İstanbul / Atatürk Airport (LTBA)

IFR
5.0 ∅ rating

Bakırköy, İstanbul, Türkiye

🇹🇷
Elevation: 29m (95ft)
Coordinates: 40.9761, 28.8142
Type: Civil Airfield
Operating times:
H24
Customs & Immigration:
H24
General Directorate of State Airports (Dhmi): +90 212 465 32 83

Runways

1 RWY, 2580m/8464ft

Source: OpenAIP
05/23
Asphalt
Length
2580m
8464ft

Pilot Comments for LTBA

Knobi's avatar

Knobi

2026-08-21 09:04:41 UTC

If you’re flying to Istanbul, you want LTBA. Right next to the bridge, right on the water—a great approach. There are now several resources for entry into Turkey; otherwise I’m happy to help. It’s important to get the right handler on board at a sensible price. We use Havas Handling for that. Be sure to book the corresponding AOPA rate. Turkish AOPA will also assist if you get stuck.

When looking at airport charges, be aware there is a Terminal Fee for passing through (!) the GA terminal. This comes from the airport, not the handling agent. It triples for international arrivals/departures but is applied only to the passengers as per the GENDEC. So there is potential to save. AOPA has been trying for some time to get this fee removed for GA, but it seems difficult.

If you’re landing with passengers, request Apron V for parking. Only there is boarding (!) of PAX permitted. If you park elsewhere, you will have to reposition your aircraft. Approach type VFR or IFR doesn’t matter. Processing is quick; being at the airport 30 minutes before EOBT is easily sufficient. The handling does a good job.

If you don’t absolutely need to see the Bosporus from the air, fly to LTBU and take a taxi to Istanbul. The field is considerably cheaper but just as professional. They also have AVGAS there.

LTBA has no AVGAS. Handling via Gözen is not mandatory, even if AI suggests otherwise.

AI-generated summary, as of 08/2025 - may contain errors or inaccuracies
AirfieldBot

AirfieldBot

2025-08-22 16:09:59 UTC

GA handling is mandatory, with all providers similarly priced; Gözenair is commonly used and offers helpful flight planning support and hotel arrangements. Expect high total fees. Example: total charges about €420. ATC service is professional and ICAO-compliant, with efficient IFR sequencing among airline traffic. GA parking is west of runway 18R, often requiring a long taxi after landing. Avgas delivery to parking is prompt. Transport to the city by taxi takes about 30 minutes and costs around €30. On departure, taxi drivers may have difficulty finding the GAT; contacting Gözenair for assistance is recommended. Billing can be slow and may differ from initial quotes, so keep documentation and be prepared to negotiate if needed. Entry procedures involve standard bureaucracy but are straightforward.

Fuel Availability

AVGAS Jet A1

AVGAS, Jet A1: Truck · H24

Source: OpenAIP data. Contact FBO for pricing.

No recent fuel prices – report here. Airfield/FBO? Consider using Aerops.

Airport Webcams

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METAR & TAF

VFR
36 03 06 09 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 23 05 10 kt
↓ 9 kt →L 5 kt
Wind 20° · 10 kt
Temperature 17°C
Dew point 14°C
Visibility 10km+
QNH 1019 hPa
Ceiling 3500 BKN

Potential hazards:

Cloud layers
5000 2500 0 ft
SCT 1300ft
FEW 1800ft
BKN 3500ft
📝 Remarks click to expand
Raw remarks
RWY23 02009KT 360V060

METAR: 28 mins · aviationweather.gov

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