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Istanbul's second international gateway on the Asian side.
Opened
2001
Location
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is the second major international airport serving Istanbul, located on the Asian (Anatolian) side of the city in the Pendik district. Named after Sabiha Gökçen, the world's first female combat pilot and adopted daughter of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the airport has grown rapidly since its opening to become one of the busiest airports in Europe.
The airport primarily serves low-cost and charter carriers, making it a key hub for budget travel within Turkey and across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. Its location on the Asian side distinguishes it geographically from Istanbul Airport, which sits on the European side.
Significant expansion projects have increased the airport's capacity substantially over the years, and it handles tens of millions of passengers annually, cementing its role as a vital piece of Istanbul's aviation infrastructure.
Terminals
The airport operates a single integrated terminal building that has been expanded in phases to accommodate growing passenger volumes.
Getting to & from
The airport is served by Havabus shuttle buses, public buses (IETT), and taxi services connecting it to central Istanbul, with journey times typically ranging from 45 minutes to over an hour depending on traffic.
Airlines here
Pegasus Airlines uses Sabiha Gökçen as its primary hub, while other low-cost and charter carriers including SunExpress, Wizz Air, and various international airlines also operate here.
Notable facts
- ›Named after Sabiha Gökçen, one of the world's first female combat pilots.
- ›Located on the Asian side of Istanbul, approximately 35 km from the city center.
- ›Pegasus Airlines uses it as its main operational hub.
- ›Opened in 2001 as a relief airport to Atatürk Airport, which has since closed to commercial flights.
- ›Has undergone multiple capacity expansions, reaching an annual capacity of over 41 million passengers.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
