New Istanbul Airport processing time

[LadyC]

If anyone has been through the new Istanbul airport, I would interested to know how long it took on arrival and departure? How crowded you found it and how long it took to get from plane to luggage? Heading there in just over a month so trying to get a sense of what it is like.

 

[OZDUCK]

If anyone has been through the new Istanbul airport, I would interested to know how long it took on arrival and departure? How crowded you found it and how long it took to get from plane to luggage? Heading there in just over a month so trying to get a sense of what it is like.

i haven't been there but there are some 'interesting' reviews on SKYTRAX. Istanbul Airport Customer Reviews | SKYTRAX

 

[coles525]

 

[LadyC]

So far it sounds a bit grim - not really looking forward to it!

 

[Ains]

If anyone has been through the new Istanbul airport, I would interested to know how long it took on arrival and departure? How crowded you found it and how long it took to get from plane to luggage? Heading there in just over a month so trying to get a sense of what it is like.

I am about to fly into that airport this Saturday with a 6 hour layover. Hoping to leave the airport for a couple hours and come back for the next flight. How was your experience?

 

[LadyC]

I am about to fly into that airport this Saturday with a 6 hour layover. Hoping to leave the airport for a couple hours and come back for the next flight. How was your experience?

We arrived on a Friday morning around 7.30am. It was fairly quiet with only 1 other flight that had arrived at that time. We were processed quickly through immigration. I think the bigger issue you face is that it is about a 40 minute drive on a good day from the airport into Istanbul so a 6 hour layover doesn't give you enough time to really go and see anything. By the time you get to the 'city', it will be time to turn around and head back to the airport again.

 

[RooFlyer]

I arrived in business a few days ago (so one of the first off the plane) and it was very easy through immigration. Virtually no queues at immigration, customs or to get a taxi. 50 mins drive to Karakoy in light traffic except for a few tight spots; middle of the day; work-day.

Pics and description of arrival experience here.

Virtually the same story on the way back. 50 mins taxi in middle of the day. TK business check-in, security and immigration had 2 or 3 lanes for every pax!! Very easy. I didn't think the other airlines check-in etc were much busier. Will depend on the time of day, of course.

Pics and description of departure experience here.

 

[bulldog88]

My SQ392 flight from Singapore parked at (seemingly) the most distant gate possible, a football field walking distance to a queue-free immigration counter

I preferred the long but scenic bus transfer at Ataturk airport, 1990s style - there was never a proper gate available for my many flights on SQ391/2