Istanbul Airport’s new premium terminal boosts global luxury aviation appeal

Highly luxurious JETEX-IGA terminal draws over 3,000 high-net-worth travelers to Istanbul, with heavy demand from Russia and Middle East, says firm’s director

IGA Istanbul Airport is growing its premium aviation infrastructure with a dedicated facility to attract high-net-worth travelers to the megacity, thanks to the launch of the JETEX-IGA terminal, the firm’s director told Anadolu. Burcu Gures stated that the facility has processed around 3,600 private VVIP (very very important person) passengers since its opening on May 5 and that it fills a long-standing gap in Turkish aviation, providing a central hub for frequent luxury travelers needing specialized services. “The JETEX-IGA terminal is unlike any other — it blends luxury aviation with the luxury hospitality sector in terms of comprehensiveness and services, while it’s designed as a very luxurious hotel with private suites, a spa and wellness center, a conference room, dining areas, entertainment spaces, and various lounge areas,” she said. Gures stated that the initial feedback from passengers has been positive, with many visitors expressing satisfaction with such premium services being available in Istanbul. The luxury facility benefits from IGA Istanbul Airport’s geographic location as a major transit hub connecting Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, with a large portion of the prestigious terminal’s passenger volume originating from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. She noted that the terminal is also seeing strong demand from Middle Eastern markets, especially from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, alongside domestic demand from Turkish clients, private groups from Europe and the US, and attendees of corporate or cultural events in the megacity. “Russia is a very important market for us,” she said, noting that the terminal has been specifically tailored to meet the demands of Russian and Commonwealth of Independent States passengers. She mentioned that the new facility is expected to contribute to Istanbul’s economy and ultra-luxury tourism sector, strengthening the city’s brand value.