Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport, which is named in honour of Turkey’s first female combat pilot, Sabiha Gökçen, is one of Istanbul’s two international airports. Istanbul is Turkey’s largest city. The airport is situated 32 km southeast of the city centre, on the Asian side of the city. It’s approximately 12km from Pendik, also on the Asian side, and about 40km from Taksim.
It belongs among the busiest airports in Europe, currently handling over 35 million passengers a year, and operating flights to over 40 domestic and around 80 international destinations. The airport provides a variety of facilities such as duty-free shops, baby-care rooms in the departure lounges, restaurants, cafes, currency exchange, car rental facilities, and comfortable lounges.
The airport serves as a base for AnadoluJet and Pegasus Airlines. To get into Turkey via the SAW Airport from the UK, you can fly from either London Stansted (BA + Pegasus), Birmingham or Manchester airport (Pegasus).
The airport is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Check-in counters typically open 2 to 3 hours before the scheduled departure time.
The airport is of great importance to the local people. It was constructed because Atatürk International Airport, located on the European side, could not accommodate the growing demand for both domestic and international flights. It was the first privately operated airport in Turkey and serves the Anatolian side of Istanbul. The airport is a major hub for both domestic and international flights, providing the local people with easy access to travel. It also contributes to the local economy by providing job opportunities.
