Once a bustling hub for international travel, Istanbul Ataturk Airport was officially closed to all commercial passenger flights in April 2019, with operations transferring to the new Istanbul Airport (IST). Though no longer serving millions of passengers, the airport still holds historical significance and continues to be used for cargo and private jet operations. In the near future, Ataturk Airport will also be transformed into the Ataturk Airport National Garden, adding an exciting new chapter to its legacy. In this article, we’ll explore the airport’s history, current use, and future developments.
Fast Facts
- Istanbul Ataturk Airport closed to commercial flights in April 2019, with all passenger services transferred to the new Istanbul Airport (IST).
- The airport remains operational for private jets, VIP flights, and some cargo services, while a portion of the site is still active for aviation.
- The majority of the airport will be transformed into the Ataturk Airport National Garden, a massive green space with over 132,500 trees.
- Istanbul Airport (IST) now serves as Turkey’s main aviation hub, handling both international and domestic flights.
- Ataturk Airport’s historical significance remains intact, but it will primarily serve non-commercial aviation and offer public recreational areas.
History of Ataturk Airport
Located on the west of central Istanbul, in the Yesilkoy neighborhood of the Bakirkoy district, about 19 km. from Taksim and about 16 km. from Sultanahmet, the Istanbul Ataturk Airport has a long and storied history. Originally opened in 1933 as Yeşilköy Airport, it was renamed in the 1980s in honor of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey.
Over the years, Ataturk became Turkey’s main international gateway, connecting the country to global destinations and playing a critical role as a hub for Turkish Airlines. By 2015, it was one of the busiest airports in the world, handling over 60 million passengers annually.
However, as Istanbul’s air traffic increased, the airport reached its capacity. This led to the construction of the new Istanbul Airport (IST), which officially took over all commercial flights in April 2019. The final commercial flight from Ataturk Airport departed for Singapore on April 6, 2019, marking the end of an era for one of the world’s busiest airports.
Current Use of Ataturk Airport
While Ataturk Airport no longer handles commercial flights, it remains active in other aviation sectors. The airport is still operational for private jets, state flights, and cargo operations, although Turkish Cargo relocated to Istanbul Airport in early 2022.
Additionally, Ataturk plays a minor but significant role as a hub for VIP flights, serving government officials and other special delegations.
Despite the closure of its passenger terminals, Ataturk Airport is strategically used for non-commercial aviation needs, maintaining its relevance in Turkey’s aviation landscape.
Plans are also in place to keep one of the runways operational for selected flights, further solidifying its ongoing, though reduced, role in the aviation industry.
The Future: Ataturk Airport National Garden
In a major transformation, the grounds of Ataturk Airport are set to become one of Istanbul’s largest urban parks—the Ataturk Airport National Garden. This ambitious project is part of Turkey’s broader urban planning initiative, aimed at increasing green spaces in major cities.
The new park will cover one of the airport’s former runways, which will be repurposed for public recreational use, including walking paths, gardens, and cultural venues.
Over 132,500 trees will be planted, making the park a vital green lung for Istanbul. While most of the airport will be converted into a park, one runway will remain in operation for private jets and other specialized aviation activities.
The creation of the Ataturk Airport National Garden symbolizes the city’s move towards sustainability and better urban planning while preserving the legacy of one of Turkey’s most iconic airports.
FAQs
What happened to Istanbul Ataturk Airport?
Istanbul Ataturk Airport officially closed to all commercial passenger flights in April 2019, with all operations transferring to the new Istanbul Airport (IST). While commercial flights no longer operate, Ataturk Airport still supports private jets and cargo operations, with plans to transform parts of the site into a national park.
Why did Istanbul Ataturk Airport close to commercial flights?
Ataturk Airport closed because it could no longer handle the increasing demand for air traffic in Istanbul. The newly constructed Istanbul Airport (IST) offers significantly more capacity, which allowed all commercial flights to be transferred, ensuring a better infrastructure for international and domestic passengers.
Is Istanbul Ataturk Airport still in use?
Yes, although no longer serving commercial passenger flights, Ataturk Airport is still operational for private jets, VIP flights, and some cargo services. Additionally, one runway remains in use, with the rest of the area being transformed into a National Garden.
Where have the commercial flights from Ataturk Airport moved to?
All commercial flights that previously operated out of Ataturk Airport have been transferred to the new Istanbul Airport (IST), located northwest of the city. IST now serves as Turkey’s main international and domestic air travel hub.
What is the Ataturk Airport National Garden?
The Ataturk Airport National Garden is an upcoming urban park project that will transform the former airport grounds into one of Istanbul’s largest green spaces. It will include areas for recreation, walking paths, and green spaces, with over 132,500 trees to be planted on the site.
Who manages the new Istanbul Airport (IST)?
Istanbul Airport (IST) is managed by the Istanbul Grand Airport (IGA) consortium. This new airport, which replaced Ataturk Airport for commercial flights, is designed to handle up to 200 million passengers annually, making it one of the largest airports in the world.
What airlines used to operate at Ataturk Airport?
Turkish Airlines was the main carrier at Ataturk Airport, operating most of the international and domestic flights. Many other international airlines, including Lufthansa, Emirates, and British Airways, also operated regularly from the airport before its closure in 2019.
How far is the new Istanbul Airport from the city center compared to Ataturk Airport?
The new Istanbul Airport (IST) is located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of central Istanbul, compared to Ataturk Airport’s closer proximity of 24 kilometers (15 miles). Despite being farther, IST is connected by major highways and public transport options, ensuring efficient access.
Will Ataturk Airport fully close in the future?
Ataturk Airport will not fully close; instead, it will continue to serve private jets and special aviation operations. The majority of the airport will be converted into the Ataturk Airport National Garden, which is expected to become one of Istanbul’s largest parks, open to the public.