Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)
Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is Istanbul’s major airport on the Asian side of the city, serving both domestic and international travelers. Opened in 2001, the airport carries the IATA code SAW and ICAO code LTFJ. Its name honors Sabiha Gökçen, Türkiye’s pioneering female combat pilot and the adopted daughter of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
What makes SAW distinctive is its role as more than a secondary gateway: it is a convenient aviation hub for travelers heading to Istanbul’s Anatolian side and the wider Marmara region, with road, bus, shuttle and metro connections linking it to the city.
SAW Airport information
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport name | Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport |
| IATA code | SAW |
| ICAO code | LTFJ |
| Location | Pendik / Kurtköy, Istanbul, Türkiye |
| Airport type | Civil international airport |
| Opened | 2001 |
| Traffic | Domestic and international |
| Primary airport contact | +90 216 588 80 00 |
| 24/7 passenger assistance | 444 3 729 (SAWCare) |
| General airport email | info@sgairport.com |
| Additional official email | heas.sabihagokcen@hs01.kep.tr |
| Emergency number in Türkiye | 112 for medical emergency/ambulance |
| Official website | https://www.sabihagokcen.aero/ |
| Wikipedia page | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabiha_G%C3%B6k%C3%A7en_International_Airport |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IATA code for Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport?
The IATA code for Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is SAW. Its ICAO code is LTFJ.
Where is Sabiha Gökçen Airport located?
It is located in Pendik/Kurtköy on Istanbul’s Asian side, southeast of the city’s central districts.
Is Sabiha Gökçen Airport open 24 hours?
Yes. Official airport information states that the airport operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the year.
When did Sabiha Gökçen Airport open?
The airport was commissioned in 2001.
Who was Sabiha Gökçen?
Sabiha Gökçen was a pioneering Turkish aviator and is widely recognized as the world’s first female combat pilot. The airport was named in her honor.
How can passengers get to SAW?
Passengers can reach the airport by metro, municipal buses, airport shuttle services, taxis and private vehicles. The airport’s official transportation information also identifies the M4 metro connection.
What should I do if I lose baggage or need airport assistance?
The airport’s SAWCare service provides 24/7 assistance for flight information, lost baggage procedures and general information.
Is SAW the same airport as Istanbul Airport (IST)?
No. SAW and IST are two different international airports serving Istanbul. SAW is on the Asian side in Pendik, while Istanbul Airport (IST) is on the European side in Arnavutköy.
What is the emergency number at Sabiha Gökçen Airport?
For a serious medical emergency in Türkiye, call 112. For airport-specific passenger assistance, SAWCare can be reached 24/7 at 444 3 729.