About Sabiha Gökçen Airport!
Sabiha Gökçen Airport: Istanbul's Second International Gateway
Istanbul, with its historical and cultural riches, is one of the most important cities in the world. The city has two main gateways for air travel: Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Sabiha Gökçen Airport provides significant convenience, especially for those living on the Asian side of Istanbul and for travelers arriving from the Asian direction.
History
Sabiha Gökçen Airport is named after Sabiha Gökçen, Turkey's and the world's first female fighter pilot. The airport, which opened in 2001, was built to meet the growing population of Istanbul and the increasing international air traffic. With the economic growth of the region and the development of tourism since the 2000s, the airport has become one of Istanbul's international connection points.
Location and Transportation
Sabiha Gökçen Airport is located in Kurtköy, a district of Pendik, on the Asian side of Istanbul. The distance to the city center varies between approximately 40-60 minutes depending on traffic. The airport is very easy to access. It can be reached by road via the E5 and TEM highways, and there are also private shuttle services and bus lines that operate from central locations like Kadıköy, Taksim, and Levent. Additionally, there is an integrated transportation network with public transport options such as Marmaray and the metrobus.
Services and Capacity
Sabiha Gökçen Airport serves both domestic and international terminals. With a capacity to serve about 35 million passengers annually, the airport is a hub for international airlines as well as domestic carriers. Airlines like Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, and AnadoluJet frequently use the airport, particularly for flights to Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
The airport offers many services catering to the needs of passengers, including duty-free shops, dining areas, parking services, and VIP lounges. Additionally, the airport has well-developed car rental services. Several car rental companies operating at the airport provide fast and reliable services to meet the transportation needs of incoming passengers.
Development and Future Plans
In recent years, a series of projects have been implemented to increase the capacity of Sabiha Gökçen Airport. The construction of the second runway has started, and when completed, it is expected to significantly increase the airport's capacity. Additionally, the connection of the metro line to the airport will make city-center transportation even more convenient.
