Istanbul Ataturk Airport

İstanbul Atatürk Airport Aerodrome Chart (AIP AD 2 LTBA ADC)

İstanbul Atatürk Airport (ICAO: LTBA) is located at Yeşilköy, 24 km west of İstanbul, on the northern shore of the Sea of Marmara. For decades it was İstanbul's main international airport; today it operates in the shadow of İstanbul Airport (LTFM) to the north and Sabiha Gökçen (LTFJ) on the Asian side, and its ATC callsigns still use the old name "Yeşilköy".

Permitted traffic (AD 2.20): LTBA is closed to scheduled and unscheduled domestic and international commercial passenger flights. It is only available for cargo, maintenance/technical, general aviation, air taxi and business flights, state aircraft and other flights permitted by the Authority. Technical landings and diversions that have not received permission from the aerodrome authority are not allowed to land or take off, and their flight plans are not accepted. To protect the traffic flow at LTFM, LTBA capacity is regulated to 5 arrivals and 5 departures per hour (10 movements in total).

The aerodrome, ATS, customs, fuel, handling and de-icing are all H24 (AD 2.3). There is a single published runway, 05/23 (2,580 m × 60 m, asphalt), with a 130 m displaced threshold on RWY 05. Elevation is 94 ft and the transition altitude is 12,000 ft. Training circuits/approaches are not permitted and VFR flights affecting the CTR need prior permission (see below).

The airport lies inside the Yeşilköy CTR (7 NM radius around 405803N 0284826E, SFC–1,500 ft AMSL, ATS unit Yeşilköy Tower) within the İstanbul TMA. Approach control is provided by Yeşilköy Approach ("Yeşilköy Radar"), or by Yeşilköy Tower when required or when transferred by Yeşilköy Approach. Several LTBA procedures are designed to be flown together with LTFM and LTFJ procedures (see Arrival and Departure Procedures).

Scenery

Payware

There are few current payware options for LTBA.

Simulator	Developer	Publisher	Links
FSX / Prepar3D	Taxi2Gate	SimMarket	SimMarket

Freeware

There are freeware options as well, but quality may vary significantly.

Simulator	Developer	Publisher	Links
Microsoft Flight Simulator	Community	FlightSim.to	"LTBA İstanbul Atatürk Airport closed runways fix"
FSX / Prepar3D	Community	FlyAwaySimulation	FlyAwaySimulation

Preferential Runway System (PRS)

The direction of take-off and landing is determined according to ICAO PANS-ATM "7.2 Selection of Runway-in-use" or by the preferential runway system. In selecting the runway-in-use ATC also considers the aerodrome traffic circuits, runway length, approach and landing aids, meteorological conditions, aircraft performance, PRS and noise abatement. Accepting the runway stated by ATC is the pilot's decision; if the runway-in-use is not usable for safety or performance reasons, request another runway. The request will be met at an appropriate time and may involve a long delay (ATC will advise when delays are expected to exceed 30 minutes).

The term "Preferential Runway System (PRS)" indicates the runway that, at a particular time, is considered by the ATC unit to be the most suitable for use by aircraft expected to land at or take off from the aerodrome, taking into consideration aircraft performance, surface wind speed and its components. PRS operations contribute to the optimum use of airspace and aerodrome capacity.

The preferential runways for LTBA are RWY 05 and RWY 23. Since both directions are listed, the AIP does not give a single default direction.

RWYCC (Runway Condition Code)	Tail Wind Component (max)
RWYCC 6/6/6 (dry)	10 KT (included)
RWYCC reported at least 5 on any runway third	5 KT (included)

1. In PRS operations, the wind criteria above are applied depending on the runway surface condition.
2. During PRS operations, ATC also takes into account ground wind, traffic situation, local meteorological conditions, environmental restrictions, technical infrastructure, noise abatement, etc.
3. PRS operations are not available when:
   • the instrument approach/departure procedures for the preferred runway are not suitable for the existing weather,
   • the preferred runway is dry (RWYCC 6/6/6) and the tailwind component is greater than 10 KT,
   • RWYCC is reported at least 5 on any third of the preferred runway and the tailwind component is greater than 5 KT,
   • RWYCC is reported at least 5 on any third and a NOTAM/equivalent information (may be in the RCR) states the runway is slippery,
   • RWYCC is reported 4 or less on any third of the preferred runway,
   • heavy rain, thunderstorm or wind shear is reported on the approach or climb path of the preferred runway,
   • low visibility operations are in progress.
4. When PRS is in use the ATIS will announce: "Preferential Runway Operations are in Progress".
5. Pilots unable to comply with PRS must notify ATC when requesting start-up clearance, on first contact, or 20 minutes before ETA, whichever is earlier.

Opposite-direction requests (landing on the reciprocal of the runway in use) are not accepted; traffic that insists on the opposite runway should expect long delays.

Arrival Procedures

İstanbul Atatürk is located inside the İstanbul TMA. All STARs are RNAV (GNSS) and require radar and P-RNAV approval (otherwise advise ATC). For P-RNAV approved aircraft that filed PBN/D1, D2, O1 or O2 in their flight plan, flying the RNAV STARs is mandatory. If you cannot comply with the RNAV procedure, tell İstanbul Control / Yeşilköy Approach on initial contact; aircraft without P-RNAV approval will be radar vectored to final (or cleared/vectored to a point from which the approach can be made) and may lose their place in the sequence and be subject to delaying action. There are no conventional STARs.

Before you plan the flight: remember that commercial passenger flights are not permitted at LTBA (cargo, maintenance, GA, air taxi, business and state flights only), that unpermitted diversions/technical landings are not accepted, and that the hourly capacity is 5 arrivals / 5 departures.

On first contact with Yeşilköy Approach, report your callsign only (STAR charts). AD 2.20 additionally asks for the format "Sector name + callsign + descending level" when changing from ACC to Approach and from Approach to the Arrival sector.

• All speeds shown on the STARs are mandatory and used for ATC separation. Fly them as accurately as possible (within 5 KT). If you cannot comply, tell ATC which speed you will fly. ATC speed instructions supersede the published restrictions; failing to comply may cost you your place in the sequence.
• Plan your descent to meet the level and speed restrictions on the procedure; if you cannot, you will lose the sequence and be subject to delaying action.
• If there are flight level restrictions at or above the transition level, do not set the local QNH until descending below the lowest flight level restriction.
• Minimum rate of descent in holding is 1,000 ft/min. If holding delays exceed 20 minutes, an Expected Approach Time will be given.
• Heavy wake category aircraft must add "Heavy" after the callsign on first contact with every sector.
• Initial contact with Yeşilköy Tower: "Yeşilköy Tower, callsign, runway".
• Non-P-RNAV aircraft on conventional procedures must fly 200 KT from base turn to 12 NM from touchdown, 180 KT between 12 and 6 NM, and cross the final 4 NM at 160 KT minimum. If unable, tell ATC on first contact with the speed you can fly.
• When precision approaches are in use, non-precision approaches for training are not available (speed restrictions). Landing/take-off training, circuits and instrument approach practice are not permitted at all (AD 2.20).
• Aircraft with a wingspan of 65 m or more and an outer main-gear width over 14 m (AN124, AN225, C5, A380, B747-8, B747-500, B747-600) are not allowed to land, except presidential aircraft and aircraft with special permission.

Low Visibility Procedure

RWY 05 is suitable for CAT II/III operations and RWY 05/23 for low visibility take-off (LVTO), for operators whose minima are approved by their authority, subject to serviceability of the facilities. CAT II/III requires special aircrew and aircraft certification. ATC Low Visibility Procedures are announced on the ATIS or by RTF.

• LVTO comes into effect when the RVR is below 400 m. Departures use the RWY 05 holding points (RWY 23 if conditions are suitable): E1HP, E2HP, E8HP, H1HP1, H1HP2, H6HP1, H6HP2.
• Arrivals: A-SMGCS is normally available and all runway exits are lit; vacate via the first convenient exit. RWY 05 and TWYs E1–E8 and F have CAT III lighting, but there is no guideline lighting on the aprons; below 300 m visibility a follow-me service guides aircraft to the stop line on the apron.
• Expected landing rate during LVP: 5 per hour (RVR 1,000–550 m, 550–300 m and below 300 m).
• The published LVP approach charts are ILS W CAT II and ILS V CAT II RWY 05 (OCA 193 ft, RA 103 ft). AD 2.19 lists the RWY 05 ILS as CAT III, but no CAT III approach chart is published.

Runways and ILS

Runway	ILS (LLZ)	Frequency / DME	Category	GP / RDH	THR elevation	Notes
05	IIST	110.30 MHz / CH40X	CAT III (AD 2.19)	3.0° / 57 ft	93 ft	130 m displaced threshold. Precision approach lighting CAT III (780 m). PAPI 3° (MEHT 65 ft). TORA 2,580 m / LDA 2,450 m.
23	IATA	111.90 MHz / CH56X	CAT I	3.2° / 57 ft	90 ft	Precision approach lighting CAT II (420 m). PAPI 3.2° (MEHT 66 ft). TORA/LDA 2,580 m.

Other navaids: IST VORTAC 112.5 MHz (CH72X) on the airport; BKZ (Beykoz) VOR/DME 117.3 MHz (CH120X); CEK (Çekmece) VOR/DME 114.6 MHz (CH93X) and CEK NDB 328 kHz.

STARs

RNAV STARs start at GINLI, NAMAN, TOKER, SISPI, KONEN, DRAMO and ATVEP. These fixes must be the last point of your flight-planned route (AIP example: ... UB545 KFK M855 SISPI).

• RWY 05 STARs end at WISNE (IF), 3,000 ft – the intermediate fix of all RWY 05 straight-in approaches.
• RWY 23 STARs end at IPSUD (IF), 4,500 ft, IAS 200 KT – the intermediate fix of the RWY 23 ILS Y/Z, VOR Z and RNP Z approaches.

Active Runway Configuration	Designator	Chart	Entry points	Routing (summary)
RWY 05	1Q (west/north)	STAR-1	ATVEP, DRAMO, KONEN, GINLI	Over the Marmara Sea via BA358 (or TUZWE for GINLI) – ABNIN – TETPU – WISNE
	1Q (east)	STAR-2	TOKER, NAMAN, SISPI	TOKER/NAMAN via BA444 – BA446 – OBIXI – EFESE – VAZZO – WISNE; SISPI via SPATZ – BA246 – BA248 – VAZZO – WISNE
	1T (east)	STAR-6	TOKER, NAMAN	Via RAVIL – BA997 – BA998 – BA247 – BA248 – VAZZO – WISNE. Executed with LTFJ RNAV STAR RWY 24.
RWY 23	1R (west/north)	STAR-3, STAR-4	DRAMO, ATVEP, GINLI (STAR-3); KONEN (STAR-4)	Over the Marmara Sea via BA375 – IRDED – ERWAZ (GINLI via INSTA – BA457 – ENRAW – ERWAZ), then BA376 – BA377 – BA378 – BA360 – IPSUD
	1R (east)	STAR-5	NAMAN, TOKER, SISPI	NAMAN via PAZAR – OKIPI – IPSUD; TOKER/SISPI via BA364 – NOTVI – BA365 – OKIPI – IPSUD

RWY 05 Configuration

All RWY 05 arrivals end at WISNE at 3,000 ft after VAZZO (max IAS 220 KT) or TETPU. Charted restrictions:

• STAR-1 (1Q): ATVEP FL230 or below; BA355 FL190; DRAMO FL190; KONEN FL250 or below; BA366 FL190; GINLI FL230 or below and FL210 or above; REBAH 12,000 ft or above; ABNIN 6,000 ft, max IAS 230 KT; WISNE 3,000 ft.
• STAR-2 (1Q): TOKER FL240 or below; BA243 FL210 or below; NABJA FL240 or below; BA444 FL180 or below; BA446 9,000 ft; SISPI FL160; SPATZ 10,000 ft; BA246 7,000 ft; VAZZO max IAS 220 KT; WISNE 3,000 ft.
• STAR-6 (1T): TOKER FL340 or below; BA243 FL280 or below; NABJA FL360 or below; NUMSO FL300 or below; BA444 FL270 or below; BA998 FL140 or below; BA248 8,000 ft or below; VAZZO max IAS 220 KT; WISNE 3,000 ft.

Expect an ILS approach to RWY 05 from WISNE. Check the ATIS for the approach in use.

RWY 23 Configuration

All RWY 23 arrivals end at IPSUD at 4,500 ft and IAS 200 KT. Charted restrictions:

• STAR-3/4 (1R west): BARPE / ULMAR / BA366 FL270 or below; GINLI FL260 or below; BA375 (or BA457 for GINLI) between FL190 and FL200; BA377 9,000 ft; IPSUD 4,500 ft, 200 KT.
• STAR-5 (1R east): NABJA FL260 or below; TOKER FL250 or below; BA243 FL250 or below; BA363 FL260 or below; PAZAR / BA365 between FL170 and FL190; OKIPI 11,000 ft or above; IPSUD 4,500 ft, 200 KT.

Expect the ILS Y (or Z) RWY 23 from IPSUD. Check the ATIS for the approach in use.

Instrument Approaches

On all ILS/VOR charts: ATC will clear you for the approach before the IF (WISNE or IPSUD; before the IAF BKZ for ILS X RWY 23). Once cleared, fly the complete procedure including the P-RNAV transition. For the WISNE/IPSUD transitions P-RNAV approval and radar are required; non-P-RNAV aircraft are radar vectored to final, 2 NM before the FAP. Do not engage the ILS before the localizer intercept point (FAP). IAS 160 KT on final from 5 NM to touchdown.

Runway	Approach	Chart	Initial / intermediate	Final approach	Minima (OCA)	Missed approach
05	ILS Y CAT I / LOC Y	IAC-2	WISNE (IF) 3,000 ft – ATCOS 2,600 ft	OKFED (FAP) 2,600 ft, D7.7 IST / D8.1 IIST; GP 3°	CAT I 293 ft, LOC 510 ft	Via IST R-051 to BKZ
	ILS X CAT I / LOC X	IAC-9	WISNE – ATCOS	OKFED 2,600 ft	CAT I 293 ft, LOC 510 ft	Via BKZ R-231 to BKZ
	ILS Z CAT I / LOC Z	IAC-14	WISNE – ATCOS	OKFED 2,600 ft	CAT I 293 ft, LOC 510 ft	Track 052° to BKZ (RNAV)
	ILS W CAT II	IAC-4	WISNE – ATCOS	OKFED 2,600 ft	193 ft, RA 103 ft	Via IST R-051 to BKZ
	ILS V CAT II	IAC-10	WISNE – ATCOS	OKFED 2,600 ft	193 ft, RA 103 ft	Via BKZ R-231 to BKZ
	RNP Z (LNAV)	IAC-11 / 11A	WISNE (IF) 3,000 ft, 210 KT – ATCOS 2,600 ft+	OKFED (FAF) 2,600 ft, 180 KT; BA601 1,500 ft+, 160 KT; 5.24%	LNAV 570 ft	RW05 – BKZ at 3,000 ft
	VOR Z	IAC-3	WISNE (IF) 3,000 ft, 210 KT – ATCOS 2,600 ft	UFMAZ (FAF) 2,100 ft, D6.0 IST, max 180 KT; MAPt D1.3 IST	610 ft	IST R-051 to BKZ. Only when the RWY 05 ILS/LLZ is out of service.
23	ILS Y CAT I / LOC Y	IAC-8	IPSUD (IF) 4,500 ft, 200 KT	GUNGA (FAP) 3,000 ft, 180 KT, D9.9 IST / D8.6 IATA; GP 3.2°	CAT I 330 ft (MA 2.5%) / 290 ft (MA 4.7%), LOC 710 ft	Via IST R-237 to TETPU
	ILS Z CAT I / LOC Z	IAC-13	IPSUD (IF) 4,500 ft, 200 KT	GUNGA (FAP) 3,000 ft	330 / 290 ft, LOC 710 ft	Track 233°, at or above 1,100 ft turn right to TETPU (RNAV)
	ILS X CAT I / LOC X	IAC-7	IAF BKZ VOR 3,000 ft, intercept LOC after BKZ (BKZ R-227)	GUNGA (FAP) 3,000 ft, D8.1 BKZ / D8.6 IATA	330 / 290 ft, LOC 710 ft	Via BKZ R-234 to TETPU
	RNP Z (LNAV)	IAC-12 / 12A	IPSUD (IF) 4,500 ft, 200 KT	GUNGA (FAF) 3,000 ft, 180 KT; BA602 1,060 ft+; 5.59%	LNAV 710 ft	RW23 – TETPU at 3,000 ft
	VOR Z	IAC-5	IPSUD (IF) 4,500 ft, 200 KT	KOFUN (FAF) 3,000 ft, IST R-048/D10, 180 KT; MAPt D2.5 IST	710 ft	IST R-048 – IST – R-237 to TETPU
	VOR Y	IAC-6	IAF BKZ VOR/DME 3,000 ft, track 231°	D9 BKZ (FAF) 2,500 ft; MAPt D15 BKZ	800 ft	BKZ R-234 to TETPU
Circling	VOR A	IAC-1	IAF IST VORTAC 3,000 ft; outbound R-234 for 2 min descending to 1,500 ft	Inbound 054° to IST (MAPt); max procedure-turn speed IAS 185 KT	Circling only: 1,100 ft (straight-in not authorised)	IST R-051 to BKZ, cross 3,000 ft

Circling OCA is 1,100 ft on all charts.

Minimum Sector Altitude (25 NM, IST VORTAC; sectors as bearings TO IST): 010°–190°: 3,000 ft; 190°–280°: 3,500 ft; 280°–010°: 5,000 ft.

Holdings

Fix	Used for	Inbound track	Altitude	Max IAS
BKZ VOR/DME	Missed approach RWY 05 (all), IAF ILS X / VOR Y RWY 23	231°	3,000 ft	230 KT
TETPU	Missed approach RWY 23 (all)	057° (054° on IAC-6/7)	3,000 ft	230 KT
IST VORTAC	VOR A	242°	3,000 ft	230 KT
WISNE (IF)	End of RWY 05 STARs	053° / 233° (chart inset)	3,000–4,000 ft	–
IPSUD (IF)	End of RWY 23 STARs	053° / 233°	4,500 ft	–

Further STAR holdings are charted at BA358 (7,000 ft), BA444 (FL180), SPATZ (10,000 ft) and IRDED (7,000 ft) – see the charts.

Missed Approach

Approach	Missed approach procedure
ILS Y / ILS W RWY 05	Climb straight ahead to intercept IST R-051, climbing 3,000 ft on IST R-051, proceed BKZ VOR and hold at 3,000 ft (min. climb gradient 3.5%, 213 ft/NM).
ILS X / ILS V RWY 05	Climb straight ahead to intercept BKZ R-231, climbing 3,000 ft on BKZ R-231, proceed BKZ VOR and hold at 3,000 ft (3.5%, 213 ft/NM).
ILS Z / RNP Z RWY 05	Climb to 3,000 ft on track 052° to BKZ and hold (ILS Z: 3.5%, 213 ft/NM).
VOR Z RWY 05	Climbing 3,000 ft on IST R-051, proceed BKZ VOR, hold at 3,000 ft over BKZ.
ILS Y RWY 23	Climb straight ahead to intercept IST R-237, climbing 3,000 ft on IST R-237, proceed TETPU and hold at 3,000 ft.
ILS Z RWY 23	Climb on track 233°, at or above 1,100 ft turn right, proceed TETPU and hold at 3,000 ft.
ILS X RWY 23	Climb straight ahead, cross 1,400 ft, climbing 3,000 ft, turn right to intercept BKZ R-234, proceed TETPU and hold at 3,000 ft.
RNP Z RWY 23	Climb 3,000 ft from RW23, proceed TETPU and hold at 3,000 ft.
VOR Z RWY 23	Climb 3,000 ft, proceed IST VOR on R-048; after IST proceed TETPU on IST R-237, cross TETPU at 3,000 ft and hold.
VOR Y RWY 23	Climb to 3,000 ft on BKZ R-234, proceed TETPU and hold at 3,000 ft (3.2%, 195 ft/NM).

After Landing

Plan your exit during the approach briefing; rapid exit taxiways should be preferred. If you miss the planned exit, continuing to the next one is usually quicker than stopping and re-applying thrust.

Aircraft category	RWY 05 exit	RWY 23 exit
Heavy	E7 (2,250 m from THR)	E3 (2,135 m)
Medium	E6 (1,985 m)	E4 (1,860 m)
Light	E5 (1,620 m)	E4 (1,860 m)

Aircraft vacating via a rapid exit taxiway have priority at taxiway intersections; traffic taxiing on TWY F must give way to them unless instructed otherwise.

Radio Failure

Published on the STAR charts: squawk 7600.

• Above 10,000 ft: if already cleared to 10,000 ft, continue via the filed/cleared STAR. Otherwise maintain the last assigned level for 3 minutes, then descend to 10,000 ft and continue via the filed/cleared STAR.
• At or below 10,000 ft: continue via the filed/cleared STAR adhering to the published profile until WISNE (RWY 05) or IPSUD (RWY 23), then fly the instrument approach for the assigned or known runway in use and land.

Ground Operations

Ground Layout

RWY 05/23 has two parallel taxiways: TWY F on the north (terminal) side, connected to the runway by E1–E8, and TWY Z on the south (Apron Y) side, connected by H1–H6. Stop bars are installed on E1, E2, E8, H1, H6 and Z (ILS holding position), with runway guard lights on E1, E2, E8, H1 and H6. RETILs are installed on E3–E7, H2, H4 and H5. TWY G and the apron taxiways D, D1, D2 and W serve the aprons; TWY C leads to Apron V (general aviation) and TWYs A/B to the maintenance area. Military aprons A, B, C and a Military VIP apron are on the south side (via H4B).

• Taxi speed: max 30 KT on the parallel TWYs F and Z, max 10 KT on the apron TWYs (D, D1, D2, G, W) and on Apron V, unless TWR specifies otherwise.
• Aircraft taxiing west-to-east on TWY G must stop at the intermediate holding point TULIP and continue only on ATC instruction (separation between TWYs F and G).
• TWYs A and B: only aircraft with a wingspan up to 36 m (B738, A320, A319, MD83, etc.) may taxi under their own power. Cat D/E aircraft with more than 36 m span may not use A/B under power (towing is at the operator's responsibility).
• TWYs D and D2 are for simultaneous use by aircraft up to 36 m wingspan; aircraft over 36 m may not use D2. Traffic to/from Apron V waits on D2 for opposite traffic.
• Never cross a runway without explicit ATC clearance; comply with readback/hearback; follow all apron/TWY signs and markings (dense ground movement – see the ADC caution).
• Mode S / A-SMGCS: set the transponder to XPNDR (AUTO if available, never OFF/STBY) with the assigned code and the flight-plan aircraft identification from receiving ATC clearance, and after landing until fully parked; set 2000 before switching off. Aircraft without an active transponder will not get start-up or push-back.
• Follow-me guidance is provided in low visibility where taxiway lighting is absent or insufficient.
• Controlled evacuations are done on TWY W (west area of Apron Y) unless ATC instructs otherwise.

Apron, Gates and Stands

Aircraft Parking/Docking Chart (AIP AD 2 LTBA PRKG-1)

Aircraft parking is provided manually by marshallers, and push-back is available at each stand. The flight crew, operator and/or handling agent are responsible for wing clearance and jet blast when entering and leaving stands. Parking areas and bridges on Aprons R, N and L cannot be seen from the tower – pay attention to TWR instructions. AN124, AN225, C5, A380, B747-8F/8I, B747-500 and B747-600 are not allowed to park.

Apron	Stands (largest type)
K	Anti-icing area (B737-300ER)
L	L1–L2 (B737-900ER WL), L3 (EMB195)
M	M1 (A330-200), M2 (A300-600), M3–M8 (B737-800)
N	N1, N8–N14 (B777-200), N2–N3 (B757-300), N4–N7 (B737-900)
P	P1–P3, P6–P7 (G550), P4–P5 (CL650)
R	R1–R2 (B777-300ER), R3 (B737-900), R4 (A300-600), VIP1 (B747-800), VIP2 (A319/A321/B747-800) – marshalling mandatory at VIP1/VIP2
S	S1–S6 (B777-300ER), S7–S11 (A310), S12 (A321), S13 (B737); DHMİ flight-check aircraft stand (C-XLS)
T	T1–T6 (B777-300ER)
Terminal A	108–112, 201–205 (B737-900)
Maintenance Apron 1	ROSE (B777-300ER), ROSE-2, ROSE-3 (B737-900)
V (general aviation)	V1–V11 (B737-900), V12–V16 (G450)
Y (south side, PRKG-2)	Y1–Y15 (B737-900), Y16–Y19 (A300-600), Y20–Y26 (B777-300ER)

Apron V (not fully visible from the tower): contact the tower for all movements; enter/exit stands at low power; crews/operators/handlers are responsible for taxi, push-back and towing between V1–V16 and must request push-back from ATC. Aircraft pushing from V1–V5 request start-up after pulling into PSN-1 unless ATC says otherwise. West of PSN2 there are no centreline or stand markings.

Maintenance Apron 1: aircraft push back as far as TWY D and start engines there; Category E aircraft enter via TWY J1.

De-icing / Anti-icing

De-icing can be done on the stand, but not once anti-icing has started at the designated areas. All aircraft must tell ATC on first contact whether they will need anti-icing. The primary anti-icing area is Apron K; if needed, TWY F (E3 intersection) is used (alternate area on the ADC).

Hot Spots

Hot Spot	Location	Caution
HS1	TWY G / TWY F (near TULIP)	G and F converge – risk of wing contact when both are used at the same time
HS2	TWYs J, J1, J2, J3 / maintenance hangar	Aircraft entering the maintenance hangar area may meet parked aircraft or vehicles (no bounded lines)
HS3	TWY D / D2 / Apron P	Risk of wing contact for Cat D/E aircraft (span over 36 m) on TWY D at the D2 waiting area and Apron P stands
HS4	Apron V, west of the GA hangars	Limited visibility due to hangars; no centreline or stand lines – wing contact risk

Planning Taxi Time

For CTOT purposes the AIP assumes a taxi time of approximately 20 minutes for RWY 05/23. Be ready to depart at your CTOT taking this into account; if you cannot meet the CTOT, get a new one. TWR may change the departure sequence to protect CTOTs.

ATIS

Yeşilköy Information is broadcast on 128.200 MHz (D-ATIS is available via ACARS: label "A" arrival, "D" departure, "C" contract, "T" terminate). The SID/STAR charts ask you to check the ATIS to confirm which published frequency is in use. Always copy the ATIS before calling for clearance.

Obtaining Clearance

There is no separate Delivery or Ground station in AD 2.18 – all ground services are provided by Yeşilköy Tower.

• Unless ATC says otherwise, departure clearance is obtained via DCL (between EOBT −40 and EOBT +15 minutes; from CTOT −30). An RTF clearance always replaces a DCL clearance; in case of any doubt, use voice.
• If DCL is not available, call Yeşilköy Tower on 118.100 for your clearance 10 minutes before start-up, reporting "callsign + stand + ATIS information letter".
• RNAV SIDs have an initial climb of 3,000 ft; the conventional BKZ 1N/1P (SID-10) climb to 4,000 ft.

Pushback and Engine Start

Call with your callsign and stand when fully ready.

• After receiving push-back and start-up clearance, start push-back within 1 minute, otherwise ATC will give an expected start-up time.
• When cleared to taxi, start taxiing without delay.
• Power-back using reverse thrust is strictly forbidden.
• Cross-bleed start-up is not accepted, except for aircraft with an APU failure (with the required precautions).
• APU: switch off within 5 minutes after parking; it may be started 15 minutes before the estimated start-up.

Taxi Procedures

Departures from the northern aprons normally taxi via TWY F to the RWY 05 holding points at E1/E2 or to RWY 23 at E8; Apron Y departures use TWY Z (H1 for RWY 05, H6 for RWY 23). Have all cockpit checks done before entering the runway.

Apron Y departures: unless instructed otherwise, hold at the CAT III holding point on TWY Z when RWY 05 is in use, and at the CAT I/II/III holding point on TWY Z when RWY 23 is used for landing, so as not to disturb the glide path signal.

Runway	Intersection	TORA	TODA	ASDA	LDA
05	Full length	2,580 m	2,640 m	2,580 m	2,450 m
	E2	2,450 m	2,510 m	2,485 m	–
23	Full length	2,580 m	2,660 m	2,580 m	2,580 m

Phraseology to be Used for Taxi

Pilot: Yeşilköy Tower, TCABC, stand V12, information Alpha, request taxi.

TWR: TCABC, Yeşilköy Tower, taxi to holding point runway 05 via C, D, F, E1.

Pilot: Taxi to holding point runway 05 via C, D, F, E1, TCABC.

Departure Procedures

RECAT - LTBA

Turkish airspace uses wake turbulence re-categorisation (RECAT-EU). More information on SkyBrary.

RECAT LTBA		Follower
		Super Heavy (A)	Upper Heavy (B)	Lower Heavy (C)	Upper Medium (D)	Lower Medium (E)	Light (F)
Leader	A Super Heavy	80s	100s	120s	140s	160s	180s
	B Upper Heavy	80s	80s	80s	100s	120s	140s
	C Lower Heavy	80s	80s	80s	80s	100s	120s
	D Upper Medium	80s	80s	80s	80s	80s	120s
	E Lower Medium	80s	80s	80s	80s	80s	100s
	F Light	80s	80s	80s	80s	80s	80s

Minimum Runway Occupancy Time for Departures

• When cleared to line up, you must be ready to depart immediately after receiving take-off clearance. If you cannot, tell ATC just after receiving the line-up clearance.
• Complete all cockpit checks before entering the runway and keep checks on the runway to a minimum.
• Your reaction to a take-off clearance must not exceed 10 seconds; otherwise ATC may remove you from the runway and send you to the end of the departure sequence.
• Test flights after maintenance within the İstanbul TMA must be coordinated with ATC 24 hours in advance; IFR test flights must respect the aerodrome slot.

SIDs

For P-RNAV approved aircraft that filed PBN/D1, D2, O1 or O2, flying the RNAV (GNSS) SIDs is mandatory. SIDs end at MAKOL, EKAWE, VICEN, ROXUK, IVGUS, BARPE, VADEN, TUDBU and IBLAL (the RNAV SID charts also include REZOV), which must be the first point of your flight-planned route (AIP example: EKAWE T641 ...). All RNAV SIDs: radar and P-RNAV approval required, PDG 5% (304 ft/NM) up to 8,000 ft, no turns prior to the departure end of the runway, initial climb 3,000 ft.

Exception: LTBA departures destined to LTFM or LTFJ are exempt from the mandatory RNAV SIDs and use the conventional BKZ 1N / BKZ 1P (SID-10, see below).

Runway	Designator	Chart	SIDs	Initial routing / restrictions
05	1A (north/west)	SID-3	VADEN, TUDBU, IBLAL, MAKOL, REZOV	Track 052° to FILFU, left to IPSUD, north via BA071 – BA072 – LIZTA – QUNTE, then GITVO/GOVGU (VADEN, TUDBU, IBLAL, REZOV) or MUTBE (MAKOL)
	1A (south-west)	SID-3	IVGUS, BARPE	Track 052° to 2,000 ft, turn right to BA091 (3,000 ft, IAS 220 KT) – EFESE 4,000 ft – VAZZO – ABNIN – RITGU – MIVDI
	1A (east)	SID-4	ROXUK, VICEN, EKAWE	FILFU – IPSUD, then ROXUK/VICEN via BOZDE – SBH – INRUV; EKAWE via BA071 – BA072 – BETIZ – OZZAW – SAFHU
	1N	SID-9, SID-4	VICEN, ROXUK (SID-9); EKAWE (SID-4)	VICEN/ROXUK 1N: track 052° to 2,000 ft, right to BA091 (3,000 ft, 220 KT) – EFESE (4,000 ft) – ROCHE – east. Executed with LTFJ RNAV STAR RWY 24. EKAWE 1N: FILFU – IPSUD – BA071 – BA072 – LIZTA – QUNTE – MUTBE – OZZAW – SAFHU. Executed with LTFM RNAV STAR RWY 16R/17L/18.
23	1B (west)	SID-5	VADEN, TUDBU, IBLAL, REZOV, BARPE, IVGUS	Track 233° to ASGAX, right to TETPU, then IRDED – KVITO – AFGAR (VADEN, TUDBU, IBLAL, REZOV) or INPIK – ADMIV (BARPE via GUEME – ORIAC, IVGUS)
	1B (north/east)	SID-6	MAKOL, EKAWE	Track 233°, at or above 1,400 ft turn left to BA085 (IAS 220 KT) – BA086 at or below 10,000 ft – BA087 – NUDMU – INDUG FL150 or above – EVKEB – UPMIV – OZZAW
	1B (south/east)	SID-6	VICEN, ROXUK	Track 233° to ASGAX, left to VRACA – ROCHE, then NASNA – NENVI – IBSIN – LECKI (VICEN) or ARRSO – ADVUX – ASVIK (ROXUK)
	1P	SID-7, SID-8	VADEN, TUDBU, IBLAL, MAKOL, REZOV, BARPE, IVGUS (SID-7); ROXUK, VICEN, EKAWE (SID-8)	Track 233°, at or above 1,400 ft turn left to BA085 (220 KT) – BA086 (at or below 10,000 ft) – AZBAN (north-bound) or INRUV (ROXUK/VICEN); BARPE/IVGUS 1P via ASGAX – UMBEM – MIVDI. Executed with LTFJ RNAV STAR RWY 06.

Conventional SIDs (for non-P-RNAV aircraft, assigned by ATC):

• RWY 05 – SID-1: intercept IST R-050 to cross 4.5 DME at or above 1,000 ft, then: ERTAS 1M – turn left, intercept IST R-021 to ERTAS; ERTAS 1N – proceed BKZ VOR, then BKZ R-354 to ERTAS; YAA 1N – proceed BKZ VOR, then BKZ R-169 to YAA VOR. Min. climb gradient 5% (304 ft/NM) up to 5,000 ft.
• RWY 23 – SID-2: intercept IST R-244 to cross 5 DME at or above 1,400 ft, then: ERTAS 1G – turn left inbound to BKZ, BKZ R-354 to ERTAS; YAA 1G – IST 5 DME arc left, IST R-142 inbound to YAA; BIG 1G – turn right, IST R-252 to DENIZ, then BIG R-036 inbound to BIG; EKI 1G – turn right, IST R-264 to EKI; CRL 1G – turn right, IST R-280 to CRL; FENER 1G – turn right inbound to CEK, CEK R-329 to FENER. Min. climb gradient 4.3% (260 ft/NM) up to 5,000 ft.
• SID-10 – only for aircraft destined to LTFJ or LTFM: BKZ 1N (RWY 05): intercept IST R-050, cross 4.5 DME at or above 1,000 ft, proceed BKZ VOR, 5% to 5,000 ft. BKZ 1P (RWY 23): intercept IST R-243, cross 5 DME at or above 1,400 ft, turn left inbound to BKZ, 4.3% to 5,000 ft. Both climb 4,000 ft. Holding at BKZ (inbound 231°, 3,000 ft, max IAS 230 KT). At or before BKZ you will be cleared or vectored to a point or final track for the relevant approach.

Noise Abatement Procedures

Aircraft certified to ICAO Annex 16 Vol. I Chapter 3 must apply NADP-2 on departure; Chapter 2 aircraft apply NADP-1 only. All other aircraft apply NADP-1 or NADP-2. Noise abatement procedures apply until passing 3,000 ft. Engine tests are only permitted between 07:00 and 21:00 (on the Motor Test Apron, in contact with Yeşilköy Tower on 118.100; alternative site: west of Apron Y at the TWY W/Z intersection in coordination with ATC).

Airborne

After take-off, immediately contact Yeşilköy Radar unless instructed otherwise. On first contact, report your callsign only. Comply with all speed and level restrictions on the SID.

TWR: TCABC, contact Yeşilköy Radar, goodbye.

Pilot: Yeşilköy Radar, TCABC, goodbye.

Pilot: Yeşilköy Radar, TCABC.

APP: TCABC, Yeşilköy Radar, radar contact.

After Departure

After leaving the İstanbul TMA you will be handed over to İstanbul Control (or to the adjacent Sofia FIR for some north-western exits such as VADEN, TUDBU, IBLAL, REZOV, depending on your route).

Thank you for flying with TRvACC — hope to see you again in İstanbul!

VFR Procedures

VFR routes in the İstanbul TMA give VFR traffic an orderly flow but are not used for VFR/IFR separation; separation and terrain/obstacle clearance remain the pilot's responsibility. If you must leave a VFR route (e.g. for weather), inform ATC immediately and rejoin as soon as possible. For the route chart see AD 2 LTFM VFR CHART.

• VFR flights affecting landing/take-off at LTBA or the CTR are not permitted (no FPL accepted) unless permission is obtained from the AIM Unit at least 3 hours in advance; the FPL must match the permitted time (±15 min). State aircraft (except training), ambulance, SAR, emergency, flight inspection and helicopters are exempt.
• VFR traffic must not fly above 1,500 ft MSL east / 2,000 ft MSL west of the line 412838N 0281739E – 404219N 0281343E on the TMA VFR routes, and does not contact Yeşilköy Approach unless climbing above those altitudes. Non-radio VFR traffic stays below 1,500 ft MSL.
• VFR traffic landing or departing (including helicopters) uses the ATA1 (Büyükdere – Yenibosna) or ATA2 (Beylikdüzü – Küçükçekmece) routes. Traffic outside the Yeşilköy CTR (7 NM / 1,500 ft) must not call Yeşilköy Tower. Departing VFR traffic makes first contact on 118.100.
• Overflying the airport is not allowed for VFR traffic, except STATE, HOSP, VIP and SAR flights (STS/ in the FPL).
• Contact Yeşilköy Tower before entering the CTR; if unable, do not cross the airport and hold at Beylikdüzü or Yenibosna.
• The routes Büyükdere – Sarayburnu – Adalar – Marmara and Büyükçekmece – Bozburun cross the approach/climb paths and must be flown below 1,500 ft MSL (permission from Yeşilköy Approach if higher is unavoidable).

Arrivals join at the nearest of these routes after entering the TMA (departures and transits fly them in the opposite direction):

Route	Points
WEST	Tekirdağ – Ereğli – Silivri – Büyükçekmece – Beylikdüzü
WEST 1	Aksaz – Adamar – Marmara – Büyükçekmece – Beylikdüzü
SOUTH 1	Biga – Adamar – Ereğli – Silivri – Büyükçekmece – Beylikdüzü
SOUTH 2	Bursa – Bozburun – Büyükçekmece – Beylikdüzü
EAST	Hotel – Adalar – Marmara – Büyükçekmece – Beylikdüzü
NORTH 1	Saklı – Büyükdere
NORTH 2	Hezarfen – Beylikdüzü – Büyükçekmece
SAMANDIRA	Samandıra – Darülaceze – Asker – Harp Okulu – Avcılar (Samandıra VFR traffic only; crossing LTBA requires Yeşilköy Tower permission, contact before Asker)
ATA1 / ATA2	Büyükdere – Yenibosna / Beylikdüzü – Küçükçekmece

East–west transits use: Beylikdüzü – Avcılar – Yenibosna – Büyükdere – Saklı; Marmara – Adalar; Bozburun – Adalar; Bozburun – Hotel. State aircraft on OAT flights are exempt.

Helicopters: the helicopter landing/take-off area (FATO 22.5 m × 22.5 m) is on TWY A (405939.94N 0284814.16E). VFR helicopters contact the tower on 118.100 before entering the CTR (arrivals) or on the stand (departures), land/take off only at the TWY A area, and hover-taxi/taxi to or from the assigned stand as instructed – direct landing on or take-off from a stand is not allowed (apron flood-light masts).

Frequencies

Station	Callsign	Frequency
ATIS	Yeşilköy Information	128.200
Tower	Yeşilköy Tower	118.100 (clearance; charts: 118.100 ARR / 118.375 DEP). Others in AD 2.18: 123.525, 119.800, 121.350, 125.900, 118.025, 126.800, 121.975, 125.300, 118.175, 121.600
Approach	Yeşilköy Approach / Yeşilköy Radar	AD 2.18 sectors: West 119.475 / 121.100; South 120.500; East 120.450 / 127.100; North 120.700 / 126.425. Charts: STAR-1/3/4 127.1 – 121.25 – 119.35; STAR-2/5/6 122.475 – 132.95 – 133.075; SIDs 130.300 – 131.125 – 120.125 – 132.475; IACs 132.475 – 120.450 – 130.300

Approach service is provided by Yeşilköy Approach, or by Yeşilköy Tower when required or transferred by Yeşilköy Approach. Radar coverage 80 NM; surveillance radar and precision radar approaches are not available.

References

• Türkiye AIP, AD 2 LTBA – İstanbul/Atatürk, text pages AD 2.1–2.24 (AIRAC 2610)
• AD 2 LTBA ADC – Aerodrome Chart
• AD 2 LTBA PRKG-1, PRKG-2 – Aircraft Parking/Docking Charts
• AD 2 LTBA SID-1 (conventional RWY 05), SID-2 (conventional RWY 23), SID-10 (BKZ 1N/1P, RWY 05/23)
• AD 2 LTBA SID-3/3A, SID-4/4A, SID-9/9A (RNAV SIDs RWY 05); SID-5/5A, SID-6/6A, SID-7/7A, SID-8/8A (RNAV SIDs RWY 23)
• AD 2 LTBA STAR-1/1A, STAR-2/2A, STAR-6/6A (RNAV STARs RWY 05); STAR-3/3A, STAR-4/4A, STAR-5/5A (RNAV STARs RWY 23)
• AD 2 LTBA IAC-1 to IAC-14 (incl. IAC-11A, 12A) – Instrument Approach Charts
• AD 2 LTBA MRVC, MRVC-A – Minimum Radar Vectoring Altitude Chart
• AD 2 LTBA AOC-1, PATC-1, PATC-2, BRD (reviewed, not reproduced)

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