Yes, you can generally transit through Istanbul as of 21 July 2026. Istanbul Airport is open 24 hours, but regional tensions can still disrupt some onward flights.
Check your flight status and government travel advice before departure.
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Current Status of Istanbul Airport and Turkish Airlines
Istanbul Airport (IST) is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the year. Turkish Airlines continues to use it as its main operating base.
Türkiye is not among the airspaces named in EASA’s 14 July Middle East Information Note. The note covers Israel, Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia, so some onward flights may still change at short notice.
The UK government says regional tensions remain unpredictable and attacks could resume. Check each part of your itinerary rather than assuming that an earlier schedule or route announcement still applies.
- Airport: IST remains open for round-the-clock flight operations.
- Airline: Turkish Airlines continues operating through its Istanbul hub.
- Onward flight: Confirm the exact service on the airline’s flight-status page before leaving for the airport.
Check your specific flight on the Turkish Airlines flight-status page and review the airline’s announcements before travelling.
What Do Government Travel Advisories Say?
| Country | Advisory Level for Istanbul | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Level 2: Exercise increased caution | Level 4 applies within 10 km of the Syrian and Iraqi borders. The national advice also urges caution at transport hubs, including airports. |
| United Kingdom | No specific warning against travel to Istanbul | FCDO warns of terrorism and regular demonstrations in Istanbul. Avoid protests and follow local advice. |
| EASA | Türkiye not listed in the current public Middle East Information Note | The 14 July note covers Israel, Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia until 31 August 2026. |
Your Options if You’re Booked Through Istanbul
If every flight in your booking is operating as scheduled, you can proceed, but continue checking for changes. Pay particular attention to connections that cross airspace covered by EASA’s regional Information Note.
Turkish Airlines’ special policy is not a general refund promise. It covers only the regional destinations listed in the airline’s announcement.
The policy applies to flights from 28 February to 30 June 2026, for tickets issued by 28 February. Passengers must act by 10 August 2026.
For other tickets, your options depend on the cancellation, rerouting and fare conditions. Use Manage Booking or contact the airline for the rules that apply to your booking.
Should You Fly Through Istanbul Right Now?
Generally, yes, if every flight is confirmed and your government’s advice does not tell you otherwise. No journey can be guaranteed safe, and current advisories still identify security risks in Türkiye.
- DHMİ lists Istanbul Airport as open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Türkiye is not listed in EASA’s 14 July Middle East Information Note.
- The US rates Türkiye Level 2, while the UK does not advise against Istanbul.
Your most immediate concern may be an onward flight change, but do not ignore general security advice. Both US and UK guidance warn about terrorism, crowds or demonstrations in Türkiye.
Check your full routing carefully. If you leave the airport, avoid demonstrations, stay alert in crowded places and keep your belongings secure.
Türkiye Transit Visa: How to Obtain a Stopover Visa for Your Layover in Türkiye?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Istanbul Airport open right now?
Yes. DHMİ lists Istanbul Airport (IST) as open for flight operations 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the year.
Can regional tensions affect my connection?
Yes. Türkiye is not covered by EASA’s current Middle East Information Note, but the note covers Israel, Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia. Flights using those airspaces may change at short notice.
Can I still transit through Istanbul?
Yes. Istanbul Airport remains open. Confirm every flight in your itinerary before departure, especially if your onward route crosses airspace affected by regional tensions.
What safety risks should transit passengers know about?
US and UK advice warns about terrorism, crowds and demonstrations in Türkiye. Stay alert in the airport. If you enter Istanbul, avoid protests and keep your belongings secure in crowded places.
How can I check whether my onward flight is operating?
Use the Turkish Airlines flight-status page for airline-operated services. If another carrier operates a flight, check that carrier’s status page as well.
Can I get a refund if I don’t want to fly through Istanbul?
It depends on your ticket. Turkish Airlines’ special regional policy has specific travel dates, ticket dates and an action deadline. Other voluntary changes follow your fare conditions.
Is Turkish Airlines still flying?
Yes. Turkish Airlines continues operating through Istanbul Airport, its main base. Check your exact flight because individual routes can change independently of the airport’s status.
Sources
- DHMİ: Istanbul Airport operating hours
- EASA: Conflict Zones Advisories and Information Notes
- US State Department: Türkiye Travel Advisory
- UK FCDO: Turkey Travel Advice
- UK FCDO: Turkey Safety and Security
- Turkish Airlines: Announcements
- Turkish Airlines: Flight Status
- Wego: Turkish Airlines Flight Cancellation Guide
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
