Istanbul Atatürk Airport (ISL): Closed to Passengers — Use IST or SAW
Istanbul Atatürk Airport (code ISL, formerly IST) closed to scheduled passenger flights on 6 April 2019. All passenger traffic moved to Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side, with Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) serving the Asian side. Atatürk now handles cargo, private aviation and state flights only.
Quick facts
| Airport | Istanbul Atatürk Airport |
|---|---|
| Current IATA code | ISL (the IST code moved to Istanbul Airport) |
| Status | Closed to scheduled passenger flights since 6 April 2019 |
| Current use | Cargo, private jets, state and government aviation |
| Location | Yeşilköy, Bakırköy district, European Istanbul |
| Replacement | Istanbul Airport (IST), Arnavutköy |
| Site today | Largely converted into Atatürk Airport Millet Bahçesi (public park) |
Why the confusion still exists
Atatürk was Istanbul's main gateway for decades, so it is still baked into older guidebooks, hotel directions and hire-car pickup instructions. Adding to the confusion, the IATA code IST was transferred to the new Istanbul Airport, while Atatürk was re-coded ISL. A search for "IST Atatürk" therefore returns a mix of both airports.
The practical rule: read the three-letter code on your boarding pass. IST means Istanbul Airport in Arnavutköy, 40 km northwest of the old city. SAW means Sabiha Gökçen, 45 km southeast, on the Asian side.
Istanbul Airport (IST) vs Sabiha Gökçen (SAW)
| Istanbul Airport (IST) | Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) | |
|---|---|---|
| Side of the city | European | Asian |
| Distance to Sultanahmet | ≈ 50 km | ≈ 50 km, but across the Bosphorus |
| Typical drive time | 45–75 minutes | 60–100 minutes |
| Metro link | M11 to Gayrettepe, then M2 | M4 to Kadıköy, then ferry or Marmaray |
| Main carriers | Turkish Airlines and most international airlines | Pegasus, AJet and low-cost carriers |
| Best for | Long-haul arrivals, connections, old-city hotels | Cheap European fares, Asian-side hotels |
Getting into the city
- Private transfer — fixed price, meet-and-greet inside arrivals, no queueing. The safest choice after a long-haul flight or with luggage and family.
- Metro — the M11 line from IST reaches Gayrettepe in about 35 minutes, then change to M2 for Taksim and Sultanahmet. Cheap, but two changes with suitcases.
- Havaist / Havabus airport buses — reliable and inexpensive, roughly 60–90 minutes to central stops depending on traffic.
- Taxi — metered and legitimate, but arrival-hall touts quoting flat fares are the single most common visitor complaint in Istanbul. Always use the official taxi rank or a pre-booked car.
What is on the Atatürk site today
Most of the former passenger terminals and runways have been redeveloped into Atatürk Airport Millet Bahçesi, one of the largest urban parks in Europe. A portion of the airfield still operates for cargo, private aviation and government flights, and the site was used as a field hospital during the pandemic.
There is nothing there for a passenger to catch — if a booking sends you to Atatürk for a scheduled flight, it is an error in the booking, not a service you can still use.
Frequently asked questions
Is Istanbul Atatürk Airport still open?
Not for scheduled passenger flights. Atatürk Airport closed to commercial passenger traffic on 6 April 2019 and now handles only cargo, private aviation and state flights. Passengers use Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW).
What replaced Atatürk Airport?
Istanbul Airport (IST) in Arnavutköy replaced it, taking over both the passenger traffic and the IST airport code. Atatürk was reassigned the code ISL.
What is the airport code for Atatürk Airport now?
Atatürk Airport is now ISL. The IST code that many older bookings show belongs to the new Istanbul Airport.
Which Istanbul airport should I fly into?
Istanbul Airport (IST) suits most visitors, especially those on long-haul flights or staying in Sultanahmet, Beyoğlu or Beşiktaş. Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) is often cheaper on European low-cost routes and is better only if you are staying on the Asian side.
How far is Istanbul Airport from Sultanahmet?
About 50 km, which is typically 45 to 75 minutes by car depending on traffic. Allow closer to 90 minutes if you are travelling between 16:00 and 19:00.
Can I transfer between IST and SAW?
Yes, but allow at least 3 hours. The two airports are on opposite sides of the Bosphorus, roughly 90 minutes apart by road with no traffic and considerably more at peak times. Never book a self-transfer connection with a short gap.