Atatürk Havalimanı

Atatürk Havalimanı Istanbul: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Atatürk Havalimanı (Atatürk Airport), formerly Yeşilköy Airport, is a cornerstone of Istanbul’s aviation history and a symbol of Turkey’s modernization. While its era as the city’s main international airport ended in 2019 with the opening of the new Istanbul Airport, Atatürk Havalimanı remains central to Istanbul’s urban and cultural identity. Its expansive grounds are now being transformed into one of the world’s largest urban parks while continuing to serve as a hub for business aviation, cargo operations, and major cultural events.

This guide explores Atatürk Havalimanı’s historical evolution, its ongoing transformation, and practical information for visitors—including access details, event schedules, ticketing, and transportation. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, festival-goer, or simply curious about Istanbul’s landmarks, this article will help you plan your visit and appreciate Atatürk Havalimanı’s enduring significance.

For authoritative details and the latest updates, refer to sources such as Wikipedia, RevolverTech, and İstanbul İmar A.Ş..

Historical Overview
Early Development and Yeşilköy Era (1911–1985)
Transformation and Modernization (1985–2000)
Global Hub Years (2000–2019)
Transition to New Istanbul Airport (2018–2019)
Visiting Atatürk Havalimanı: Hours, Ticketing, and Access
Nearby Attractions
Atatürk Airport National Garden: Redevelopment and Future Plans
Contemporary Events and Cultural Significance
Facilities and Services for Business and General Aviation
Urban Redevelopment and Event Spaces
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Key Takeaways and Final Tips
Sources

Historical Overview

Early Development and Yeşilköy Era (1911–1985)

Atatürk Havalimanı began as Yeşilköy Airport, established in 1911 primarily for military use (Wikipedia). In 1925, the founding of the Turkish Aeronautical Association marked the transition to civil aviation, and by 1933, scheduled passenger flights connected Istanbul to Ankara and Athens. Yeşilköy Airport opened to international traffic in 1953, quickly becoming a vital hub for Turkey’s growing aviation sector (Istanbul Beautiful).

Transformation and Modernization (1985–2000)

In 1985, the airport was renamed Atatürk Havalimanı in honor of the Turkish Republic’s founder. The 1980s and 1990s brought extensive modernization, including new terminals and expanded runways. By the late 1990s, Atatürk was handling millions of passengers and adapting to the region’s increased air traffic (RevolverTech).

Global Hub Years (2000–2019)

The 2000s marked Atatürk Havalimanı’s golden age. With Turkish Airlines establishing extensive global routes, the airport became one of Europe’s busiest, handling over 60 million passengers annually by 2015 (Istanbul Beautiful). Its efficient design and modern amenities made it a model for regional air travel.

Transition to New Istanbul Airport (2018–2019)

By 2018, capacity constraints and congestion led to the construction of the new Istanbul Airport (IST). The transition was completed in April 2019, with all commercial flights moving to IST. Atatürk’s IATA code changed from IST to ISL, and the airport shifted focus to cargo, business aviation, and special events (Wikipedia; Fast Track Istanbul Airport).

Visiting Atatürk Havalimanı: Hours, Ticketing, and Access

Current Status

Atatürk Havalimanı no longer serves regular commercial passenger flights but remains active for private jets, state flights, and cargo. Public access is limited to scheduled events, cultural festivals, and the newly developing National Garden (Universal Weather).

Visiting Hours

Event-Based Access: The airport grounds are open to the public only during scheduled events (e.g., Etnospor Kültür Festivali). Typical event hours are from morning to evening; always check official event websites for precise timings (Etkinlife).
National Garden: The Atatürk Airport National Garden is under phased development. When open, it operates during daylight hours; check İstanbul İmar A.Ş. for updates.

Ticketing

Entry to most public festivals (like Etnospor) is free and does not require advance tickets.
Larger exhibitions, fairs, or special events may require tickets or registration; always consult the event organizer’s website before your visit.

Accessibility and Transportation

Location: In Yeşilköy, Bakırköy district, about 19 km from Taksim and 16 km from Sultanahmet.
Public Transport: Accessible via Istanbul Metro’s M1A line (Atatürk Havalimanı station), city buses, and taxis. For events, shuttle services may be available.
Parking: Ample parking is provided during events and for the National Garden.
Accessibility: Facilities are wheelchair accessible, and event organizers offer additional support where needed.

Nearby Attractions

Enhance your visit by exploring:

Yeşilköy Marina: Relax by the Marmara Sea with cafes and a seaside promenade.
Florya Atatürk Marine Mansion: A historic residence and museum.
Bakırköy District: Bustling markets, shopping, and local dining.
Central Istanbul: Quick access to landmarks like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Taksim Square.

Atatürk Airport National Garden: Redevelopment and Future Plans

Launched in 2022, the Atatürk Airport National Garden (“Millet Bahçesi”) aims to transform much of the airfield into one of the world’s largest urban parks, featuring over 132,000 trees, walking trails, and cultural spaces (Hurriyet Daily News). The project has faced legal and political challenges but continues to reshape the airport’s role in Istanbul’s urban life (İstanbul İmar A.Ş.).

Contemporary Events and Cultural Significance

Atatürk Havalimanı serves as a venue for major cultural events such as the Etnospor Kültür Festivali, which celebrates traditional sports, crafts, and family activities. These festivals are free, inclusive, and attract international audiences, solidifying the site’s continued importance in Istanbul’s cultural scene.

Facilities and Services for Business and General Aviation

Business Aviation: Atatürk Havalimanı is Istanbul’s leading airport for private jets and business flights, offering 24/7 operations, quick city access, and comprehensive ground handling (Universal Weather).
Cargo Operations: While most commercial cargo shifted to the new IST, specialized and urgent cargo flights still utilize Atatürk’s runways and facilities.
Support Services: Maintenance, catering, and ground logistics continue for authorized aviation users.

Urban Redevelopment and Event Spaces

Repurposed terminal buildings and hangars now host exhibitions, conventions, and large-scale events. The National Garden will offer recreational spaces, walking trails, and cultural programming, enhancing Istanbul’s green infrastructure (Hurriyet Daily News).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I visit Atatürk Havalimanı on any day?
No, public access is only permitted during scheduled events or when the National Garden is open. There are no daily visitor hours.

Do I need tickets for events?
Most public festivals are free; some exhibitions may require tickets or registration. Always check the event’s official site.

Is the site accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, the grounds and event facilities are wheelchair accessible, with additional support during major events.