Overview
Atatürk International Airport, historically known as Yeşilköy Airport, was the principal international airport serving the European side of Istanbul. Identified by the IATA code IST, it handled tens of millions of passengers annually at its peak and served as a major hub for domestic and international flights. In 2010 the airport carried about 32 million passengers and ranked among the busiest airports in Europe.
Facilities and layout
The airport complex consisted of separate passenger and cargo facilities and multiple runways. Passenger operations were organized into terminals for different traffic types: an international terminal, a domestic terminal and a dedicated cargo terminal. Runway capacity included two long parallel runways suitable for large widebody aircraft and an additional crosswind runway. The terminals contained the usual airport amenities—check-in halls, security and customs, retail and food services, and aircraft handling infrastructure.
History and development
Originally developed in the first half of the 20th century, the site expanded over many decades as air travel demand to and from Istanbul grew. It became Turkey's busiest airport and was continually upgraded to cope with increasing passenger numbers and airline operations. From 2018 onward, a major shift occurred when a newly built, larger airport on the outskirts of Istanbul began receiving scheduled passenger services and many commercial operations transferred there during 2018–2019.
Access and ground transport
Passengers traveling between the airport and Istanbul city center could choose from several ground transportation options. These included an airport rail/light-rail link, dedicated airport shuttle services, municipal buses and taxis; car rental and private hire were also available. For details on services and schedules consult official transport pages or airport guidance before travel: official info, city transport and rail connections.
Operational notes and distinctions
Atatürk Airport was notable for serving a high volume of international transit and being a focus point for both full-service and low-cost carriers. Cargo operations were significant and were routed through a specialized terminal and apron areas. For technical specifications and runway details see: runways, terminals and cargo facilities.
Current status and legacy
After the transfer of most scheduled commercial passenger flights to the new Istanbul Airport, Atatürk's role changed. Parts of the complex have been repurposed or kept for general aviation, cargo or state and military use depending on regulatory decisions. Travelers should verify current operating info before planning travel: travel advisories or airport updates.
- Key facts: major hub for Istanbul, IATA: IST, peak annual passengers ~32 million (2010).
- Typical services: international and domestic passenger handling, cargo processing, ground transport links.
The airport remains an important part of Istanbul's aviation history and of Turkey's transport infrastructure, illustrating how rapidly air transport needs can change with urban growth and new large-scale projects.