Airport Guide
Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)
Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)
Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) is the primary aviation hub for the Asian side of Istanbul, located approximately 32 km southeast of the city center. Named after the world’s first female fighter pilot, Sabiha Gökçen, it serves as the main base for low-cost carriers Pegasus Airlines and AJet. While it is the secondary airport to the massive Istanbul Airport (IST), SAW remains one of Europe's fastest-growing hubs, offering a modern single-terminal experience that efficiently handles over 45 million passengers annually. Its recent connection to the Istanbul Metro M4 line has significantly improved accessibility, making it a preferred choice for budget-conscious travelers and those staying on the city's Anatolian side.
SAW
Airport Code
Istanbul
City
Turkey
Country
GMT+3 (Europe/Istanbul)
Timezone
Flight Partners
Operating Airlines
Pegasus Airlines
Main hub airline, serving over 100 destinations.
AJet
Low-cost subsidiary of Turkish Airlines with extensive domestic reach.
Qatar Airways
Connects SAW to Doha and beyond.
Flydubai
Frequent connections to the UAE.
Flight Connections
Popular Routes
SAW to London (Stansted/Gatwick)
Multiple daily flights via Pegasus
SAW to Antalya
Over 15 flights daily
SAW to Dubai
Daily direct flights
SAW to Ankara
Hourly shuttle-like service
Explore Nearby
Trending Places
Viaport Outlet Shopping
Travel time: 10 minutes
One of Turkey's largest open-air outlet centers with a theme park and cinema.
Pendik Marina
Travel time: 20 minutes
A scenic waterfront area with upscale restaurants and views of the Sea of Marmara.
Bagdat Avenue
Travel time: 40 minutes
Istanbul's premier high-street shopping destination on the Asian side.
Snapshot
Quick Facts
Airport Code
SAW
City
Istanbul
Country
Turkey
Timezone
GMT+3 (Europe/Istanbul)
Annual Passengers
48.4 Million (2025)
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sabiha Gökçen Airport on the Asian or European side?
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Sabiha Gökçen Airport is located on the Asian (Anatolian) side of Istanbul in the Pendik district.
How do I get from SAW to Taksim Square?
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The most convenient direct way is the Havabüs shuttle, which takes about 90 minutes. Alternatively, take the M4 Metro to Kadıköy and then a ferry or the Marmaray train to the European side.
Does the metro go to Sabiha Gökçen Airport?
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Yes, the M4 (Pink Line) metro connects the airport directly to Kadıköy and various points across the Asian side.
Are there sleep pods at SAW airport?
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Yes, the Kepler Club offers sleeping cabins and resting units in the international departures area.
How much time should I allow for an international flight at SAW?
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It is recommended to arrive at least 3 hours before your departure due to the multi-stage security checks and passport control.
Is there free Wi-Fi at Sabiha Gökçen?
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The airport provides limited free Wi-Fi (usually 30-60 minutes) via SMS verification. Lounges offer unlimited high-speed access.
Which airlines use SAW as their hub?
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Pegasus Airlines and AJet are the primary carriers that use Sabiha Gökçen as their main operational hub.
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