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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 Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) at 7.3/10.

Score comparison

Metric Istanbul Airport Palma de Mallorca Airport
FlightLogic Score 8.5 7.3
On-Time Performance 8.3 7.0
Passenger Experience 8.4 7.2
Facilities & Comfort 8.8 7.6
Lounge Score 9.0 7.0
City Istanbul Palma
Country Turkey Spain
Terminals 1 mega-terminal 1 main terminal (4 modules A–D)
Annual passengers 76M+ 32M+

Operational comparison

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

Policy IST — Istanbul PMI — Palma
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.

Palma, Spain · PMI · #2 in this comparison

Palma de Mallorca Airport

1 main terminal (4 modules A–D) · 32M+ passengers/year

7.3 / 10

How good is Palma de Mallorca Airport?

Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) scores 7.3/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.0), passenger experience (7.2), and facilities (7.6). Lounge quality rates 7.0/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Palma PMI scores 7.3/10 — the Balearics hub and among the UK's busiest Spain routes. Jet2 and TUI dominate package traffic. Allow extra time in summer. See /guides/best-airlines-uk-spain-2026 and /guides/palma-airport-lounge-guide-2026.

FlightLogic Score 7.3 Very Good
On-time 7.0 Departure reliability
Experience 7.2 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 7.6 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 7.0 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
7.0
Passenger Experience
7.2
Facilities & Comfort
7.6
Lounge score 7.0/10

Highlights

  • UK's busiest Spain leisure airport in peak summer — Mallorca, Menorca ferry connections, and Ibiza transfers
  • Jet2, TUI, easyJet, Ryanair, BA, and Virgin Atlantic (seasonal) from 20+ UK airports
  • Extreme peak-season congestion — arrive 2+ hours before departure; UK261 on UK-return legs
  • Priority Pass at Sala VIP lounges — pre-book essential July–August

Overview

The Balearics' primary airport — Europe's busiest leisure hub in summer with dense Jet2, TUI, easyJet, Ryanair, and BA schedules from across the UK.

UK leisure traffic

Palma handles more UK passengers than almost any other single Spanish airport in July–August. Jet2 and TUI package holidays land here alongside low-cost scheduled carriers.

For Ibiza, allow ferry or connecting flight time from PMI — do not assume same-airport transfers.

FAQ

Which is better, Istanbul Airport or Palma de Mallorca Airport?

Istanbul Airport (IST) scores higher overall at 8.5/10 versus Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) at 7.3/10.

Which has better lounges, IST or PMI?

Istanbul Airport (IST) scores higher for lounges at 9.0/10, versus Palma de Mallorca Airport at 7.0/10.

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

Istanbul Airport (IST) has stronger on-time performance at 8.3/10 versus Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) at 7.0/10.