Istanbul International Airport (IST)
Istanbul International Airport (IST)
Istanbul International Airport (IST) - A Global Aviation Centre
Overview of Istanbul International Airport (IST)
Istanbul International Airport (IST) is Turkey's largest and busiest airport and serves as a major global aviation hub. Located on the European side of Istanbul, approximately 35 km from the city centre, IST has rapidly become one of the world's most important air travel gateways since its opening in April 2019.
The airport is one of the largest in the world with its massive 76.5 million square metre terminal complex. Designed to serve 200 million passengers annually when completed, IST provides seamless connectivity to more than 300 destinations on six continents. It is the main hub of Turkish Airlines, which operates extensive international and domestic flights.
The highlights of Istanbul International Airport are as follows:
- State-of-the-art terminal with world-class facilities
- Effectivepassenger services, including fast immigration and security checks
- High-end brands and gourmet restaurants, luxuryshopping and dining
- Advancedbaggage handling system for fast baggage transfers
- Multipletransport options, including taxis, buses, private shuttles and Istanbul Metro (soon to be fully operational)
Knownfor its architectural elegance, sustainability features and seamless travel experience, Istanbul Airport is a preferred transit hub for international passengers.
Flights from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Ercan International Airport (ECN) in Northern Cyprus
Ercan International Airport (ECN) is the main airport of Northern Cyprus, located near Nicosia. Due tothe political situation in Cyprus, all flights to Ercan Airport are required to land in Turkey before continuing to Northern Cyprus.
Direct Flight Restrictions
There are no direct international flights to Ercan Airport from any country other than Turkey. All flights must transit through a Turkish airport, including Istanbul International Airport (IST ).
Airlines Operating IST - ECN Flights
Several airlines operate flights from Istanbul International Airport to Ercan Airport every day:
- Turkish Airlines - The national carrier operates multiple daily flights with high service quality.
- Pegasus Airlines - A low-cost airline providing affordable and frequent flights.
- AnadoluJet - A Turkish Airlines subsidiary offering budget-friendly flights.
Flight Duration
- Istanbul (IST) - Ercan (ECN): Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
- Transfers: Most flights are direct from Istanbul, but if you are travelling from another country, you will need to make a short layover in Istanbul.
Baggage Policies & Visa Requirements
- No visais required for Turkish citizens and residents of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
- Foreign travellers should check TRNC entry requirements before booking a flight.
- Baggage allowance varies depending on the airline and ticket class, so it is recommended to check directly with the airline.
Passengers flying fromIST to ECN enjoy a smooth, short flight with frequent daily schedules that make Northern Cyprus easily accessible.
Flights from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Southern Cyprus Airports (Larnaca & Paphos)
Southern Cyprus is home to two main international airports:
- Larnaca International Airport (LCA) - the largest airport located near the city of Larnaca and the primary gateway to Cyprus.
- Paphos International Airport (PFO) - a smaller airport serving mainly tourist destinations in western Cyprus.
Flight Restrictions and Travelling Considerations
- Direct flights between Istanbul (IST) and Larnaca (LCA) or Paphos (PFO)are not available due to the political division of Cyprus.
- Travellers from Turkeymust transit through anothercountry (such as Greece, the UK or Germany) to reach Cyprus.
- Turkish passport holders may require a Schengen visa or special visa from the Republic of Cyprus to enter the southern part of the island.
Popular Transit Routes from IST to LCA or PFO
As direct flights are not available, passengers can take connecting flights via major European cities such as
- Athens, Greece (ATH) - a common hub with daily flights to Larnaca and Paphos.
- London, United Kingdom (LHR, LGW, STN) - Various airlines offer IST-London-LCA/PFO routes.
- Frankfurt, Germany (FRA) - a major European hub with frequent flights to Cyprus.
- Rome, Italy (FCO ) - another option for connecting between Istanbul and Cyprus.
Airlines offering flights from IST to LCA/PFO via Transit Cities
Some airlines operating Istanbul - Larnaca/Pafos flights with connecting flights:
- Aegean Airlines (via Athens)
- Lufthansa (via Frankfurt)
- British Airways (via London)
- Turkish Airlines & Partner Airlines (via Schengen Area cities)
Travel Time and Costs
- Total journey time: Approximately5-10 hours, depending on the connection.
- Ticket prices vary by season and availability, but tend to be higher than Ercan (ECN) flights due to limited airline options.
Baggage and Visa Requirements
- EU citizens can enter Cyprus without a visa.
- Turkish citizens require aCyprus visa, which is subject to approval.
- Baggage policies depend on the airline and class of service selected.
Althoughtravelling from Istanbul (IST) to Cyprus (LCA or PFO) requires a transit stop, it remains a popular route for travellers from Turkey and other international destinations.
Comparison: Istanbul - North and South Cyprus Flights
Feature IST → Ercan (ECN) IST → Larnaca (LCA) / Paphos (PFO)
Direct Flights ✅ Yes (only via Turkey) ❌ No (requires a stopover)
Airlines Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, AnadoluJet Aegean, British Airways, Lufthansa (connecting)
Flight Duration ~1.5 hours 5-10 hours (with layover)
Visa for Turkish Citizens ❌ No visa required ✅ Visa required
Entry Restrictions Must transit through Turkey Requires EU/Schengen transit
Cost More affordable Overall higher
For Turkish travellers and those who prefer direct access, flying to Ercan Airport (ECN) is the easiest and most convenient choice. However, travellers wishing to visit Southern Cyprus will need a transit stop and appropriate visa arrangements.
Depending onthe purpose of travel- whether business, tourism or transit- passengers should choose the most convenient route from Istanbul International Airport (IST) to Cyprus for a smooth and hassle-free journey.
