Istanbul Airport

We didn't connect thru the Istanbul Airport, just flew into Istanbul. It is a huge airport, we walked and walked. Hopefully your flights are connected on one ticket? If not, it seems pretty risky to me. In theory, almost three hours would do it, but what if your flight is late?

If your domestic flight is on time, you should have enough time. But nobody’s able to predict whether that’s going to land on schedule.

I don’t know if I would risk it. I would probably change my flight to the next day and plan on spending the night there. But regardless, at the very least, be prepared just in case that’s what you have to do.

Is this one ticket?

We connected in Istanbul but both were international flights as we were flying to Athens via Istanbul. We did have to change terminals. We had 90 minutes and had enough time to use the bathroom and buy a coke.

My colleague from Turkey told me it is the largest airport in Europe.

welcome to the forum maryanne.storey If your flights are all on one ticket then you are probably ok, as long as your domestic flight is on time. Planes at IST can taxi for 20 minutes to a gate. If you check luggage make sure you see the tag and that it is checked through to your final destination. As noted by others, you will want to prepare a contingency plan and familiarize yourself with the airport ahead of time. Check to see where the domestic and international flights typically arrive/depart so you can plan your route. Also do a bit of research on airport hotels and alternative flights back home. Best case you won't need any of that info but it would certainly be very helpful if you have it prepared ahead of time.

I have been to the Istanbul Airport several times in the last two years. Due to the war they are not as crowded this year. I returned recently on May 5th. The distance between gates is long, even using the moving travelator. Assume minimum of 40 minutes walking quickly between domestic and international. Landing time is not the same as gate arrival time. What if they transport you from the plane by bus to the gate? Add more time.
What I did see, but did not use, was a buggy system, which drove you between gates. It had a little telephone to connect you at the stops. Check this out. Free for seniors, expectant mothers and families with babies.
Domestic area pick up Gates G5-6 and opposite Gate 10.
International departures across from Gates C1: D1 and E1 as well as information desk for Gate G.
I see it is possible to buy this meet and greet service if you don’t qualify for the free buggy ride. .Try the Istanbul Airport App.

Given a choice, stay the extra day in Istanbul. I hear they are building a new Hilton at the airport.