⏰ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic → Domestic
40
minutes
Domestic → International
75
minutes
International → Domestic
75
minutes
International → International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
🏢 Terminal Information
Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) operates a single main terminal for both domestic and international flights. The terminal complex includes extensive processing and retail facilities such as 128 check-in and online check-in counters, 74 passport counters, a 4,500 sq m duty-free area, and a 5,000 sq m food court, along with VIP/CIP lounges.
The terminal was built to handle roughly 25 million passengers annually, and its layout combines commercial areas, lounges, and airside processing within one integrated building. This design supports high-volume traffic at Istanbul's secondary hub.
In December 2025, Terminal 1 reopened after a major renovation and was physically integrated with Terminal 2 via a 240-meter connection bridge. The combined indoor area reached about 265,000 sq m, expanding capacity and passenger comfort as part of ongoing modernization.
🔄 Connection Tips
Busy during peak periods, allow extra time for passport control and connections, as Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen serves as Turkey's second-largest airport with integrated terminals handling 25 million annual passengers and extensive processing facilities including 128 check-in counters and 74 passport control positions. Seasonal weather patterns moderately impact flight operations, with winter bringing potential snow and ice conditions, summer heat creating afternoon thunderstorms, and spring and fall generally providing optimal flying conditions for this busy international hub. Local aviation services include extensive aircraft maintenance facilities capable of servicing wide-body international aircraft, comprehensive cargo operations, flight training programs, and charter services supporting Turkey's position as a regional aviation hub.
The facility maintains flexible scheduling to accommodate weather-related delays common in the Marmara region, where winter storms, summer thunderstorms, and occasional fog can impact operations at this major European-Asian aviation crossroads. The airport's strategic location serves Istanbul's Asian side and functions as Pegasus Airlines' primary hub, connecting Turkey to Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East while serving as an important alternative to Istanbul Airport for budget and regional carriers.
Ground transportation is excellent with Metro line M4 providing direct city connections useful during layovers, plus comprehensive bus services, taxi stands, and rental car facilities connecting to both European and Asian sides of Istanbul across the Bosphorus. Emergency services and medical evacuation capabilities are comprehensive with coordination to Istanbul's world-class medical facilities, while the airport maintains specialized emergency response capabilities for high-volume international operations.
⏰ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic → Domestic
40
minutes
Domestic → International
75
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
🏢 Terminal Information
Adana Şakirpaşa Airport (ADA), with ICAO code LTAF, located in Adana, Turkey, has transitioned its primary role. As of August 10, 2024, all commercial airline passenger flights have ceased operations at this airport and have been relocated to the newly opened Çukurova International Airport. Consequently, the previous domestic and international terminals are no longer used for scheduled commercial passenger services. Adana Şakirpaşa Airport now primarily serves general aviation, private travel, pilot training, and air sports. The facilities, while historically designed for commercial passenger flow, are now adapted to support these non-commercial aviation activities.
The infrastructure at Adana Şakirpaşa, once a bustling commercial hub, now accommodates its general aviation focus. This includes maintenance facilities for smaller aircraft, hangars for private planes, and specialized areas for flight schools and air sports enthusiasts. While the terminal buildings remain, their purpose has shifted from high-volume passenger processing to supporting the technical and logistical needs of general aviation operations. Signage and services are now geared towards pilots, aircraft owners, and those involved in aviation training rather than the general public seeking commercial flights.
Security protocols at ADA are now tailored to general aviation standards, differing from the more stringent requirements of commercial passenger airports. Access control remains important for aircraft safety and operational security, but the extensive passenger screening procedures seen at commercial airports are no longer in place. Any basic amenities that remain are primarily for the convenience of general aviation users. Customs and immigration facilities, if still present, would be for specialized international general aviation flights only, requiring prior arrangement.
🔄 Connection Tips
Adana Şakirpaşa Airport ceased all commercial passenger operations on August 11, 2024, with all flights permanently transferred to the newly inaugurated Çukurova International Airport (COV) located 35 kilometers west in Tarsus district, Mersin Province. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan opened the modern 110,051-square-meter terminal designed for 9 million annual passengers, replacing the capacity-constrained urban airport that had operated near its 6.5 million passenger limit with no room for expansion due to its central city location just 5 kilometers from downtown Adana.
Commercial aviation connections now exclusively operate through Çukurova International Airport serving both Adana and Mersin provinces, with Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, SunExpress, and international carriers providing domestic connections to Istanbul, Ankara, and İzmir, plus international services to European and Middle Eastern destinations. The massive transition involved transferring 250 pieces of equipment using 80 trucks and 275 personnel completed in just 4 hours, well ahead of the planned 12-hour timeline, with the new airport recording 1,917,538 passengers from August to December 2024 and over 30,000 aircraft movements in its first operational year.
Ground transportation to COV includes Havaş shuttle services connecting the airport to Adana and Mersin city centers, while the former Şakirpaşa Airport now exclusively serves general aviation, private aircraft, pilot training, and air sports activities. Travelers should note the significantly increased travel time from Adana center (35 km to COV versus the former 5 km to ADA) and verify departure airports carefully when booking, as the old centrally-located facility no longer handles any commercial passenger services. The transition represents Turkey's largest airport infrastructure upgrade in the Mediterranean region, supporting the growing Çukurova economic zone with modern aviation facilities designed for future expansion and international connectivity.
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