Turkish Airlines has completed its transition move to the new Istanbul Airport with more than 96% complete. The airline is beginning a new era in its new home, which will create a new centre within the global aviation world, providing flights to more than 350 destinations.
The new airport, with three runways, will have an initial annual passenger capacity of 90 million, growing to an overall capacity of 200 million, on six runways, when all phases of this massive structural development are completed. The new airport will retain the ICAO three-letter code of IST.
The first new terminal has three separate lounges: Business, members of the airline’s Miles & Smiles frequent flyer programme, plus two special assisted lounges.
The new airport is now the world’s largest airport under one roof, with 500 check-in desks, 143 boarding bridges, 52,550 sq m of Duty Free facilities, and 550 aircraft parking positions. There are also 40,000 car parking spaces available on the site.
The ‘Great Move’ was the biggest Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer in aviation history, similar to the Munich Airport transition of many years ago. The move comprised 3,00o trucks transporting more than 10,000 pieces of airport equipment.
Special Business Class counters are provided away from the terminal’s congestion. During the brief check-in process, bags are tagged with special Business Class priority tags and, along with your boarding pass, an invitation to visit one of the Turkish Airlines’ VIP lounges. Business Class passengers are allowed to use special, separate passport control kiosks for departure formalities and then on to special boarding access.
Business Class passengers are allowed 40kg of free checked-in luggage plus two carry-on bags.
While the old airport had an award-winning lounge, regarded by many as one of the best in the world, the new airport has a number of lounges.
Currently two international lounges are open:
- The Turkish Business Lounge is open to all Turkish Airlines Business Class and Star Alliance Business Class passengers. The entrance to the lounge is located near gate E1 and no guests are allowed.
- The Turkish Miles & Smiles Lounge is open to Miles & Smiles Elite and Elite Plus customers, as well as all Star Alliance Gold members. The entrance to the lounge is located near gate C1, and each person is allowed one guest.
Cabin crew new uniforms
Turkish Airlines departs 14 times a week from Dublin’s Terminal 1 to the new Istanbul Airport and beyond to more than 311 destinations in 124 countries worldwide. It has the fourth largest network and more international destinations than any other airline in the world. To support this extensive network, Turkish Airlines has a modern fleet of 336 aircraft (passenger and cargo).
A 4-star airline, Turkish Airlines prides itself on its level of service quality, which has been recognised with numerous Skytrax Passenger Choice Awards. The full-service airline offers flying chefs, in-flight entertainments with 337+ movies, 414 TV series, 756 albums, 17 games, cartoon movies, etc. Wi-fi and Live TV also available onboard.
- Round trip Economy Class fares for Dublin to Istanbul start from €325, including taxes, with return Business Class starting from €1,035, including taxes.
- Baggage allowance in Economy Class is 23kg + 8kg for hand luggage, and in Business Class 40kg + 8kg x 2 for hand luggage.
Business Class on the new A 321 neo,which is one of the aircraft on the Dublin flights.
Turkish Airlines has announced that it will commence a new three per week service to Bali beginning in July.
