Istanbul Airport - The Big Shift

After several delays and teething problems, Istanbul’s gargantuan new airport finally opens its doors

- Riaan Jacob George

Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport as a hub has always worked in favor of Indian travelers, given Turkish Airlines’ impressive connectivity. While technically not considered part of the middle east hubs — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha — Istanbul’s geographical location, as well as it's home carrier Turkish Airlines’ daily direct services from Mumbai and Delhi, have made it a great gateway to Europe and North America. While Ataturk served its purpose as a transit hub, it was aging and operating over its capacity. The much-awaited new Istanbul Airport opened up amidst much fanfare, albeit many delays, on April 6, and comes as good news for westbound Indian travelers, who can now enjoy a state-of-the-art transit experience.