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İstanbul Atatürk Airport (ISL/LTBA) in Bakırköy, Istanbul, opened in 1912 and served as the city's primary international gateway for decades. Named after Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, it was Turkish Airlines' main hub until commercial passenger flights moved to Istanbul Airport (IST) in 2019. Today it remains active for cargo, VIP, general aviation, flight training, and events, with parts of the site converted into a large public park.
💡 Local Tip
Frequent visitors know the former airport grounds now include a large public park and event space; it's a quiet spot for plane-spotting and picnics, but always verify your flight's actual airport because most commercial departures use IST.
🚖 Getting There
Use the M1A metro from central Istanbul (Yenikapı) to Atatürk Havalimanı station, then walk or take a short taxi to your specific facility. Taxis and İETT buses are available, but traffic on the D100/E5 can be heavy, so allow extra time. If you are catching a commercial flight, confirm whether you need Istanbul Airport (IST) instead, as ISL no longer serves regular passenger routes.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is İstanbul Atatürk Airport still open for passenger flights?
A: No. Commercial passenger flights moved to Istanbul Airport (IST) in April 2019; ISL now mainly handles cargo, VIP, general aviation, and maintenance flights.
Q: What is the difference between ISL and IST?
A: ISL is the IATA code now associated with Atatürk Airport, while IST is the code for the newer Istanbul Airport, which handles nearly all commercial passenger traffic.
Q: How do I get to Atatürk Airport by public transport?
A: The M1A metro line connects Yenikapı to the Atatürk Havalimanı station; İETT buses and taxis also serve the area, though schedules may be limited compared to the old passenger era.
Q: Can I visit the old terminal or runways?
A: The terminal is generally not open for public tours, but the surrounding Atatürk Airport Nation's Garden and some event areas may be accessible; check local event schedules.
AI-generated content · Generated Sep 28, 2026 · deepseek-v4.1-flash