Istanbul Airport: Difference between revisions

Istanbul Airport (IATA: IST, ICAO: LTFM) is the biggest airport in Turkiye. Located in north west of Istanbul, the airport is the busiest and biggest airport in Europe as per 2022 statistics of EuroControl<ref>https://www.eurocontrol.int/publication/eurocontrol-comprehensive-aviation-assessment-archive-2022</ref>. The airport has 5 runways, fuel farm, dedicated cargo area consisting of 5 apron (29 heavy stands), several warehouses and facilities (biggest one being Turkish Cargo followed by DHL and UPS), and is home to world's biggest airport terminal (under one roof).  

=== Freeware ===

There are also freeware options available for Istanbul Airport. However there is significant difference in quality.

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=== Transitions and Approach Phase ===

As mentioned previously, Istanbul Airport utilizes Point-Merge System. Each PMS leads to last point of the STAR and '''the entry point of the approach transition''' . For northern config, IAF for west PMS is ''IMREN'', for east config it is ''SADIK''. For south config, IAF for west PMS is ''INSTA'' and for east PMS it is ''DIVDI''. '''Flying the correct transition is crucial and must'''. Each pilot is responsible for selecting the correct transition. This transition is '''NOT a STAR''' transition but transition for the approach procedure. There are different approach procedures and each has different transition phase (both laterally and vertically), go around procedure and used differently to streamline the independent parallel approach procedure . As a pilot, you must make sure you have programmed your FMS using the correct approach procedure and transition. '''If ATC clears the traffic for ILS-X 35R via IMREN transition, it is pilot's responsibility to fly ILS-X approach via IMREN transition'''. Since transitions are a must as they play a crucial role in the independent parallel approach procedure, pilot's must fly the transition both laterally and vertically at all times. If the transition is not selected correctly in the aircraft's FMS, the plane will fly directly to FAF, skipping the transition completely. This is not allowed for approach procedure into Istanbul as each approach procedure and transition is very different than one another, both laterally and vertically. You can see an example of how ILS-X and ILS-Z transition differs from the pictures below (you can see they are both laterally and vertically different).

== Ground Layout ==

Istanbul airport is on the list of biggest airports as per surface area, with staggering 76.5 million m² of land area. The airport has 5 runways, 34L/16R, 34R/16L, 35L/17R, 35R/17L and 36/18. Between RWYs 34 and 35, the main MRO and cargo area can be found. Between RWY 35 and 36, main passenger terminal and the stands can be found. Most gates and stands utilize MARS (Multiple Aircraft Ramp System). This increases the efficiency and gate usage significantly. With the MARS system, one gate can be shared by either 2 small to medium aircraft or 1 heavy (widebody) aircraft. In Istanbul Airport, MARS system uses L (as left) and R (as right) abbreviations for medium/split gates. For instance B4 gate is used by either 1 heavy aircraft or 2 medium aircrafts use B4L (Gate B 4 Left) and B4R (Gate B 4 Right).

=== Aprons and Terminal ===

==== Main Passenger Terminal and Terminal Contact Apron ====

Passenger terminal at Istanbul Airport both house international and domestic traffic. The gates are split into piers and identifiers.  

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!Gates/Pier

==== Apron 1 ====

Apron 1 is located north of Terminal Area, situated between taxiways D and G. It contains 33 medium stands (100-132 and 149) and 16 MARS stands (133-148).