Istanbul Airports Brace for Holiday Rush as Eid and Mid-Term Break Coincide
Istanbul, March 13, 2026 – Istanbul’s major airports, Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen Airport, are experiencing a notable surge in passenger traffic as the Eid al-Fitr holiday aligns with the mid-term school break. This dual holiday period has led to increased demand for travel, with many citizens heading to their hometowns or popular tourist destinations.
The intensity of passenger movement became particularly evident at Istanbul Airport from the afternoon hours, with terminals bustling with travelers. Long queues formed at various points, including terminal entrances and security control points, as a large number of passengers made their way through the airport.
Long Queues at Security and Check-in Points
The high volume of passengers resulted in extended waiting times at the X-ray control points located at the entrance to the terminal building. To manage the influx, IGA (Istanbul Grand Airport) teams worked diligently, keeping entry gates and security devices fully operational to expedite passenger flow. Despite these efforts, travelers faced significant delays.
Upon entering the terminal, passengers encountered further queues at both domestic and international check-in counters for ticketing and baggage processing. The congestion was particularly pronounced for domestic flights and at the second security control points, highlighting the sheer number of people traveling within the country.
Traffic Management and Passport Control Measures
The increased passenger volume also impacted road traffic around Istanbul Airport. Temporary traffic congestion was observed at the airport entrance and on the roads leading to the terminal. Police teams and IGA personnel were deployed to direct drivers and maintain traffic flow, mitigating potential gridlock.
For international travelers, all passport control desks in the international terminal were opened to handle the high demand. Additionally, some passengers were directed to e-passport kiosks to help alleviate the queues and streamline the passport control process.
Sabiha Gökçen Airport Also Experiences High Activity
Istanbul’s other major aviation hub, Sabiha Gökçen Airport, also reported similar levels of activity and passenger density. Travelers at Sabiha Gökçen encountered brief periods of congestion at security control points and check-in counters while completing their ticket and baggage procedures. The synchronized holiday periods have clearly impacted both of the city’s key airports.
The confluence of these two significant holiday periods has created a peak travel season, underscoring the importance of efficient airport operations and passenger management strategies during times of high demand. Authorities and airport operators continue to monitor the situation and implement measures to ensure the smoothest possible travel experience for all passengers.
Source: Anadolu Agency
