Istanbul Airport (IST) scores 8.5/10 (Excellent)
on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (8.3),
passenger experience (8.4), and facilities (8.8).
Lounge quality rates 9.0/10. See full airport guide →
In short
Istanbul Airport (IST) is Turkish Airlines' mega-hub, rated 8.5/10 on FlightLogic. The 2019 single-terminal design handles 76M+ passengers with one of the world's largest business lounges. Ideal for Europe-Asia-Africa connections on Turkish Airlines. Allow 90+ minutes for connections.
FlightLogic Score8.5Excellent
On-time8.3Departure reliability
Experience8.4Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities8.8Food, shops, seating
Lounges9.0Lounge quality
Rating basisEditorialFlightLogic methodology
Score breakdown
Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.
On-Time Performance
8.3
Passenger Experience
8.4
Facilities & Comfort
8.8
Lounge score9.0/10
Highlights
Single mega-terminal opened 2019 — one of the world's largest airport buildings under one roof
Turkish Airlines Business Lounge: 60,000+ sqm with cinema, golf simulator, museum, and extensive dining
130+ country connections via Turkish Airlines — one of the world's most connected hubs by country count
Istanbul scores 8.5/10 on FlightLogic with strong facilities (8.8/10) — lounge score 9.0/10
Overview
Massive new hub designed for Turkish Airlines with impressive lounges and growing route network.
Turkish Airlines lounge and terminal
The Turkish Airlines Business Lounge at IST spans over 60,000 square metres — one of the largest in the world — with multiple dining areas, a cinema, golf simulator, museum section, and prayer rooms. Business class and Star Alliance Gold passengers on Turkish Airlines access it free.
The single-terminal design means all connections are airside without inter-terminal transfers, but the terminal is vast — allow generous connection times of 90+ minutes for international-to-international connections.
Istanbul as a connection hub
Turkish Airlines flies to more countries than any other airline, making IST ideal for reaching secondary cities in Africa, Central Asia, and the Balkans that lack direct flights from Western Europe.
Compare IST against DOH (Qatar) and DXB (Emirates) for similar Europe-Asia routings — Turkish often wins on fare price; Gulf carriers win on premium product consistency.
How good is Beijing Capital International Airport?
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) scores 7.8/10 (Very Good)
on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.6),
passenger experience (7.7), and facilities (8.0).
Lounge quality rates 8.4/10. See full airport guide →
In short
Beijing Capital PEK scores 7.8/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.4/10. Terminal 3 hosts Air China and Star Alliance international flights. Allow 90+ minutes for connections and immigration. Not to be confused with Daxing PKX. See /guides/beijing-airport-lounge-guide.
FlightLogic Score7.8Very Good
On-time7.6Departure reliability
Experience7.7Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities8.0Food, shops, seating
Lounges8.4Lounge quality
Rating basisEditorialFlightLogic methodology
Score breakdown
Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.
On-Time Performance
7.6
Passenger Experience
7.7
Facilities & Comfort
8.0
Lounge score8.4/10
Highlights
Terminal 3 is among the world's largest airport buildings — Air China First and Business lounges
Star Alliance carriers consolidate in T3 for international departures
Common connection point for UK–China and UK–Southeast Asia on Air China and partners
Air China and Star Alliance hub — Terminal 3 dragon-themed mega-terminal with strong premium lounges for UK–China and UK–Asia routings.
Terminal 3 and Air China lounges
Terminal 3 serves most international Star Alliance traffic including Air China long-haul. First and Business lounges offer Chinese and international buffet dining with shower suites.
UK passport holders typically need a visa for China unless qualifying for 144-hour transit visa-free in Beijing — verify current rules before planning a layover exit.
More comparisons
Compare Istanbul Airport (IST) against 59 other airports