Aircraft handling at İstanbul Airport
Istanbul Airport at a glance
LTFM is the ICAO code for Istanbul Airport (IATA IST), on the European side of the city near Arnavutköy, roughly 35–40 km north-west of the historic centre. It opened in 2018 and took over Atatürk Airport's scheduled traffic in 2019. It is operated by İGA under a concession and is one of the busiest airports in Europe, with a multi-runway layout.
The old Atatürk Airport kept the IST code until the move and is now LTBA; do not confuse older guides or flight plans. Atatürk's role for business aviation and cargo has changed several times, so check its current status before planning it.
IST or Sabiha Gökçen?
Istanbul has two main airports. Sabiha Gökçen (LTFJ / SAW) is on the Asian side. The best choice depends on where passengers are going, slot and parking availability, the handler and the time of day. Traffic across the Bosphorus can add a lot of road time, so compare door-to-door times rather than distance on a map. LFS can check both options for the same trip.
Slots and parking
Istanbul Airport is slot coordinated. Business and general aviation flights need an approved slot, and parking for longer stays is subject to availability. Requesting a time does not reserve it; wait for confirmation before departure. See slots and PPR for how we handle these requests.
Türkiye permits
Foreign-registered non-scheduled flights into Türkiye normally need permission from the Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM), and overflights need their own approval. Documents and lead times depend on the flight category. LFS reviews each case before filing; see landing permits. Response times and type counts shown elsewhere on this page are internal planning figures.
Handling, FBO and fuel
Ground handling and general aviation terminal services at IST are provided by licensed Turkish companies. LFS does not own or operate an FBO at LTFM; we request handling from the provider that suits the trip and confirm services and fees in writing. Fuel is arranged through the airport supplier or a contract release — see aviation fuel. Crew hotels and transport are covered by crew logistics.
Weather
Istanbul winters bring rain, strong northerly winds off the Black Sea and occasional snow, which can cause de-icing queues and delays. Summer is busy with holiday traffic. Plan alternates such as LTFJ or Ankara (LTAC) with the operator's minima in mind.
What LFS coordinates for LTFM
- SHGM landing and overflight permits.
- Slot and parking requests.
- Handling, catering and fuel release.
- Crew hotels and transport.
- Flight watch and re-planning between IST and SAW.
Passengers, customs and road time
Istanbul Airport is large, and the distance from the general aviation area to the city is significant. Road time to the historic peninsula, Levent or Maslak varies widely with traffic — allow 45–90 minutes at busy times. Private passengers usually clear passport control and customs through the general aviation facilities, but procedures depend on the handler and the flight; LFS confirms the passenger route before arrival.
Türkiye's visa rules depend on nationality. Some travellers can use an e-Visa; others need a visa in advance or are exempt. Crew rules can differ from passenger rules. Check current requirements for everyone on board before departure.
Istanbul as a technical stop
Istanbul sits between Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa, so it is a natural fuel or crew stop. Because slots and parking at IST can be limited, a short stop still needs a confirmed slot and handler. For pure technical stops it may be simpler to use another Turkish airport with more space. Our technical stop support page explains how we compare options.
What to send for an LTFM request
- Aircraft type, registration, operator and maximum take-off weight.
- Route, UTC schedule and planned ground time, including any onward legs.
- Flight purpose (private, charter, cargo, medical, technical stop) — it decides the permit category.
- Crew and passenger numbers, and nationalities where visas may matter.
- Services needed: handling, fuel, catering, parking, crew hotel and transport.
Frequently asked questions
What airport is LTFM?
LTFM is Istanbul Airport (IATA IST), the city's main airport on the European side, opened in 2018.
Is LTFM the same as Atatürk Airport?
No. Atatürk Airport is LTBA. Scheduled traffic moved from Atatürk to LTFM in 2019.
Do private jets need a slot at Istanbul Airport?
Yes, Istanbul Airport is slot coordinated. Wait for slot confirmation before departure.
Should I use IST or Sabiha Gökçen?
It depends on the passengers' destination, slots, parking and time of day. LFS can compare both for the same trip.
Official and reference sources
Reviewed 28 October 2026. Current AIP, NOTAMs, authority requirements and written provider confirmations govern each flight.
Send your flight details
Share your route, aircraft, UTC schedule and the services you need. The LFS desk will review the request and confirm documentation, availability and terms. Permits and access remain subject to approval by the relevant authority.
Request LTFM handling- Does LFS handle aircraft at İstanbul Airport (LTFM / IST)?
- LFS can request ground handling at LTFM through a local handling provider where one is available. Our ops desk runs 24/7; on-site service hours, handler availability and airport access are confirmed with the authority and handler before the trip.
- How much notice does LTFM need?
- Standard trips are best filed 24–48 hours ahead. AOG, medevac and humanitarian flights are worked immediately, day or night.
- What is a typical turnaround at LTFM?
- Turnaround depends on aircraft type and services ordered; LFS confirms a realistic ground time with the handler when the trip is filed.
- Can LFS arrange fuel and permits for LTFM too?
- Yes — Jet A-1 uplift, landing and overflight permits, slots/PPR, crew hotels and transport are all arranged on one trip file.
- How do I request handling at LTFM?
- Send the trip to OPS@LFS.AERO or call the 24/7 desk on +973 1330 0313.
LFS coordinates LTFM through vetted ground handling agents we appoint and supervise. You deal with one LFS controller for the whole trip; we hold the agent to our turnaround, fuel and reporting standards and audit the invoice before it reaches you.
20 types coordinated at LTFM
Wide-body cargo
Narrow-body cargo
Wide-body passenger
Request LTFM handling, fuel, permit and slot coordination
Send registration, aircraft type, route and dates. You get one reply with the ramp plan, permit lead time, slot position and a fuel price for İstanbul Airport.