3rd Airport in Istanbul

On October 29th, Turkey’s Republic Day, Istanbul’s 3rd Airport, ISL, officially opened its doors. Upon full completion, it is expected to be the largest airport in the world, with a capacity to handle 200 million travelers annually. Currently, only 4 arrival and 4 departure flights are operating as the airport is still in the early stages of becoming fully functional.

The ISL International Airport is projected to be fully operational by the end of 2021. Significant work remains to be done before it can take over the operations of Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST), which has long been unable to accommodate the growing volume of air traffic and travelers in Turkey. This new airport is essential for extending Turkish Airlines’ reach and increasing the flow of visitors to Turkey.

Once fully operational, ISL will replace Ataturk International Airport, with all airline operations moving to the new facility. The current IST Airport will be transformed into “The Garden of the People,” a park that will become one of the largest in the world.

As a leader in the limousine service industry in Istanbul, DTLS Limousine & Travel is committed to ensuring seamless travel experiences for our clients at the new ISL Airport. We are dedicated to understanding the airport’s dynamics, including pick-up and drop-off procedures, to provide the exceptional service our customers expect.

Building the world’s largest airport in Istanbul was no small feat. The project spans approximately 76 square kilometers and is located on the northernmost part of the European side in the Arnavutkoy district, near the Black Sea. This strategic location, while outside of the city center, was necessary to accommodate the massive size of the new airport. For reference, the ISL Airport is approximately 39 kilometers from IST, 50 kilometers from central Istanbul, and 80 kilometers from Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) International Airport. Travel times between these locations can vary greatly due to Istanbul’s unpredictable traffic, which will be an important consideration for all travelers.

It is important to note that the ISL Airport will not handle private jet traffic. Private jets will continue to land at SAW International Airport or, for those traveling to and from Istanbul, the nearest facility for private jet operations will be TEQ Corlu Airport in Tekirdag, located about 120 kilometers from central Istanbul.

The Turkish government is optimistic that the new ISL Airport will significantly contribute to Turkey’s tourism industry and further elevate the number of passengers flying with Turkish Airlines. Turkish Airlines is already marketing itself as the only airline serving more cities worldwide than any other, and the new airport, once fully operational, will enhance this claim. This combination of the world’s largest airport and a globally connected airline is expected to create a strong partnership that will positively impact the country’s travel and tourism landscape.

At DTLS Limousine & Travel, we are closely monitoring the ongoing developments at ISL Airport and will continue to provide updates regarding its operations. As a leading provider of limousine service in Istanbul, we will maintain our high standards of luxury transport, including VIP Meet & Greet services, at the new airport. We also ensure that our chauffeurs and reservation specialists are well-trained and well-informed to assist our clients with the best possible service.

For travelers looking for luxury and efficiency at Istanbul’s ISL Airport, DTLS Limousine & Travel is your trusted partner for all transportation needs.