Istanbul Sabiha Gِkçen International Airport (SAW), located on the Asian side of the city, offers a functional and efficient experience for travellers, serving as a key hub for low-cost carriers like Pegasus Airlines and AnadoluJet. Situated 40 kilometres from Kadıköy and 50 kilometres from Taksim, the airport handles over 40 million passengers annually with a single terminal that accommodates both domestic and international flights. The terminal’s straightforward layout, with clear English signage and coloured floor lines, guides passengers from check-in to gates with ease. Arrivals are on the ground floor, while departures and check-in counters are on the upper level, ensuring a compact and manageable navigation experience. For those with mobility needs, accessible restrooms, lifts, and staff assistance are available with 48-hour advance notice, and wheelchairs can be requested at information desks near the terminal entrance.
Access to the airport is straightforward, with multiple transport options connecting to Istanbul’s key districts. The Havabus shuttle service, running from 3:30 am. to 1:00 am, provides a reliable link to Taksim and Kadıköy for approximately 102.50 Lira (£3.50), with air-conditioned buses equipped with free Wi-Fi. The M4 metro line, extended in 2022 to include the airport, offers a cost-effective journey from Kadıköy in about 45 minutes for around 17 Lira (£0.50) using an Istanbulkart, a reloadable travel pass available at airport vending machines.
Taxis, stationed outside the arrivals hall, cost around 550 Lira (£16) to Taksim, though fares may increase during heavy traffic. Car rental agencies like Hertz, Avis, and Sixt operate from the arrivals level, and the airport is easily reachable by car via the TEM highway. Drivers can choose from 4,800 open-air or covered parking spaces, with short-term options near the terminal.
The passenger experience at Sabiha Gِkçen is designed for convenience, though its high passenger volume can create challenges. Check-in counters, numbering over 100, open 2.5 hours before flights and close 40 minutes prior, but long queues may form during peak hours, particularly early mornings or weekends.
Security screening, with multiple checkpoints, averages 15 to 20 minutes, though waits can extend to an hour during busy periods. Travellers are advised to arrive at least three hours early to account for potential congestion. Free Wi-Fi is accessible via a personalised activation code from kiosks near the terminal entrance, and charging stations are available near seating areas and eateries, though they can be limited landside. Lounges like the Plaza Premium Bosphorus and Marmara, located near Gate 204, offer comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, and showers for around £40, accessible via Priority Pass or direct purchase. The Kepler Club provides similar amenities, including a children’s playroom, while the ISG Airport Hotel, steps from the terminal, offers hourly capsule rooms for rest.
Dining and retail options cater to a range of preferences, with over 30 eateries spread across landside and airside areas. Travellers can enjoy quick bites at Simit Sarayı or Starbucks, or opt for heartier meals at places like Popeyes or Turkish kebab outlets. Local specialities like simit are available for under £2, though some passengers note high prices, with a sandwich costing up to £25 in certain spots. Retail includes duty-free shops offering cosmetics, perfumes, and Turkish delights, alongside outlets like Victoria’s Secret and a small MPREIS market for travel essentials. Most shops and eateries operate from 5 am, with some open 24 hours.
On-time performance at Sabiha Gِkçen is generally solid, with most flights departing within 15 minutes of schedule, though its single runway and high traffic volume can lead to delays. Weather conditions, such as fog or strong winds, and gate changes, which are frequent, may disrupt schedules, so travellers should monitor flight statuses via the airport’s mobile app or information screens. For connections, the single-terminal design simplifies transfers, with minimum connection times of 40 minutes for domestic flights and 75 minutes for international routes. Fast-track lanes at security and immigration, available for business class passengers or ALLWAYS service users, reduce wait times for tight connections.
Potential delays often stem from the airport’s capacity constraints, as it handles more passengers than its original 25 million annual design, leading to crowded conditions during peak seasons. Traffic congestion en route to the airport, especially during rush hours, can also affect arrivals, so travellers should plan extra time. Despite these challenges, Sabiha Gِkçen’s modern facilities, accessible transport links, and practical amenities make it a convenient choice for those exploring Istanbul’s Asian side or connecting to regional destinations.
Pegasus
Pegasus Airlines check-in is in the international terminal, check-in hall (dynamic desks; self-service kiosks available). Bag drop opens 2 hours prior. Departures are most commonly from the international gates 1-30 (non-Schengen; dynamic, shown on screens ~30-45 minutes before departure).
Pegasus operates direct flights to Ireland (Dublin) from Sabiha Gökçen Airport’s single terminal. As the base airline, check-in is in the dedicated international area; self-service kiosks are prominent.Dedicated Pegasus counters 100-200 in international departures (rows for economy)
Check-in opens 3 hours before; closes 60 minutes prior for international. Online check-in 48 hours to 60 minutes before; self-service kiosks 20 hours prior. Bag drop after online; for Dublin, expect counters in the main hall. International gates 200-500 (300-400 for EU flights)
Gates displayed 45 minutes before; for Ireland, commonly 350-450. Boarding 30 minutes prior; gates close 20 minutes before. Mobile boarding pass accepted; use Pegasus app.
