Istanbul Airport

Customer Reviews

5 star Skytrax Rating
Terminal Seating 12345
Terminal Cleanliness 12345
Terminal Signs 12345
Queuing Times 12345
Food Beverages 12345
Airport Staff 12345
Customer rating from 589 reviews
3/10
5 star Skytrax Rating
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3/10

Istanbul Airport customer review

(United States)

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.
Queuing Times 12345
Terminal Cleanliness 12345
Airport Shopping 12345
no
7/10

Istanbul Airport customer review

(United States)

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.
Queuing Times 12345
Terminal Cleanliness 12345
Airport Shopping 12345
yes
6/10

Istanbul Airport customer review

(Finland)

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.
Queuing Times 12345
Terminal Cleanliness 12345
Airport Shopping 12345
no
9/10

Istanbul Airport customer review

(United States)

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.
Queuing Times 12345
Terminal Cleanliness 12345
Airport Shopping 12345
yes
7/10

Istanbul Airport customer review

(South Korea)

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.
Queuing Times 12345
Terminal Cleanliness 12345
Airport Shopping 12345
yes
3/10

Istanbul Airport customer review

(Bahrain)

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.
Queuing Times 12345
Terminal Cleanliness 12345
Airport Shopping 12345
no
7/10

Istanbul Airport customer review

(United States)

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.
Queuing Times 12345
Terminal Cleanliness 12345
Airport Shopping 12345
yes
5/10

Istanbul Airport customer review

(United Kingdom)

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.
Queuing Times 12345
Terminal Cleanliness 12345
Airport Shopping 12345
yes
2/10

Istanbul Airport customer review

(United Kingdom)

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.
Queuing Times 12345
Terminal Cleanliness 12345
Airport Shopping N/A
no
2/10

Istanbul Airport customer review

(Canada)

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.
Queuing Times 12345
Terminal Cleanliness 12345
Airport Shopping 12345
no