Istanbul, a city straddling two continents, is served by two major international airports. While Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side often captures most of the attention, Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) on the Asian side has evolved into a vital transportation hub with its own unique advantages and character. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about this important gateway to Turkey’s largest city.
SAW History
Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is named after Sabiha Gökçen, Turkey’s first female fighter pilot and the adoptive daughter of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. The name “Gökçen” literally means “belonging to the sky” in Turkish, a fitting tribute to this aviation pioneer who became the world’s first female combat pilot.
The airport was inaugurated on January 8, 2001, built to alleviate the growing congestion at the former Atatürk Airport (now closed to commercial traffic). What began as a modest facility has transformed into one of the busiest airports in Turkey and the Middle East through continuous expansion and improvement.
Initially designed with limited capacity—3 million international passengers and 0.5 million domestic passengers annually—SAW has far exceeded these early projections. The airport experienced remarkable growth, especially after becoming a hub for low-cost carriers.
SAW Stats and Quick Facts
- Location: Situated on the Asian side of Istanbul, approximately 40 km (25 miles) east of the city center
- Size: The terminal building spans 320,000 square meters
- Passenger Traffic: Handled over 37.1 million passengers in 2023, an 18.16% increase from 2022
- Capacity: Current capacity of 41 million passengers annually
- Airlines: Serves as the main hub for Pegasus Airlines and a secondary hub for Turkish Airlines’ budget subsidiary AJet
- Destinations: Connects to approximately 165 destinations across 55 countries
- Terminals: One main integrated terminal handling both domestic and international flights
- Runways: Two runways, with the second runway inaugurated in December 2023
- Parking: Four-story multi-level parking structure with capacity for 4,718 automobiles and 72 buses
- Recognition: Named World’s Best Airport at the World Low Cost Airlines Congress in 2010
Terminal Facilities
The terminal at Sabiha Gökçen Airport offers a comprehensive range of facilities designed to enhance passenger comfort and convenience:
Shopping and Dining: The terminal features a 5,000 square meter food court and diverse dining options ranging from fast food to traditional Turkish cuisine. Duty-free shopping areas spanning 4,500 square meters offer everything from luxury goods to local souvenirs.
Lounges: Multiple premium lounges are available, including three Yelken business lounges providing complimentary snacks, beverages, high-speed internet, and charging stations.
Rest Areas: Innovative Kepler Sleep Cabins allow travelers to rent small, hotel-like rooms on an hourly basis. Each unit includes showers, lockers, toilets, TV, work desk, charging units, and ergonomic beds—perfect for short layovers or early arrivals.
Special Services: The airport provides prayer rooms, baby care facilities, medical services, and dedicated areas for passengers with special needs.
Technology: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal (up to 60 minutes complimentary access). The airport has invested in cutting-edge technology systems, including an extensive video surveillance network with over 1,300 cameras.
Conference Center: A 400 square meter conference center caters to business travelers.
VIP Services: Fast Track services allow travelers to bypass long queues at Immigration and Security, with options including meet-and-greet and porter services.
Airlines and Destinations
SAW has positioned itself as a key hub for low-cost carriers while also accommodating full-service airlines:
Main Carriers:
- Pegasus Airlines (primary hub, 63% of seat share)
- AJet (operating base)
- Turkish Airlines (32% of seat share)
- AnadoluJet (subsidiary of Turkish Airlines)
- SunExpress (joint venture between Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa)
International Budget Airlines:
- Wizz Air
- Lauda Europe
- Various other European low-cost carriers
Route Network:
- Extensive domestic network connecting major Turkish cities like Ankara, Izmir, Antalya
- Strong connections to European destinations
- Regular services to Middle Eastern cities
- Flights to Central Asia and North Africa
- Focus on short and medium-haul routes
The airport’s competitive pricing structure for airlines has made it particularly attractive for budget carriers, contributing significantly to its growth as an alternative to the larger Istanbul Airport.
Ground Transportation
Getting to and from Sabiha Gökçen Airport is convenient with multiple transportation options:
Metro: The M4 metro line was extended to Sabiha Gökçen Airport in October 2022, providing direct access to Kad?köy without transfers. The journey takes approximately one hour.
Bus Services:
- Havaist shuttle buses connect the airport to various parts of Istanbul including Taksim and Kad?köy
- IETT public express buses (E10 and E11) offer affordable transportation options
- Multiple coach services to nearby towns and cities
Rail Connections:
- The airport is located 14 km from Pendik railway station
- An M10 metro connection to Marmaray and the high-speed train via Pendik station is currently under construction
Road Access:
- Easily accessible via the E80 European motorway
- Taxi services available 24/7
- Car rental agencies located within the terminal
- Valet parking service with a capacity of 400 cars
Future Connection: Plans are underway for a high-speed rail line that will connect Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) in just 30 minutes.
The Future of SAW
Sabiha Gökçen Airport continues to evolve with ambitious expansion plans:
Second Runway Operations: The second runway, inaugurated in December 2023, has doubled the airport’s capacity for aircraft movements from 40 to 80 per hour. It’s currently being utilized for night operations, with full functionality expected when repairs on the first runway are completed.
Terminal Upgrades: A €35 million investment in 24 upgrade projects is underway, scheduled for completion by mid-2025 without disrupting current services.
Capacity Expansion: Long-term plans aim to increase the airport’s capacity to 80 million passengers annually with new terminals and improved infrastructure.
Technology Enhancement: The airport has contracted SITA to deliver a technology revamp of its Airport Management Solution, enabling better real-time data management and automated resource allocation.
Growth Trajectory: SAW continues to rank among Europe’s top 10 airports for passenger traffic, with a 16.6% year-on-year increase reported in the first half of 2024.
Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport has transformed from a secondary airport into a crucial aviation hub that efficiently serves Istanbul’s growing population and the increasing number of visitors to Turkey. With its strategic location on the Asian side, focus on affordability, modern facilities, and ambitious expansion plans, SAW is positioned to play an increasingly important role in Turkey’s aviation landscape for years to come.
Whether you’re a budget-conscious traveler, looking to access the Asian side of Istanbul, or simply seeking an efficient alternative to the larger Istanbul Airport, Sabiha Gökçen offers a well-connected, modern gateway to one of the world’s most fascinating cities.
Keyword: TopAirports