โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
40
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข 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.
๐ Connection Tips
Busy during peak periods, allow extra time for passport control and connections, as Istanbul Sabiha Gรถkรงen 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.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Hasan Polatkan Airport (AOE), formerly known as Anadolu Airport, holds a unique distinction as the world's first and only international airport operated by a university. Located directly on the campus of Eskiลehir Technical University (formerly Anadolu University) in Eskiลehir, Turkey, it serves as a major gateway for the Central Anatolia region. The airport's name honors Hasan Polatkan, a prominent Turkish politician and Eskiลehir native, reflecting its deep roots in the local community.
Established in 1989, the airport's primary mission was to support the educational and training needs of the university's Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics. It continues to be a premier site for flight training, air traffic control education, and aviation management studies. This dual-purpose nature allows students to gain hands-on experience in a fully operational international environment, while simultaneously providing high-quality air transport services to the general public and business travelers.
The airport is particularly well-known for its extensive international connectivity with Belgium, specifically Brussels and Ostend-Bruges. These routes are vital for the large 'Emirdaฤ' diaspora and their descendants living in Europe, who frequently return to the Eskiลehir region. During peak travel seasons, the airport sees a significant increase in traffic from charter and scheduled carriers such as TUI fly Belgium, SunExpress, and Corendon Airlines, making it one of the busiest regional airports in the Turkish interior.
Despite its academic setting, the passenger terminal is a modern and fully-equipped facility that meets all international aviation standards. Travelers have access to efficient check-in counters, comprehensive customs and immigration areas, and a variety of amenities including duty-free shops, cafรฉs, and restaurants. The terminal also features car rental agencies, comfortable waiting lounges, and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the building. Its integration with the city's transport network, including light rail and bus services, ensures that passengers can easily transition between the campus hub and the heart of Eskiลehir.
๐ Connection Tips
Hasan Polatkan Airport (AOE), formerly known as Anadolu Airport, is unique as the world's only international airport operated by a university. For travelers, 'connecting' at AOE is a straightforward process due to its focused single-terminal layout, which primarily serves the significant Turkish diaspora residing in Belgium. Most international passengers arrive or depart via direct links to Brussels International (BRU) and Ostend-Bruges (OST), operated by carriers such as TUI fly Belgium, SunExpress, and Corendon Airlines. If you are transiting between an international arrival and local ground transportation, allow at least 90 minutes to clear the thorough passport control and customs checks, which can experience peak volumes during the summer months when many European residents return to the Eskiลehir region.
Ground transportation is exceptionally convenient, as the airport is located directly on the Eskiลehir Technical University campus, just 5 to 7 kilometers from the city center. The journey to central hotels typically takes only 10 to 15 minutes by taxi. For a more economical connection, public bus lines 4 and 16 provide regular service between the terminal and the main city transport hubs. It is important to note that while the terminal offers modern amenities including cafรฉs and duty-free shops, the free high-speed Wi-Fi network typically requires a Turkish mobile number for SMS authentication.
If you do not have a local SIM, it is advisable to handle your digital flight arrangements before arriving at the airport. Please ensure that all your onward travel arrangements, including ground transport to your final destination, are confirmed well in advance. Our research indicates that regional transit in this area is highly weather-dependent and requires travelers to remain flexible with their schedules. Always confirm your flight status 24 hours prior to departure, carry your essential medications and critical documents in your hand baggage, and maintain open lines of communication with your local hosts or transport providers. By treating this airport segment as the foundation of your regional travel plan rather than the conclusion of your flight, you will find that it is a highly reliable gateway, provided you account for the unique pace of local transport and the seasonal variability of the local environment, which can often be unpredictable due to sudden meteorological shifts or technical logistics.
As an active training site for the Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics, commercial operations at AOE occur alongside educational flights. This creates a vibrant aviation environment but also means that security protocols are rigorous. Always arrive at least three hours before an international departure to ensure a smooth check-in process.
โ Back to Istanbul Sabiha Gรถkรงen International Airport