Istanbul stands as THE strategic hub for transcontinental business aviation. As the world's only metropolis straddling two continents, the city combines economic power, cultural appeal and a unique geographic position bridging Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia.
The transformation of its private air infrastructure is redefining regional standards. The former Atatürk Airport, converted into Turkey's first 100% business aviation airport, now operates the GAT (General Aviation Terminal) with exceptional VIP facilities. Concurrently, the new Istanbul Airport will welcome the Jetex terminal in March 2026, a 15,000 sqm premium infrastructure integrating fast-track CIQ, private lounges and long-range aircraft parking. On the Asian shore, Sabiha Gökçen offers a strategic alternative via the ExecuJet FBO, preferred for Asia-Pacific destinations.
Our teams coordinate your entire arrival, from FBO contact to Bosphorus helicopter liaison if required.
Three business aviation infrastructures, one strategic routing
Atatürk Airport (LTBA/ISL) — Turkey's first 100% business aviation airport
Istanbul's former international airport, exclusively repurposed for business aviation since 2019, embodies Turkey's new business jet benchmark. Located 15 km west of the historic centre, Atatürk (IATA codes: ISL / ICAO: LTBA) operates the GAT (General Aviation Terminal), an 8,000 sqm premium infrastructure inaugurated in 2020.
The GAT hosts major operators: Celebi Aviation, MNG Jet (historic Turkish operator) and Istanbul Jet Center. The infrastructure features runways of 3,000 and 2,999 metres (ILS Cat II), dedicated control tower, and parking capacity for 100 simultaneous aircraft (from Citation CJ to Gulfstream G650). The VIP terminal integrates private lounges, fast-track CIQ (20 minutes average), 24/7 concierge and helicopter liaison to the Bosphorus.
Atatürk positions itself as the optimal gateway for the Levent-Maslak business district (15 minutes) and the historic old city (25 minutes).
Istanbul Airport (LTFM/IST) — International hub with Jetex terminal under construction
The new Istanbul Airport, inaugurated in 2018 as an international mega-hub (IATA codes: IST / ICAO: LTFM), is developing premium business aviation infrastructure via Jetex, scheduled to open in March 2026. Located 35 km northwest of the centre on the European shore, the airport temporarily receives private jets via provisional facilities.
The future Jetex terminal will span 15,000 sqm, integrating private lounges, fast-track CIQ, rest areas, gastronomic restaurants, and parking for long-range aircraft (Gulfstream G700, Bombardier Global 7500). The infrastructure will benefit from runways of 3,750 and 4,100 metres (ILS Cat III), next-generation control tower, and direct coordination with CIQ authorities to minimise arrival delays.
Before March 2026, private jets access provisional facilities with limited VIP capabilities. Istanbul Airport particularly suits intercontinental flights (Europe-Asia, Transatlantic, Middle East) and passengers prioritising proximity to northern business districts (Maslak, Sarıyer). The distance to the historic centre (45 minutes) and dense road traffic require rigorous logistical planning, which Artheau Aviation coordinates upstream.
Sabiha Gökçen (LTFJ/SAW) — Asian alternative with ExecuJet FBO
Located on the Asian shore, 35 km southeast of the Bosphorus, Sabiha Gökçen (IATA codes: SAW / ICAO: LTFJ) offers a strategic alternative preferred for Asia-Pacific destinations and passengers staying on the Asian side (Kadıköy, Üsküdar, Çamlıca districts). The airport hosts the ExecuJet FBO, a benchmark international operator.
The ExecuJet terminal deploys VIP lounges, fast-track CIQ, personalised handling and parking for medium and long-range aircraft. Both 3,000-metre runways (ILS Cat I) accommodate all business aircraft types, from Phenom 300 to Falcon 8X. The control tower efficiently coordinates movements, with premium slots available 24/7.
Sabiha Gökçen offers optimal access to the Asian shore's upscale residential districts, regional headquarters located in the Ümraniye business zone, and southern Bosphorus properties. The journey time to the historic European centre (45-60 minutes via Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge) requires precise logistical coordination, which our teams anticipate according to your schedule.
The airport operates 24/7 and maintains close coordination with Turkish CIQ authorities to minimise arrival delays. Seasonal weather conditions (autumnal Bosphorus fog, easterly winter winds) may influence operations, and our teams integrate these parameters into your flight planning to guarantee smooth and punctual arrival.
Private Jet Flight Prices From This Destination
Luxurious experiences
The Bosphorus and its historic palaces
Navigate the mythical strait separating Europe and Asia, bordered by Ottoman yalis and contemporary palaces. The Çırağan Palace Kempinski and Four Seasons Bosphorus embody Istanbul luxury.The shores reveal Byzantine fortresses and hanging gardens. A unique transcontinental experience at the city's heart.
Beyoğlu and Karaköy districts: contemporary art and nightlife
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Historical heritage: from Byzantium to the Ottoman Empire
Explore Hagia Sophia, architectural synthesis between Christian basilica and imperial mosque. Topkapı Palace unveils Ottoman treasures and Bosphorus gardens.The Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern testify to millennial richness. A journey through time at the crossroads of civilisations.
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Grand Bazaar and gastronomy: sensory immersion
Dive into the Grand Bazaar's maze, historic covered market housing 4,000 craft and antique shops. Sultanahmet district restaurants revisit traditional Ottoman cuisine.Gastronomic tables in Bebek and Arnavutköy marry Mediterranean and Anatolian influences. An unmissable transcontinental culinary exploration.
Aircraft adapted to transcontinental connections
Istanbul's unique position bridging Europe, Asia and the Middle East demands versatile aircraft capable of covering varied ranges. Short intra-European connections (Paris, London, Zurich, Milan) favour Light Jets and Super Light Jets (Citation CJ3+, Phenom 300E, Citation XLS+), guaranteeing comfort and efficiency on 2h30 to 4h00 flights.
Medium-haul flights to the Gulf (Dubai, Doha, Riyadh) or Eastern Europe (Moscow, Kyiv) deploy Midsize Jets (Citation Sovereign+, Hawker 4000, Challenger 350), combining extended range and spacious cabins for 3h00 to 5h00 journeys. These aircraft integrate satellite connectivity, configurable work zones and reinforced luggage capacity.
Long-haul connections to Central Asia (Almaty, Tashkent), Southeast Asia (Singapore, Hong Kong) or the United States (New York) require Long Range Jets (Gulfstream G650ER, Falcon 8X, Global 7500). These aircraft offer 12h00+ autonomy, ultra-configurable cabins (rest areas, offices, entertainment), uninterrupted global connectivity and short-runway landing capability for accessing regional secondary airports.
The complexity of transcontinental routes from Istanbul (overflight of sensitive zones, diplomatic coordinations, CIQ timing) demands precise air routing and authorisation expertise. Artheau Aviation coordinates your entire flight: aircraft selection according to final destination, flight plan optimisation (zone avoidance, diversion points), overflight permit management, and liaison with local CIQ authorities.
Why choose Arteau Aviation?
12 years of international experience
Carbon offset & sustainable fuel
VIP client support
Strict international standards
Absolute discretion on every flight
Fast and tailored solutions
FAQ
The choice depends on your final destination, aircraft type and timing constraints. Atatürk (LTBA) remains the business aviation benchmark: 100% dedicated infrastructure, premium GAT terminal, fast-track CIQ, immediate proximity to Levent-Maslak business districts (15 minutes) and historic centre (25 minutes). Ideal for short and medium-haul jets.
The new Istanbul Airport (LTFM) will welcome the Jetex terminal in March 2026, a 15,000 sqm infrastructure designed for intercontinental long-haul aircraft. Before this date, provisional facilities remain functional but less optimal. Prioritise IST for transatlantic or Asia-Pacific flights requiring long runways and premium handling. Sabiha Gökçen (LTFJ), on the Asian shore, suits passengers staying on the Asian side (Kadıköy, Üsküdar) or prioritising routes to Southeast Asia and the Gulf. The ExecuJet FBO guarantees discreet VIP service, but the crossing to the European shore (45-60 minutes) requires rigorous planning. Artheau Aviation analyses your imperatives to identify the optimal infrastructure.
Istanbul's three airports benefit from fast-track CIQ (Customs, Immigration, Quarantine) procedures for business aviation, but timing varies. Atatürk (LTBA) displays the fastest delays: 15 to 25 minutes on average via the GAT terminal, thanks to dedicated counters, prioritised passport control and direct coordination with customs authorities. FBO teams (Celebi Aviation, MNG Jet) ensure personalised accompaniment of each passenger.
Istanbul Airport (LTFM), awaiting the Jetex terminal (March 2026), currently imposes delays of 30 to 45 minutes via provisional facilities. Once the Jetex terminal becomes operational, delays should converge towards those of Atatürk (20-30 minutes). Sabiha Gökçen (LTFJ) displays intermediate delays of 20 to 35 minutes via the ExecuJet FBO, with generally less dense passenger flow. These delays may vary during air traffic peaks (Fashion Week, Istanbul Marathon, international summits). Artheau Aviation coordinates upstream with FBOs and local authorities to minimise your ground time and anticipate any administrative constraints specific to your nationality or final destination.
Artheau Aviation focuses exclusively on private jet charter and does not directly manage ground or helicopter transfers. However, we coordinate closely with partner FBOs (Celebi Aviation at Atatürk, Jetex at Istanbul Airport, ExecuJet at Sabiha Gökçen) who offer helicopter liaison services to Bosphorus heliports or private yalis.
All three airports have adjacent heliports or dedicated take-off zones, enabling direct connection without leaving the secure perimeter. Helicopter liaisons drastically shorten journeys to the opposite shore (10-15 minutes versus 45-60 minutes by road) and bypass Istanbul's dense road traffic. They prove particularly relevant for arrivals at Sabiha Gökçen (Asian shore) with final destination on the European shore. Our teams anticipate your logistical needs during private flight booking and facilitate liaison with trusted local helicopter operators. This upstream coordination guarantees seamless transition between your landing and final destination, without service disruption or time loss.
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