Top 10 passenger experience initiatives at Istanbul Airport

Credit: International Airport Review

Upon entering the atrium of Istanbul Airport, visitors are able to bask in natural light in an open and modern space; they have designed passenger flow systems making it easy to navigate around the airport. However, there are several more unusual features that considerably improve the customer’s encounter. I couldn’t help but wonder, is Istanbul Airport the leader of passenger experience? Read on to discover the top 10 passenger experience initiatives at Istanbul Airport.

Credit: Murat Germen 2018

1. Istanbul Airport’s library space

Istanbul Airport has a designated reading section in their terminals, open to both employees and visitors. Guests can browse and have the choice of over 2,000 books of various genres. Open from 7am to 11pm each day in the domestic terminal area, this project was part of a collaboration between the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Istanbul Technical University, promoting reading and literature in iGA’s space.

2. ‘Türkiye’s Treasures’

For customers who desire a dose of culture while waiting for their flight, Istanbul’s exclusive exhibition and museum is a must-see. Currently, the curated collection consists of 316 works, loaned from 29 different museums across the globe, in a celebration of Turkish culture. The airport museum is a sizable space, 1,000 square metres, and is open to visitors in the International Departures Lounge.

3. TV lounges

In addition to reading, travellers can sit back and relax in three separate TV areas. One is located in the international terminal, across flight gate AG1, another in the same terminal but across flight gate A1 and the last one in Area B across from Starbucks, allowing passengers to grab a quick coffee before putting their feet up.

4. Sleep pods

For those who face early starts and late nights when travelling, sometimes only a quick nap will do to recharge before a trip. Istanbul Airport has the right answer. They offer 44 sleeping cabins with additional pillows and blankets available for purchase for passengers who desire some shut-eye. Located in the quietest areas of the airport, customers can pay €10 for a cabin between the hours of 7am and 7pm and €15 euros for the remaining 12 hours of the day.

5. ‘Very Special Guest’ rooms

Istanbul Airport have taken measures to ensure that their space is accessible to everyone. Travelling can be stressful at times, with security procedures, delays and crowds. In order to create some calm amongst the storm, iGA have some ‘Very Special Guest’ rooms, available to those who are neurodivergent. These are quiet, safe spaces with specially designed lighting settings and various tactility features. Passengers can apply for a pass to these spaces before starting their journey, which would allow them to spend time in the designated spaces after security and before boarding.

Credit: International Airport Review

6. Youth lounge

A passenger experience innovation Istanbul have included is a designated ‘youth lounge’. Available for passengers between the ages of 15 and 30, the space offers comfy chairs, gaming facilities, coffee and snacks and graphic novels. Guests have up to four hours of free Wi-Fi, with various charging points for personal devices.

Credit: International Airport Review

7. Spa facilities

For those looking to relax before their flight, Istanbul Airport have included several facilities that offer spa treatments. In addition to a full spa centre in the airport, there are three ‘Xpress spas’, mini facilities that offer quick, relaxing treatments before passengers board their flight. For those looking to freshen up before their flight, showering facilities are available for €10.

8. Pharmacies

For travellers who are feeling a little under the weather, Istanbul Airport has three operational pharmacies for prescriptions or over-the-counter medicine. As well as being able to receive advice from a pharmacist, they offer free blood pressure checks to those over the age of 65. Likewise, they provide an avenue to get medication after passport control.

9. Pet friendly spaces

Istanbul Airport acknowledges that sometimes when travelling you need your best friend, even if they are canine or feline. To accommodate the particular needs for passengers’ pets, Istanbul Airport includes three pet relief rooms in the departures area of the terminals. Here, small grassy patches removed from the rest of the waiting areas are available for fluffy companions to stretch their legs. Not all airlines accept pets however, so it’s worth a check before booking!

10. ‘The Old Bazaar’

Ensure that you check out the offerings at the ‘Old Bazaar’. This marketplace, nestled within duty free, includes delicacies such as Baklava and Turkish coffee and is definitely worth a visit to pick up some last minute gifts or even to soak up the remaining culture before you depart. Celebrating local culture, passengers can browse other commodities, such as textiles, before boarding their flight.

Istanbul Airport is a blossoming ecosystem, offering a variety of experiences and facilities for travellers. Comment your favourite below!