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FlightLogic is an independent, advertising-supported information service that lets you compare airlines, airports, hotels, and travel products. We do not provide financial advice and we do not recommend specific products or providers. Links marked * are advertising links and may earn us commission at no extra cost to you — always read the terms of any product before booking or applying. Learn more about how we make money.
Istanbul Airport vs Edinburgh Airport
Detailed comparison of IST and EDI on FlightLogic scores and passenger experience.
Verdict
Istanbul Airport (IST) scores higher overall at 8.5/10 versus Edinburgh Airport (EDI) at 7.6/10.
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.
Edinburgh, United Kingdom · EDI · #2 in this comparison
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) scores 7.6/10 (Very Good)
on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.4),
passenger experience (7.6), and facilities (7.8).
Lounge quality rates 7.2/10. See full airport guide →
In short
Edinburgh EDI scores 7.6/10 on FlightLogic — Scotland's busiest airport. Tram to city centre ~30 min. Long-haul via Emirates, Qatar, United. UK261 applies to all departures. See /guides/edinburgh-airport-lounge-guide-2026.
FlightLogic Score7.6Very Good
On-time7.4Departure reliability
Experience7.6Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities7.8Food, shops, seating
Lounges7.2Lounge 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
7.4
Passenger Experience
7.6
Facilities & Comfort
7.8
Lounge score7.2/10
Highlights
Scotland's primary international gateway — Emirates, Qatar Airways, and United long-haul plus dense European network
Edinburgh Trams reach city centre in ~30 minutes — direct link from airport stop
No1 Lounge and Aspire Lounge accept Priority Pass; pre-book at peak
UK261 covers all EDI departures — essential for easyJet and Ryanair Scotland routes
Overview
Scotland's busiest airport — single terminal, tram to Edinburgh city centre in 30 minutes, and growing long-haul via Emirates, Qatar, and United.
Scotland's international hub
Edinburgh handles Scotland's intercontinental traffic — Emirates to Dubai, Qatar to Doha, United to Newark, and seasonal North America routes supplement a dense European network on easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, and BA.
For UK travellers north of the border, EDI avoids the Edinburgh–Heathrow positioning flight that adds cost and time. Compare MAN (/airports/manchester) for northern England connectivity.
Tram and ground transport
Edinburgh Trams run from the airport stop to York Place in the city centre every 7–10 minutes, taking ~30 minutes. Taxis and Uber operate from signed landside pick-up zones.
Allow extra time during Edinburgh Festival (August) when passenger volumes spike.
FAQ
Which is better, Istanbul Airport or Edinburgh Airport?
Istanbul Airport (IST) scores higher overall at 8.5/10 versus Edinburgh Airport (EDI) at 7.6/10.
Which has better lounges, IST or EDI?
Istanbul Airport (IST) scores higher for lounges at 9.0/10, versus Edinburgh Airport at 7.2/10.
Which airport is more on-time, IST or EDI?
Istanbul Airport (IST) has stronger on-time performance at 8.3/10 versus Edinburgh Airport (EDI) at 7.4/10.
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