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Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport SAW

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Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) Guide

Discover Istanbul's Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW), the city's gateway and a hub known for its award-winning clean environment. This guide simplifies your travel with essential info on flight status, parking, terminal maps, and where to eat or shop. Perfect for both new and frequent flyers. Dive deeper into air travel insights with our Comprehensive Airport Guide.

SAW Airport has one main terminal building, which is divided into two sections: Domestic and International. The airport has a total of 32 gates, with 16 gates in each section of the terminal.

Major airlines such as Pegasus Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Qatar Airways operate from the International section of the terminal, while airlines like AnadoluJet and SunExpress use the Domestic section.

Once you arrive at the airport, follow the signs to the appropriate section of the terminal for your flight. The airport offers a variety of services and amenities, including duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, and lounges.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

The airport has a single terminal building, which makes it easy to navigate between gates, check-in counters, and baggage claim areas. The terminal building is divided into two levels, with the arrivals area on the ground floor and the departures area on the upper level.

Passengers can easily walk between the different areas of the terminal building, as the distance between gates is relatively short. There are also shuttle buses available for passengers who need assistance or who are traveling with heavy luggage. The shuttle buses run regularly between the terminal building and the parking areas, as well as to the nearby Sabiha Gokcen Airport Hotel.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At SAW Airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at the curbside of the terminal buildings. However, there are strict restrictions on curbside parking, and vehicles cannot be left unattended. Drivers must remain with their vehicles at all times and are not allowed to wait for more than a few minutes. Violators may be fined or have their vehicles towed away.

For those who need to wait for arriving passengers, there are designated cell-phone waiting areas located near the airport. These areas are free of charge and provide a convenient place for drivers to wait until their passengers arrive. Once the passengers have collected their luggage and are ready to be picked up, the driver can then proceed to the curbside for pick-up.

Parking Facilities & Options

the airport offers a variety of parking options for travelers. There are multiple parking lots and garages located near the terminals, with a total of over 5,000 parking spaces available. The parking facilities are open 24/7, making it convenient for travelers to park their vehicles at any time of the day or night.

For those who are picking up passengers, there are cell phone waiting areas available near the airport terminals. These areas allow drivers to wait in their vehicles until their passengers arrive, without having to pay for parking fees.

Handicapped parking is available in all parking facilities at SAW airport. These parking spots are located near the airport terminals, making it easier for disabled travelers to access the airport.

If you are looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking is available near SAW airport. These parking facilities offer shuttle services to and from the airport terminals, making it a convenient and affordable option for travelers.

Get details about Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

Istanbul SAW Airport offers a variety of transportation options to help you get to your destination.

For those who prefer to drive themselves, there are several car rental companies available at the airport, including Avis, Budget, Europcar, and Hertz. These companies offer a range of vehicles to suit your needs, from economy cars to luxury vehicles.

If you prefer to take a taxi, there are designated drop-off areas outside the terminal building. The fare for a taxi ride from the airport to Istanbul city center is approximately 100-150 Turkish Lira, depending on traffic and distance.

Shared ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, are also available at the airport. Pickup areas are located outside the terminal building, and fares vary depending on the distance and time of day.

Airport shuttles are a convenient option for those traveling to nearby hotels or other destinations. The shuttle service is available 24/7 and can be booked at the airport information desk. Pickup areas are located outside the terminal building, and fares vary depending on the destination.

For those on a budget, public transportation is also available. The airport is connected to the Istanbul Metro system, which provides easy access to the city center and other destinations. The fare for a one-way ticket is approximately 4 Turkish Lira, and tickets can be purchased at the airport or at metro stations.

Airport Hotels

Looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay near the airport? We've got you covered. Our list includes a range of hotels that cater to different preferences and budgets. From a hotel located just a stone's throw away from the airport to others a bit further out but still within easy reach. Each offers unique amenities, from luggage transfer services to private gardens, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Explore our Sabiha Saw Airport Hotels to find the perfect hotel for your needs.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport offers a wide range of dining and shopping options for travelers. Whether you are looking for a quick bite or a full meal, there are plenty of options to choose from. For a taste of local cuisine, we recommend trying out Bosphorus Cafe & Restaurant, located in the main terminal building. This restaurant offers a variety of Turkish dishes, including kebabs and meze plates, as well as international options. Another great option is Burger King, located in both the domestic and international terminals, for a quick and familiar meal.

When it comes to shopping, Istanbul SAW Airport has a variety of stores to choose from. For duty-free shopping, head to the Duty Free Shop located in the international terminal. Here you can find a range of products, including perfumes, cosmetics, and alcohol. For souvenirs and gifts, we recommend checking out the Turkish Delight store, also located in the international terminal. Here you can find a variety of traditional Turkish sweets and treats to bring home with you.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at SAW can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, view the comprehensive list here.

Passenger Services

SAW is a modern airport in Turkey that provides a range of passenger services to make your travel experience comfortable and hassle-free. Whether you're traveling with children, have special needs, or need banking or medical assistance, the airport has got you covered.

If you need to stay connected, the airport offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal buildings, so you can check your emails, browse the internet, or stay in touch with your loved ones. If you lose something during your journey, you can contact the lost and found office located in the arrivals hall of the international terminal.

For families traveling with children, there are dedicated children's areas in both the domestic and international terminals. These areas are equipped with toys, games, and other activities to keep your little ones entertained while you wait for your flight.

If you have special needs, the airport provides a range of services to assist you. These include wheelchair assistance, special seating arrangements, and dedicated staff to help you navigate the airport. You can request these services when you book your flight or contact the airport in advance.

For banking services, there are several ATMs and currency exchange offices located throughout the terminal buildings. If you need medical assistance, there is a medical center located in the international terminal that provides first aid and emergency medical services.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it is important to stay updated on the status of your flight to avoid any inconvenience or delays. At SAW Airport, there are several ways to check your flight status.

One of the easiest ways is to use the in-airport flight displays (FIDS) located throughout the airport. These displays provide real-time information on flight departures, arrivals, delays, and gate information.

Another convenient method is to download your airline's mobile phone app, which will allow you to receive alerts about any changes to your flight status. You can choose to receive alerts via text, email, or push notifications.

Passengers can also check the status of their flight departure at the airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Helpful Tips

When to Arrive

It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before their scheduled departure time for domestic flights and 3 hours before for international flights. The busiest times at the airport are during the morning and evening rush hours, so it is best to avoid those times if possible to save time and avoid crowds.

Getting to the Airport

There are several ways to get to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport, including taxi, shuttle bus, and public transportation. Taxis are available 24/7 and can be found outside of the terminal building. Shuttle buses run regularly from various locations in Istanbul, including Taksim Square and Kadikoy. Public transportation options include the metro, bus, and ferry, which can be accessed from various parts of the city.

Getting Oriented

For passengers who are unfamiliar with Istanbul SAW Airport, iFly.com's interactive airport maps can be a helpful tool for getting oriented. The maps provide detailed information about the airport's layout, including the location of gates, restaurants, shops, and other amenities. Passengers can use the maps to plan their route through the airport and find their way to their gate or other destination.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at SAW, passengers should make sure to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare. They should also check their flight status regularly to stay informed about any delays or cancellations. Passengers should also be aware of the airport's security procedures and make sure to follow them carefully to avoid delays at the security checkpoint.

Airport Facts & Stats

Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport is the second international airport of Istanbul, Turkey. It is located on the Asian side of the city and serves as a hub for low-cost carriers. The airport has one terminal building which is divided into domestic and international sections.

On average, Istanbul SAW Airport handles around 35,000 passengers daily and operates around 300 daily flights. The airport serves more than 100 destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

The top airlines with the most daily flights from SAW are Pegasus Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and AnadoluJet. These airlines operate flights to various domestic and international destinations.

The top 5 international destinations served by SAW Airport are Moscow, Kyiv, Tel Aviv, Tbilisi, and Beirut. The airport also serves various domestic destinations such as Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, and Bodrum.

Several airlines use the airport as a hub, including Pegasus Airlines, AnadoluJet, and Turkish Airlines. These airlines operate numerous flights to various destinations across the world.

Airport History

Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport, located on the Asian side of Istanbul, Turkey, is named after the first female combat pilot in Turkey, Sabiha Gokcen. The airport was opened to commercial flights in 2001 and has since become a major hub for low-cost airlines in the region.

Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

  • 2001 - Istanbul SAW Airport opens to commercial flights
  • 2007 - The airport undergoes a major expansion, adding a new terminal and runway
  • 2010 - The airport becomes the second busiest airport in Istanbul, after Ataturk Airport
  • 2014 - The airport handles over 20 million passengers for the first time
  • 2019 - A new metro line connecting the airport to the city center is opened, making it easier for passengers to access the airport

Today, SAW serves over 35 million passengers annually and is a key player in the aviation industry in Turkey and the wider region.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: SAW
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +90 216 588 88 88
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport, 34912 Pendik/Istanbul, Turkey

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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