terrace - overcrowded as well, is a nice addition and well taken care of so I would put that as a plus. Walking times to gates very long, gates number changing at last minute. As the previous commentator objected, you must have a Turkish SIM card in order to access the wireless internet - in an airport that tries to position itself as a global transit hub - mind boggling to say the least. All in all, a disorganised, saturated and poorly staffed airport. My advice - avoid transiting here if you can.

Inadequate seating in the concourse. Incredibly long walks to the farthest gates. Free internet requires SMS confirmation, and no options for people without Turkish compatible phones - this in an international terminal. Queuing times are okay. Shopping is nothing special. Food is poor, and the food court is cramped. The terminal aesthetics are airport generic.

This used to be an excellent airport. Well laid out, modern, good shops and restaurants and easy access to gates. With the rapid growth of Turkish airlines, however, these days it handles more passengers than was envisaged when being built. As a Turkish national, the immigration lines are never too bad, though judging by what I see, the lines for foreigners and for visas can be quite long. This is one of the best airports to arrive or depart flying business class. On arrival, you use dedicated immigration lines. On departure, in addition to the dedicated airport entrance and the check-in counters, you also have the option of going through passport control directly into the lounge, which is one of the best lounges ever. So, an average experience if you're flying economy, and a great one if flying business.

The problem of this airport is the rapid growth and success of Turkish Airlines. There are too many people in too tight a space. In general pretty good working airport, but it lacks proper organization. For example there are no queues, just lots of people in a horde trying to get to the same place. Staff didn't speak great English, but understandable. Had 2 hours of transfer time in Istanbul, and that really was enough for me. They need more space there.

This was my third time flying through IST, but my first time in 5 years and what a change! The airport is literally bursting at the seams as IST has become a major transit hub as THY literally flies everywhere now. But the airport is still clean, efficient, and with excellent shopping and eating options. The security staff were extremely friendly and the security and transit lines were quick and efficient. My only major complaint was the lack of free Wi Fi in IST. But two changes to take note of which have occurred over the past 5 years. First a security check has been added after you leave the transfer desk if you are taking a transit flight. Second a number of foreign nationals can now purchase a visitor visa upon arrival at IST if they have a US, UK, Canadian, or Schengen visa or a permanent residence card of those countries. The catch is that if you happen to arrive on flight from the US you can not purchase a visa from the booth closest to your flight. You have to go to the other end of the airport to the other visa booth to purchase a visa. My guess is that were most of the non EU and North American flights arrive at, as you have to get a stamped paper from the Immigration booth before you can purchase the visa.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport is quite a small airport for the number of flights and passengers it accommodates. On arrival, the security line was relatively long, but many officers were on duty. The arrival was very welcoming. However, the arrival level of the airport is outdated. The departure was also a pleasant experience. The immigration and security checkpoints were all opened, and once on the airside, there were many shops and restaurants which were all relatively expensive, though cheaper than most other European airports. Overall, it's a very good, organised and clean airport.

Food and drink prices are outrageously expensive. Inadequate seating areas when the airport is busy. Airport staff are generally aloof, unfriendly and in some cases rude.

IST Nov 2012 in low season. Used twice JFK-IST-ATH v.v. confusing to transit had to ask airport crew for transit location. Airport had warm spots poorly ventilated particularly after security. I am all for security checks but IST had one too many. Counted four security checks at airport entrance, passport control, gate, and lastly passenger seat area. Arrivals divided between EU and non EU. Visa window no lines in Nov. I would imagine a big mess in high season. They need to improve since IST seems popular for transit. I liked ATH airport simpler layout than IST.

IST arrived 15 Sep, departed 24 Sep. Agree completely with John Moore's comments below. Departure arrangements are better though - but the terminal is simply too small for the volumes of traffic it is handling. Thought I'd struggle to come across a large terminal which made DXB look good, but I have now.

Exceptionally poor way to arrive in such an otherwise friendly country. The queue for visas was long and like being herded into a cattle truck. The official was surly and insisted on taking a 90 day visa when a cheaper 30 day visa was advertised on the sign in front of him. Next, to passport control which was even worse - queue huge and we moved slowly for an hour. No announcements, explanation, no staff to ask; meanwhile the queue for locals was always short. Probably the worst airport arrival experience I have had in over 50 years of air travel. Authorities: please sort this out.

When departing, the British Airways/HAVAS staff refused to sit my family of 5 together. We were travelling in Business Class. On boarding, there were many vacant seats and I negotiated a change of seats with other passengers so that my family could seat together. Getting your VAT refund at the airport is a nightmare. You have to stand in a long line-up for Customs. After passing security, the VAT refund kiosk is poorly marked. Out of 3 windows, only one was open and the line-up was very long. As soon as I got my refund, I noticed our flight was boarding and we had to race to the other end of the airport to catch it. When we first arrived in Istanbul, we had arranged for transfers to our hotel. But the driver was nowhere to be found. After inquiring with other drivers, one of them called our driver on his cell phone to come pick us up. Clearly, I would avoid Istanbul Airport if you can.

I have used this airport twice in August, 2 times I was in transit. First time 4th of August from Brussels to Bangkok with transit in Istanbul. 25th August for return flight to Brussels. Both times the security lines moved quickly because all security lanes were in operation. 4th of August it was around 22.40 and there were lots of transfer passengers but on the return on 25th August around 16.30 it was much quieter. Both times the terminal and toilets were clean. Prices at the bar were very expensive. Lots of shopping opportunities with reasonable prices for Duty Free. Boarding for Ho Chi Minh via Bangkok at 00.40 was well organised in boarding zones. The 19.10 return to Brussels, the gate agents did not announce that the flight was boarding. You could only see it when the waiting line began to move. One female gate agent was not friendly The planes for the return flights from Bangkok and to Brussels were parked at a remote stand. There were enough buses for the transportation from the plane to the terminal and from the terminal to the plane.

I use Atatürk Airport a couple of times every month (both domestic and international terminal). Security staff are usually rude, exceptions are few. There are long queues (usually crowds) in both security checks (one before entering the airport, one before entering the gate) and in the Check-In counter. There is a good bus connection every 30 minutes from two central points of Istanbul. Metro/tramway connection only with transfer and walking possible. Cleanliness of certain areas (eg toilets) unacceptable, but generally ok.

I arrived at Istanbul Ataturk on the 13th May having read about all the delays getting through but I found it on par with most other airports having taken longer to get through British airports coming home at times. The visa stamp was obtained pretty quickly then through passport control to get my bag on the way into the country. Coming home the airport was pretty efficient to going through security and passport control the only slow bit was the Austrian airlines check-in desks opening less than 2 hours before the flight. The only thing that let down the experience is the price of food and drink at the airport it is really expensive so you people have been warned I worked out the two pieces of cake and two cold drinks would have cost about £18 in English currency, no thanks it's free on my flight.

Huge passport queues on landing, waiting times up to 1 hour for overseas visitors. Overpriced food, duty free and almost everything else. Otherwise, a modern and clean looking airport.

Airport is overcrowded, not very clean, noisy, and the staff at 'help' and 'information' desks surly and unpleasant. In the many hours I had to sit waiting for my late flight I saw ground staff repeatedly yelling at passengers. Very few choices in terms of food and the food court was dirty. Airport is poorly ventilated. As someone who has travelled extensively in the developing world, I have never had such a negative experience. When one considers that Turkish Airlines is very unreliable and that one may therefore be spending a lot of time at the airport and dealing with ground staff - it matters.

We were stuck in a layover at Ataturk for 6-7 hours on arrival and return. Couldn't believe how rude people were. Make sure you bring snacks if you manage to get stuck in this place, because the food prices are outrageous!

An unimpressive airport. No Wi-Fi working. Over-priced shops and hygiene leaving a lot to be desired. Boarding passes made of extremely cheap paper, I've never seen something like that before. Can't omit to mention the lack of English language skills of many members of staff at the airport which is simply appalling for what should be a major world airport. If you're just transiting from Europe or elsewhere to Asia I would advise you avoid Turkish airports at any cost. Waiting lounges were the only decent place at the airport.

Transited through IST Atatürk in March and had mixed feelings. Whilst it is a large and roomy airport, it still seemed cramped. Staff were at times rather surly and the lack of English language skills a bit shocking. Immigration can take a while, with the visa process not well laid out. It's a bit frustrating that there are so many security checks: to enter the terminal from outside, prior to passport control, at times prior to nearing the gates and most strange: when transiting from one international flight to another. You need quite a bit of time between flights, even when your trip commences in IST. Facilities are nice; plenty on offer and prices are comparable to other airports. Good catering at food courts. Non-airline lounges are very nice, especially the CP Premier lounge.

Organised chaos thanks to placement of visa desk which was on the far side of long immigration lines. Not helped by the fact that many EU and US pax failed to read the signs saying they needed a visa and just lined up at immigration anyway! Immigration itself is painfully slow and of BKK standards. On the outward journey be prepared for three security checks - outside the terminal, post immigration and finally prior to arriving at the departure gate. Easy public transport system into the centre of town, even with 18kgs suitcase. Avoid changing money at airport on arrival as better rates offered in town.

I have been through many times. The passport/visa control is so bad that it brings my rating down from an 8 to a 0. That area is poorly manned, confusing, extremely slow, with bored, rude, uncaring personnel: a poor introduction to Turkey for first time visitors. Obviously the airport authority doesn't read these ratings or, more likely, doesn't care. Another problem is knowing which baggage claim to go to after both domestic and international flights, and there is a large number of belts to search for your flight.

Organised chaos thanks to placement of visa desk which was on the far side of long immigration lines. Not helped by the fact that many EU and US pax failed to read the signs saying they needed a visa and just lined up at immigration anyway! Immigration itself is painfully slow and of BKK standards. On the outward journey be prepared for three security checks - outside the terminal, post immigration and finally prior to arriving at the departure gate. Easy public transport system into the centre of town, even with 18kgs suitcase. Avoid changing money at airport on arrival as better rates offered in town.

The buildings are fine with plentiful seating, an airy aspect and a fair range of shops, cafes, etc (though expensive by Turkish standards). The main problem is queuing, on arrival one queues for visa (if necessary) and then to have it checked for immigration (an hour in my case). On departure you queue for security before you enter the building (a few minutes), for check-in (about 15 mins in my case, but by the time I got to the desk the queue was about 4-5 times longer than when I joined it) and then for emigration and a second security check. Fortunately a friend had advised me to arrive at least 2 hours before departure, I endorse that. I recommend the metro and tram to get to the city centre, the price is a tenth or less of a taxi or the shuttle bus, and the time is about the same given Istanbul's traffic. Be aware it does require a change if you have a lot of luggage and also there is not a metro/tram stop near all hotels, but if there is one it is a reliable and cheap alternative.

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