Istanbul International Airport (IST) Operational Guide for Flight Operators

Istanbul International Airport (IATA: IST, ICAO: LTFM) is a vital hub for global aviation, strategically positioned at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Located approximately 23 miles (one hour by car) from Istanbul’s city center, it is a cornerstone of Turkey’s economy, driving tourism, trade, and connectivity. With all commercial airline traffic relocated to LTFM, the airport boasts six runways, a 1.4 million-square-meter terminal, and a dedicated General Aviation (GA) area in the main terminal for private jets.

Layout of Gates and Terminals at Istanbul Airport (IST)

Istanbul Airport (IST) is designed with five concourses labeled A, B, D, F, and G, featuring a total of 143 passenger boarding bridges. Concourse G, located in the southeast section of the airport, is exclusively designated for domestic flights. Additionally, three passenger boarding bridges in Concourse F, situated directly north of Concourse G, are also allocated for domestic operations. Concourses A, B, D, and the remaining sections of F are dedicated to handling international flights. Meanwhile, Concourses C and E are integrated into the main terminal structure, functioning as extensions rather than independent concourses.

 

Concourse	Location	Designated for
A	Central area of the airport	International flights
B	Central area of the airport	International flights
D	Central area of the airport	International flights
F	North of Concourse G	International flights (remaining sections), Domestic flights (3 bridges)
G	Southeast section	Domestic flights only
C and E	Integrated into main terminal	Domestic and international flights (extensions of the main terminal)

 

In 2023, Istanbul Airport (IST) experienced significant traffic, with a total of 76,236,980 passengers. International travelers accounted for 76% of this figure (58,232,674 passengers), reinforcing the airport’s strong role in global connectivity, while domestic passengers made up 24%. IST’s top international destinations included Europe (50%), the Middle East (20%), Asia (15%), Africa (10%), and the Americas (5%).

 

The airport also managed 505,968 aircraft operations, demonstrating its capacity to handle high air traffic volumes efficiently. Additionally, IST processed 2,557,427 tons of cargo, further establishing its importance as a key hub for both passenger and freight transport. With a baggage handling system capable of processing 30,000 bags per hour with 99% accuracy, IST continues to enhance its operational efficiency.

 

Looking ahead, Istanbul Airport is targeting 200 million annual passengers by 2030 while prioritizing sustainability. The airport has committed to reducing carbon emissions by 30% by 2030 and currently meets 15% of its energy needs through renewable sources, aligning with its long-term environmental goals.

Runway Infrastructure of Istanbul Airport (IST)

Istanbul Airport (IST) features five runways designed to handle a high volume of air traffic, including those for business jet operations. The runways include:

 

• 16L/34R and 16R/34L, both with a length of 3,750 meters (12,303 feet), and constructed with asphalt. These runways are used for larger commercial aircraft, but can accommodate business jets as well.
• 17L/35R and 17R/35L, each 4,100 meters (13,451 feet) in length, also with an asphalt surface. These runways are primarily used for heavy commercial flights, but they can also serve business jets, particularly for longer flights or larger aircraft.
• 18/36, which measures 3,060 meters (10,039 feet) in length, with a combination of asphalt and concrete surface. This runway is often used for general aviation and smaller business jets due to its slightly shorter length

 

Business jets typically use the shorter runways, such as 18/36, while the longer runways, 17L/35R and 17R/35L, provide more flexibility for larger aircraft.

Landing Authorization Procedures for Istanbul Airport (IST)

To obtain a landing permit for Istanbul Airport (IST), the following requirements and documents are necessary:

1. Application Process

The application must be submitted through the Flight Supervision, Representation and Administration Company to the Directorate General. The application should include the receipt confirming payment of the service fee, as outlined in the relevant section of the service tariff. The application must be submitted at least 10 business days before the intended flight.

2. Documents Required

• Flight Permit Request Form: This form must be completed and submitted.
• Receipt of Payment: A proof of payment for the service fee as per the tariff.
• Reference or Record Number: The application must include the Reference Number or Record Number, which can be obtained through the Directorate General‘s Electronic Document Management System (EDMS).
• Official Letter or Fax: The application may be submitted via an official letter or fax.
• Aircraft Registration: A copy of the aircraft’s registration documents may be requested to verify the aircraft’s identity and ownership.
• Pilot Credentials: Copies of the pilot’s license and relevant qualifications may be requested to ensure that the flight crew meets the necessary legal and safety requirements.
• Insurance Certificate: Proof of valid insurance coverage for the aircraft, in line with the regulations required for flights operating at Istanbul Airport (IST).
• Flight Plan: A copy of the filed flight plan, including all relevant flight route information, destinations, and alternate airports.
• Customs/Immigration Clearance: Depending on the nature of the flight, customs or immigration clearances might be necessary, especially for international flights.
• Special Permits (if applicable): If the flight is for a special purpose (e.g., cargo, emergency landing), a special permit or approval might be required.

3. Timeframe

The application and all required documents should be submitted 10 business days before the intended flight date. This is the latest submission time to allow for processing.

4. Process

Just Aviation helps you through the entire process of obtaining a landing permit for Istanbul Airport (IST) by:

 

• Assisting with the completion of the Flight Permit Request Form.
• Ensuring you have the payment receipt for the service fee.
• Obtaining the Reference Number or Record Number from the Directorate General’s EDMS (Electronic Document Management System) on your behalf.
• Submitting the form and supporting documents through the Flight Supervision, Representation, and Administration Company to the Directorate General, either via official letter or fax.
• Managing the follow-up process and ensuring you receive confirmation or approval, following the necessary processing time.

 

With Just Aviation’s support, you can navigate the successful flight permit management process.

Slot Coordination and Peak Times at Istanbul Airport (IST)

Istanbul Airport (IST) requires prior coordination for flight slots, especially during peak times, to ensure smooth operations and efficient traffic management. Airlines and operators must request landing and take-off slots through the airport’s Slot Coordination Office, following the guidelines set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Slot requests should be made well in advance, typically at least 48 hours before departure, with the submission of necessary documentation, including:

 

• Completed Slot Request Form.
• Flight Plan details (route, aircraft type, departure, and arrival times).
• Payment receipt for any applicable slot coordination fees.
• Any specific handling requirements for special cargo, VIP flights, or business jets.

Peak times at Istanbul Airport typically occur during early morning and late evening hours, especially for international flights. The busiest seasons tend to be during the summer months and holiday periods, where air traffic volume is significantly higher. Operators are advised to submit slot requests as early as possible, particularly during these peak periods, to ensure availability and avoid delays.

Operational Information for Istanbul Airport (IST)

At Istanbul Airport (IST), departure procedures are subject to noise abatement regulations in accordance with ICAO standards. Aircraft that comply with Noise Categories specified in ICAO Annex 16, Chapter 3 and 4, are required to apply Noise Abatement Departure Procedure 2 (NADP-2). In contrast, aircraft meeting the Noise Category requirements of ICAO Annex 16, Chapter 2, must adhere to Noise Abatement Departure Procedure 1 (NADP-1). Operators are required to implement the appropriate NADP, as detailed in ICAO Document 8186 Vol-1, until the aircraft has passed 3,000 feet during departure. These procedures are crucial for minimizing noise impact on surrounding areas and ensuring compliance with international aviation standards.

 

To optimize runway utilization and enhance air traffic efficiency, simultaneous independent parallel approaches are conducted daily, 24 hours a day, subject to the availability of Instrument Landing System (ILS) approaches. In addition, simultaneous independent parallel departures are also carried out around the clock, ensuring continuous operational flow and maximizing the airport’s capacity. These procedures are critical for maintaining efficient air traffic operations and minimizing delays at Istanbul Airport (IST).

Ground Handling Services at Istanbul Airport (IST)

Just Aviation supports all your ramp & ground handling needs at Istanbul Airport (IST), offering a comprehensive suite of services to ensure smooth and efficient aircraft operations. These services include passenger handling, where dedicated personnel manage check-in, boarding, and baggage handling using state-of-the-art automated systems for speed and precision. Ramp handling encompasses aircraft parking, pushback, and the use of specialized ground support equipment (GSE) for cargo loading, unloading, and fueling.

 

For fuel services, both Avgas and Jet A-1 are available, ensuring reliable refueling for all types of business aircrafts. Also, business jet operations are supported with VIP handling services, including access to private lounges, expedited customs and immigration processing, inflight catering and tailored crew services.