Atatürk International Airport

Continent: Europe Country: Turkey
Atatürk International Airport
Location Istanbul, Turkey
IATA code IST
ICAO code LTBA
Airport type Commercial
Website http://www.ataturkairport.com/eng/
Overview map Google Maps
Communications
Tower 118.1 121.8
Ground 121.8 121.9
Clearance 121.7
Approach 126.4 120.5 121.1 NORTH 120.5, SOUTH 121.1
ATIS 128.2

Istanbul has three runways in open V style. If the wind is from north 80 percent of traffic uses runway 05 for landing and 35L/R for departures. In this configuration, private jets mostly lands runway 35L; they vacate the runway at the end for the general aviation area.

35L/R Take-Off, 05 Landing configuration:
For this configuration there are two popular spotting areas. Sun is on the east side at morning hours so IBB Florya municipal park is the most convenient place. It’s located at the sea side of runway 05 approach. For afternoon ‘Kelesoglu’ business centre is available, at this building there is a small balcony at 3rd floor. It’s in the buildings common use area. ‘Tarkim flight school’ also uses the third floor, so it’s easy to find that building.

17L/R Take-off , 23 Landing configuration:
When the wind is from south, Take-offs on runway 17L/R landings are on runway 23. Kelesoglu building is useful for take-offs, but for landings there is no good place. The APlus shopping centre and roads around at Atakoy might be useful for 23 landings.

How to get there:

  • To get to IBB Florya park, from Ataturk airport, best and fastest way is take a taxi.
  • To get to Kelesoglu Building, take a taxi to Flyinn shopping centre at Florya, the building is the second next building facing airport and you may look for big name *plate at the buildings.

Be careful about airport taxis, many do not like short distance passengers.

Official Spotting Locations

Atatürk Airport has no official viewing areas.

Other Spotting Locations

Aerodrome Road

Near aerodrome road seaside, you can see aircraft on approach to runways 05 and 35.

Flyinn Shopping Mall

The apron is visible from Flyinn Shopping Mall. You can see runways 35L-35R and the apron.

Tarkim Flight Academy

You can get takeoff photos of runway 35R-35L and 17R from the Tarkim Flight Academy terrace.

Tarkim Flight Academy
All weekdays
08:00 - 18:00
Google Earth coordinates 40°58'26.72"N, 28°48'17.03"

  • JetPhotos.net sample photo: large - Tarkim Spotting Location
  • JetPhotos.net sample photo: large - Tarkim Spotting Location
  • JetPhotos.net sample photo: large - 05 Approach
  • JetPhotos.net sample photo: large - 05 Approach
  • JetPhotos.net sample photo: large - 05 Approach seaside

Locations to Avoid

Regular Traffic

Facilities and Transportation