Message for U.S. Citizens: Transition to Istanbul’s New International Airport (March 22, 2019)

Message for U.S. Citizens:  Transition to Istanbul’s New International Airport (March 22, 2019)

Location:  Istanbul, Turkey

Event:  The Istanbul Airport operating authority has announced that between April 5-7, 2019, all domestic and international commercial flights will transfer from Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport to the new Istanbul Airport.  Both airports are scheduled to cease operations temporarily during the transition period, potentially resulting in flight delays and cancellations.  Amenities in the new airport’s vicinity, such as hotels and public transportation, are currently limited.  The distance between the two airports is approximately 26 miles and travel between them may require anywhere from 40 minutes to two hours during rush hour.

Actions to Take:

  • Monitor your flight details carefully.
  • Plan to arrive at the Istanbul Airport well in advance.  Turkish Airlines recommends arriving 3 hours early for international flights.
  • Contact your airline for the latest updates regarding the transition.

Assistance: 

U.S. Consulate General, Istanbul
+90-212-335-9000
https://tr.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/istanbul/

U.S. Embassy, Ankara
+90-312-455-5555
https://tr.usembassy.gov

U.S. Consulate, Adana
+90-322-455-4100
https://tr.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/adana/

U.S. Consular Agency, Izmir
Izmir@state.gov

State Department – Consular Affairs:
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444

Turkey’s Country Page
Turkey’s Travel Advisory

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