Istanbul Airport is the city's main international airport, about 40 km north-north-west of the centre, and private jet charter at Istanbul Airport works through a new private terminal. Jetex iGA opened in May 2026, with an executive lounge, private suites and its own customs and immigration, 24 hours.
Four long parallel runways, up to 4,100 metres, take every jet size.
Landing slots are required and using a handling agent is compulsory, so Charter-A arranges both for you. Charter-A confirms the terminal, the slot and the handler with you at booking, and notes the alternatives for your route.
Flying privately to Istanbul Airport
Runway 17L/35R is 4,100 metres by 60 metres, with runways ranging from 3,060 to 4,100 metres, so all jet sizes are accepted. The Jetex iGA private terminal, which opened in May 2026, has an executive lounge, private suites and its own customs and immigration, 24 hours a day, and private passengers are normally handled there. Landing slots are required for private flights and using a handling agent is compulsory. Jetex iGA, ExecuJet / Bilen Air Services and Gözen Air are the listed handlers.
Istanbul airport guide
A one-page Charter-A information sheet to keep or pass to your driver: runway, hours, customs, handling and where to arrive.
Download the PDF (384 KB)Istanbul Airport at a glance
| Location | Tayakadın Mah. Terminal Cad. No:1, Arnavutköy, Istanbul, 34283 |
|---|---|
| Codes | ICAO LTFM · IATA IST |
| Region | Istanbul (European side), Turkey |
| Nearest city | Istanbul — Taksim Square about 68 min; Sultanahmet about 72 min (by car, no traffic) |
| Opening hours | Open 24 hours. |
| Customs & immigration | Yes – 24 hours |
| Runway | 17L/35R – 4,100 m × 60 m asphalt (four long parallel runways plus a fifth of 3,060 m) |
| Private jets | Yes — all jet sizes; runways 3,060–4,100 m |
| Handling / FBO | Jetex iGA · ExecuJet / Bilen Air Services · Gözen Air |
| Private terminal | Jetex iGA private terminal (opened May 2026): executive lounge, private suites, its own customs and immigration, 24/7. Address: Vecihi Hürkuş Caddesi 2/9, Tayakadın, Arnavutköy. |
| Prior permission | Required (PPR) — Charter-A arranges this for every flight |
| Airport website | istairport.com |
Details checked 30 September 2026 against the airport’s own published information (dhmi.gov.tr, jetex.com, jetexiga.com, execujet.com). Hours, customs and handling are reconfirmed for every flight at booking.
Why fly to Istanbul
Istanbul spans two continents, with the old city of Sultanahmet, the Bosphorus and the business districts. By car from the airport, Taksim Square is about 68 minutes and Sultanahmet about 72 minutes, with no traffic. Atatürk and Sabiha Gökçen are closer to the city centre, which matters if drive time decides the choice.
Private jet flight times to Istanbul Airport
| From | Distance | Light jet | Midsize or heavy jet |
|---|---|---|---|
| London | 1,330 nm · 2,470 km | 4 hr 05 min | 3 hr 25 min |
| Manchester | 1,440 nm · 2,670 km | 4 hr 20 min | 3 hr 40 min |
| Edinburgh | 1,525 nm · 2,830 km | 4 hr 35 min | 3 hr 55 min |
| Paris | 1,200 nm · 2,220 km | 3 hr 40 min | 3 hr 05 min |
| Geneva | 1,020 nm · 1,890 km | 3 hr 10 min | 2 hr 40 min |
| Nice | 960 nm · 1,780 km | 3 hr | 2 hr 30 min |
Approximate airborne times in still air, worked out from the great-circle distance. Routing, winds and the aircraft chosen change them on the day; your quote gives the planned time for your flight.
Which aircraft?
From London, Istanbul Airport is a sector of about 1,330 nautical miles. Midsize jets and super midsize jets fly it non-stop; smaller jets may add a fuel stop. Heavy jets suit larger groups. Non-stop range always depends on passengers, baggage and the winds on the day.
Istanbul Airport: your questions answered
Does Istanbul Airport have a private jet terminal?
Yes. The Jetex iGA private terminal, opened in May 2026, has an executive lounge, private suites and its own customs and immigration, 24 hours a day.
How far is Istanbul Airport from Taksim?
About 68 minutes by car with no traffic. Sultanahmet is about 72 minutes. Atatürk and Sabiha Gökçen are closer to the centre. Charter-A can compare the three for you.
Do private flights need a slot at Istanbul Airport?
Yes, landing slots are required for private flights, and using a handling agent is compulsory. Charter-A arranges both. Charter-A arranges the handling as part of the booking.
Is Istanbul Airport open 24 hours?
Yes. Charter-A confirms the detail for your flight at booking.
How long is the flight from London to Istanbul Airport by private jet?
About 4 hr 05 min in a light jet and 3 hr 25 min in a midsize or heavy jet, over roughly 1,330 nautical miles. These are approximate airborne times; routing and winds change them on the day.
Is there an airport guide for Istanbul Airport I can download?
Yes. Charter-A’s airport information sheet for Istanbul Airport is free to download from this page as a PDF. It sets out the runway, opening hours, customs, handling agents and where to arrive for a private flight.
Planning a private flight
- How much does it cost to charter a private jet?
- How much notice do you need to charter a private jet?
- How early do you arrive for a private jet, and is there security?
- Which size of private jet do I need?
- How much luggage can you take on a private jet?
- Can I take my dog on a private jet?
Private jet airports near Istanbul Airport
- Private jet Istanbul Atatürk LTBA · 21 miles
- Private jet Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen LTFJ · 40 miles
- Private jet Çorlu LTBU · 43 miles
- Private jet Burgas LBBG · 109 miles
- Private jet Varna LBWN · 143 miles
- Private jet Mytilene LGMT · 190 miles
All Istanbul private jet airports · All private jet airports in Turkey · All destinations