Atatürk Airport
( Ataturk airport was closed to commercial flights after the new Istanbul airport opened in 2019 )
Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down of what travellers have reported to us during their time at Istanbul Ataturk Airport.
What to Expect
-Due to the damage and renovations from bombings in June 2016, this information may change.
-This is a large, modern airport but it’s very crowded with travellers everywhere no matter the time of day. Plenty of seats still can’t accommodate number of travellers.
-There are two terminals: Domestic and International; you can walk between them inside Security.
-24-hour eateries are available. See Food / Drinks in the airport guide below.
-Find an unused gate to charge your phone.
-Security is strong so you should feel safe. Many travellers report poor customer service from airport staff, with few able to speak much English.
-WiFi is available, but rarely seems to work. See WiFi information in the airport guide below.
Where to Sleep
-Overall very few comfortable seating options are available; some travellers report more comfortable benches but they fill up quickly – grab them if you see them!
-Try the corridor by Gates 201-204 for a quieter stay and cushioned seats. (August 2016).
-At the Baggage Claim 10 (Air side) there are a couple benches with no armrests (December 2015 review).
-Starbucks seems to allow overnight travellers to get some shuteye; buy something to be nice.
-Gets cold at night. Come prepared with a blanket and warm clothes.
-For uninterrupted sleep, there is a hotel inside the airport and other nearby hotels that provide free airport shuttles.
