ISTANBUL — The newly opened Istanbul Airport is 1,440,000 square metres (15,500,000 square feet) in size. That makes it the largest airport in the world under one roof.

Hometown carrier Turkish Airlines serves more than 120 destinations globally. Not surprisingly, Istanbul Airport has been called the gateway to the world.

With direct flights from Montreal and Toronto, it’s the cornerstone to explore Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
Here are five good reasons to route an itinerary through the new Istanbul Airport …

1. A BUSINESS LOUNGE THAT’S WORTH THE DETOUR

Turkish Airlines’ business lounge is spacious and comfortable, and its menu is frankly delicious. True to its business class concept, Flying Chef, chefs are on site cooking hot minute-meals, including gozleme (flatbread stuffed with meat, or feta and spinach).
Plus the wide selection of vegetables, pickled or in a salad, are just as delicious and enjoyable.

2. AN ART GALLERY

Turkish Airlines, in partnership with the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, takes advantage of the many visitors passing through the airport to present a glimpse of Turkish modern art. It’s therefore possible to discover part of the museum’s extensive collection right in the airline’s business lounge. The art gallery is 1,400 square feet in size and contains some 40 pieces.

3. A SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

In addition to dozens of high-end shops including Fendi, Chanel and Louis Vuitton, there are several other boutiques at Istanbul Airport where it’s possible to find quality jewellery and clothing from local designers. It’s a great opportunity to find beautiful silk and cashmere scarves to complete your collection! The airport’s Old Bazaar boutique, a popular holdover from the old airport and modeled on the city’s world-famous Grand Bazaar, is the right place for such finds. Travellers wil also find a scrumptious selection of Turkish delights and other delicacies to make someone’s day when you arrive at destination.

4. YOTEL FOR THE NIGHT – OR FOR A FEW HOURS

There’s a Yotel at Istanbul’s new airport, bringing the Yotel concept, with a chance to freshen up or nap, or to spend the whole night, right to passengers in transit. The hotel has two different entrances. If the layover is less than 24 hours, it’s possible to enter from the side of the boarding gates – with only carry on luggage and without having to go through security. Otherwise passengers have to go through customs and consequently have to pay a Turkish visa costing US$70 (Cdn$92) and claim all of your luggage.

5. RESTAURANTS FROM HERE AND ELSEWHERE

Istanbul’s new airport has no less than 150 restaurants, bars and coffee shops where you can have a bite, a drink or a coffee. Many of the big international chains are evidently part of the club, but you can also find some local chains and taste delicious Turkish dishes even if you are only passing through. Think of soft simit, the circular bread sold by street vendors in Istanbul, of countless mezze to share, and of borek, those flaky pastries stuffed with meat, vegetables or cheese.

For more information see istairport.com.