Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (IATA: SAW) is one of Istanbul’s two main airports, located on the Asian side of the city in the Pendik district. Named after Sabiha Gökçen, the world’s first female fighter pilot and Turkey’s first aviator, the airport serves as a vital hub for domestic and international flights, particularly for low-cost carriers.
Features:
- Location:
- Approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) southeast of Istanbul’s city center.
- Strategically positioned to serve Istanbul’s rapidly growing population and as a secondary airport to Istanbul Airport (IST).
- Terminals:
- Single Integrated Terminal:
- Handles both domestic and international flights.
- Features separate sections for check-in, immigration, and boarding, ensuring efficient passenger flow.
- Modern facilities include lounges, shopping areas, and dining options.
- Single Integrated Terminal:
- Runways:
- Sabiha Gökçen has two runways capable of handling large aircraft, with further expansions planned to accommodate increasing passenger traffic.
Passenger Traffic:
- One of Turkey’s busiest airports, serving over 30 million passengers annually.
- A hub for Pegasus Airlines and a major base for AnadoluJet, along with numerous other international airlines.