İstanbul Atatürk Airport

Istanbul Ataturk Airport, located in the Bakirkoy district on the European side of Istanbul, was the city's primary international passenger hub until October 2019, when all scheduled commercial flights were moved to the new Istanbul Airport. Since then, Ataturk has transformed into a major cargo facility and general aviation base, handling freighters, private jets, and occasional charter operations. The airport covers 16 square kilometers, with three runways and a vast terminal complex that once served over 60 million passengers annually. Its location, 24 kilometers west of the historic Sultanahmet district and just 12 kilometers from the shores of the Sea of Marmara, makes it easily accessible by road and public transport. While passenger traffic has diminished, the airport remains a key entry point for cargo and private flights, and its proximity to Bakirkoy offers travelers a practical base for exploring Istanbul's European side.

Getting There

The airport sits in the Yesilkoy neighborhood of Bakirkoy, about 15 kilometers from the Bakirkoy town center. From central Istanbul (Taksim or Sultanahmet), the most straightforward option is the M1A metro line, which runs from Yenikapi to the airport station (Ataturk Havalimani). The journey takes 40–60 minutes depending on the starting point, with trains every 8–10 minutes. From Bakirkoy itself, the metro is also the fastest: take the M1A from Bakirkoy station heading toward the airport; total travel time around 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, municipal buses (such as the 73Y or line BN1) connect the airport to various parts of the city, including Bakirkoy, with trip times ranging from 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis are abundant and metered; a ride from Bakirkoy to the airport should cost around 80–120 Turkish Lira (approx. $3–5 USD) and take 15 minutes in light traffic. For private transfers, pre-booking is recommended. The airport also has a dedicated car park (wheelchair-accessible) for those driving, located directly outside the terminal. Note that since the end of passenger flights, the airport is no longer served by the Havatas shuttle, but the metro remains the most reliable link. The airport handles both domestic and international cargo flights, so access roads are kept clear, but arriving passengers should confirm their flight's exact terminal (Cargo or VIP) as the main passenger terminal is now largely closed to the public.

Inside the Terminal

The main passenger terminal, a large multi-story building, is now used primarily for cargo processing and private aviation. The domestic and international sections are closed to the public except for authorized personnel. However, the facility retains its original layout: check-in areas, security screening, baggage claim, and gates. For those arriving by private or charter flight, the VIP terminal (located on the eastern side) remains active. This terminal offers wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park, as confirmed among the facilities. Inside, travelers will find comfortable lounges, customs and immigration counters, and a small duty-free shop. The atmosphere is functional and subdued, a stark contrast to the bustling hub it once was. For cargo operations, the terminal's ground floor houses freight handling areas with dedicated truck docks and cargo offices. Passengers transiting via general aviation should expect efficient but minimal services — plan to bring snacks and water, as food outlets are limited. Security checks are thorough but quick due to low passenger volumes. The airport's three runways (two parallel and one crosswind) are still active, so aircraft movement is constant, but the terminal experience is quiet and straightforward. Taxiways and parking stands are visible from the VIP lounge windows, offering good plane-spotting opportunities. There are no long queues or crowded corridors; the facility feels spacious and somewhat eerie, like a museum of air travel. Restrooms are clean but can be sparse; it's wise to use facilities at the VIP terminal before heading to the aircraft.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport and Bakirkoy

Bakirkoy is one of Istanbul's oldest and most established neighborhoods on the European shore of the Sea of Marmara. Historically a summer resort for wealthy Istanbulites during the Ottoman era, it later developed into a commercial and residential district. The area is known for its broad seafront promenade, the Bakirkoy Pier, and the popular Bakirkoy Square (Bakirkoy Meydani), which is a lively hub of shops, cafes, and street food stalls. The district is also home to several notable attractions. The Ataturk Arboretum (Ataturk Kent Ormani), located just north of the airport, is a large urban forest with walking trails and picnic areas — a green respite from Istanbul's urban density. The Galleria Atakoy shopping mall, one of Turkey's first modern malls, is a short drive from the airport and offers dining, cinema, and retail. For history enthusiasts, the Yesilkoy neighborhood (where the airport sits) has the historic Yesilkoy Beach and the Tarihi Yesilkoy Hamam, a traditional Turkish bath from the late 19th century. The nearby Florya neighborhood — just west of Bakirkoy — features the Florya Ataturk Marine Mansion, a former presidential summer residence now open as a museum. Culturally, Bakirkoy has a significant Armenian community, and the Surp Asdvadzadzin Church is a local landmark. Food is a highlight: the seaside restaurants near Bakirkoy Pier serve fresh fish and meze, while the streets around the square are filled with Turkish coffee houses and pastry shops. Bakirkoy is also well-connected by public transport: the metro line that runs to the airport also connects to Yenikapi, enabling access to the historic peninsula in under 30 minutes. For travelers using Ataturk Airport for cargo or private flights, Bakirkoy offers convenient accommodation options ranging from budget hotels to mid-range chains, as well as easy access to Istanbul's historic sites. The district's flat topography and sidewalks make it walkable, and its coastal location provides pleasant sea breezes, especially in summer. While Bakirkoy is not on the typical tourist itinerary (which tends to favor Sultanahmet or Taksim), it offers a more local, relaxed Istanbul experience — one that blends residential life with commercial activity and a tangible connection to the city's aviation history through the adjacent airport.

Practical Information

Istanbul Ataturk Airport is not open to the general public 24/7. The cargo and VIP facilities operate on a 24-hour basis, but the main passenger terminal is closed to non-authorized personnel. If arriving by private or charter flight, confirm your arrival terminal in advance. The airport's official website is ataturkairport.com (though it may redirect to the new Istanbul Airport site). For inquiries, call +90 212 463 3000. The airport code is IST (the same code is now used for Istanbul Airport, so double-check which location you need). For those with mobility needs, wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park are available at the VIP terminal. Taxis are available 24/7 outside the VIP area; negotiate fares or insist on the meter. Public transport connections via metro run from 6:00 AM to midnight. There are no ATMs in the VIP terminal, so bring sufficient Turkish lira. Security regulations are standard: no liquids over 100ml in hand luggage, laptops out. One concrete piece of advice: If you are flying into Ataturk for a connection, verify whether your next flight departs from this airport or from Istanbul Airport — they are 50 km apart, and misconnections are common. Always confirm your departure airport before booking ground transport.