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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.

Verdict

Istanbul Airport (IST) scores higher overall at 8.5/10 versus Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) at 7.7/10.

Score comparison

Metric Istanbul Airport Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
FlightLogic Score 8.5 7.7
On-Time Performance 8.3 7.3
Passenger Experience 8.4 7.6
Facilities & Comfort 8.8 8.0
Lounge Score 9.0 7.9
City Istanbul Mumbai
Country Turkey India
Terminals 1 mega-terminal 2 terminals (T2 international integrated)
Annual passengers 76M+ 52M+

Operational comparison

Transport links, lounge access, connection times, and UK261 eligibility — verify locally before travel.

Policy IST — Istanbul BOM — Chhatrapati
Rail / public transport M11 metro to city; Havaist and taxi
To city centre ~45–60 min to Sultanahmet by metro/taxi
Lounge day pass Turkish Airlines lounge for eligible tickets; limited paid access
Min. connection time 90+ min — terminal is vast
Primary hub carriers Turkish Airlines (dominant hub carrier)

Detailed profiles

Istanbul, Turkey · IST · #1 in this comparison

Istanbul Airport

1 mega-terminal · 76M+ passengers/year

8.5 / 10

How good is Istanbul Airport?

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 Score 8.5 Excellent
On-time 8.3 Departure reliability
Experience 8.4 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 8.8 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 9.0 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic 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 score 9.0/10

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.

Mumbai, India · BOM · #2 in this comparison

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport

2 terminals (T2 international integrated) · 52M+ passengers/year

7.7 / 10

How good is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport?

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) scores 7.7/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.3), passenger experience (7.6), and facilities (8.0). Lounge quality rates 7.9/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Mumbai BOM scores 7.7/10 — UK–West India hub. T2 international. Compare /airports/delhi for North India. See /guides/uk-india-flights-guide-2026 and /guides/mumbai-airport-lounge-guide-2026.

FlightLogic Score 7.7 Very Good
On-time 7.3 Departure reliability
Experience 7.6 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 8.0 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 7.9 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic 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
7.3
Passenger Experience
7.6
Facilities & Comfort
8.0
Lounge score 7.9/10

Highlights

  • Primary UK–West India gateway — Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa connections
  • T2 integrated terminal — GVK Lounge, Adani Lounge, Priority Pass options
  • BA and Air India direct LHR–BOM; Qatar, Emirates, Etihad one-stop competitive on price
  • Monsoon season (Jun–Sep) can disrupt schedules — build buffer time

Overview

India's financial capital gateway — BA and Air India direct from Heathrow plus dense Gulf hub connections for UK–West India VFR traffic.

UK VFR routing

Mumbai handles the largest share of UK–India business and VFR traffic to western states. Gulf hub connections via DOH and DXB often beat direct fares in business class off-peak.

Allow 90+ min for T2 immigration at peak arrival banks — UK passport holders eligible for e-Visa or visa on arrival depending on nationality.

FAQ

Which is better, Istanbul Airport or Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport?

Istanbul Airport (IST) scores higher overall at 8.5/10 versus Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) at 7.7/10.

Which has better lounges, IST or BOM?

Istanbul Airport (IST) scores higher for lounges at 9.0/10, versus Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport at 7.9/10.

Which airport is more on-time, IST or BOM?

Istanbul Airport (IST) has stronger on-time performance at 8.3/10 versus Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) at 7.3/10.