The Last Days of Istanbul Ataturk Airport
Ataturk Airport at Istanbul is the busiest airport in Turkey with 68 million passengers travel through in 2018. This video shares activities of the last days of Ataturk Airport before the new Istanbul Airport took over the operation on 6th April 2019.
Join me to watch the amazing plane spotting actions from Ataturk Airport and an emotional farewell to it. This airport is well known to its amazing plane spotting photos and locations to all the aviation lovers (AvGeeks) in the world.
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Join us for a tribute and farewell video to the old Istanbul Ataturk airport, which has now ceased to operate commercial passenger flights in Turkey as this function has passed to the brand new Istanbul airport. The last ever commercial flight at the airport, Turkish Airlines Flight 54, left Istanbul Ataturk Airport in the early hours of the morning on April 6 2019 destined for Singapore.
We engage in a very enjoyable and thorough plane spotting session during the last few days of Istanbul Ataturk airport’s commercial passenger flight operations with fellow plane spotting enthusiasts, including Turkish airlines pilots, who share their nostalgic and fond memories of the airport with us.
Our plane spotting reveals the enormously diverse range of types of plane and airlines that have made use of Istanbul Ataturk airport with large, public passenger planes, cargo planes and private jets all being seen. In this video, we see aeroplanes from the flag carriers of a number of nations including Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Ukraine and Singapore (Singapore Airlines) as well as Etihad, Gulf Air, Star Alliance, Meraj airlines, Aegean Airlines, Onur Air and Kalitta air. We even see the Libyan airlines A320 which is a real treat.
As of April 6 2019, Istanbul Ataturk airport remains open but now only primarily for cargo, private jet and state/diplomatic aircraft flights. All commercial, public, passenger flights have moved to the new Istanbul airport - check out my last video giving an exciting look in to the new Istanbul airport here: • The World's BIGGEST Ai...
The Istanbul Ataturk airport first opened in 1912 but back then, it was a military airfield and had a different name: Yesilkoy Airport. It was only in the 1980s that the airport was renamed in honour of the first president of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
In 2017, it was Europe’s fifth busiest airport and processed more than 63 million passengers that year. The airport features two, linked passenger terminals, as well as a dedicated cargo terminal, which interestingly is equipped to handle radioactive freight. Within the airport grounds are the headquarters of Turkish Airlines and Onur Air.
The airport will surely be remembered for its long history of processing commercial passenger flights. It has earned accolades including Air Transport News’ 2013 Airport of the year and being on the “fifty works in fifty years” list, created by the Turkish chamber of Civil engineers to celebrate some of the most prestigious civil engineering projects in Turkish history.
As always, thanks for watching and be sure to leave us a comment on any fond memories you may have of Istanbul Ataturk airport and your thoughts on the new Istanbul airport too!
Пікірлер: 784
I’m sad this airport is closing but I bet the new airport is good.This airport has been the best in instanbul it will be remembered in our hearts forever for love and creativity
@samroy5967
5 жыл бұрын
the new airport has few design flaws. Like no air trains. So it’ll be tough for transfers - LOTS of walking will be involved for transfer passengers.
@mostakbinmoshiur
5 жыл бұрын
@@samroy5967 Yeah, it has some flaws,my father was really tired walking such a long way, but a beautiful airport with a lot of sitting area really close 👌👌👌
@samroy5967
5 жыл бұрын
Mostak bin Moshiur the Airport itself is indeed beautiful so it’ll be a pride for Turkish citizens. And it’ll certainly be super convenient for those flying into (or out of) Istanbul. But the original idea behind building this massive infrastructure was that this airport becomes a global hub and probably THE busiest airport in the world because of convenient transfers in Istanbul. But with the lack of AirTrans connecting different terminal concourses - it’ll be very tough for transit passengers. Especially for the elderly or those traveling with children. Because of this reason alone people will avoid flying TurkishAirlines when they have options to connect via DXB, DOH, AUH etc. But for those flying to IST - it’ll be great! It is sad - it could be such a big boost in Turkish economy.
@SsiolisP
5 жыл бұрын
@@samroy5967 Istanbul’s new airport will contribute 5% to Turkey's GDP. The new airport barely opened it's doors and you have already written it off with statements such as this: "It is sad - it could be such a big boost in Turkish economy." A statement which is contrary to the projections of the Chief Executive of IGA Airport Operations, Hüseyin Kadri Samsunlu, an experienced name from within the industry, a man who actually knows what he is talking about! As Mr. Kadri Samsunlu stated, the contribution will be 40 billion euros to the Turkish economy. Not that sad of an amount, wouldn't you say? The metro is not yet connected to the airport and won't be until the first half of next year. 4 out of 6 runways are yet to be operational. Trust me, the folks who have invested 12 billion US dollars have everything thought out and under control, even the transit passengers have been taken care of. ---> www.igairport.com/en#gallery-5
@tek87
5 жыл бұрын
Hopefully they at-least have travelators.
My favorite airport in the world. Heartbreaking for me.
@yoandashev2180
5 жыл бұрын
Z Z. Same dude same. I’m very heartbroken for it being the first airport I have been at.
@yaboysurge5165
5 жыл бұрын
Stop being a big tart
5 жыл бұрын
We Turks also loved it much and will keep it in our heart as a good memory forever. But, new airport is also making us excited and it is really breathtaking. Hope you will have the same feelings for the new Istanbul Airport. Greetings
@helinefe1954
5 жыл бұрын
Yavuz Selim KAÇAR same but the new one is way better and I’m Turkish 😁
@aviator78
4 жыл бұрын
For me also, cause once I was there
R.I.P. Atatürk Airport 1953 - 2019
@adlibbed2138
5 жыл бұрын
also the old Terminal of Tjilik Riwut Airport as well ;( gonna thank him for his service
@ashiryt5287
4 жыл бұрын
Its actually 1912-2019
@Mirsab
4 жыл бұрын
@Mathieu Hreich why?
@selimardagokmen4727
3 жыл бұрын
@@Mirsab erdogan has time to be a president to 2029 then he is not any more and the other site will not the neew aiprot wat I. Mean is that the airport is ueahs
@scorps4471
3 жыл бұрын
@@selimardagokmen4727 lol that's so dumb
Farewell Ataturk Aiport we will miss you!!😔😔😔
Congratulations for 1 millions subscribers 👍👍👍👍 you doing well keep it up 👌🏻👌🏻
@SamChui
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you for your kind support! I look forward sharing more aviation contents in the future!
@aviationweekly2428
5 жыл бұрын
Sam you are inspiring
@attrizgavin5225
5 жыл бұрын
When iam 10 year old i saw in sky and my dream to fly one day now iam 30 but still waiting but your videos giving me half flying experience. Thnku so much 👍👍
1:13 1:40 🇹🇲🇹🇲🇹🇲TURKMENISTAN AIRLINES 💚💚💚 What a great catch! Thank you SAM for these great cathes! Really nice job! Thank you SIR!
the seaview in the landing is incredible at ataturk, it's one of the greatest airport in the world
@SamChui
5 жыл бұрын
Yes agree. Also amazing how blue the Marmara sea is! One of the best spotting airport.
@planeflight1202
5 жыл бұрын
was* sadly
One thing I’ll miss about this airport is landing there. Even though I only landed there once, in 2013, it was the best I ever experienced. From the turns to the view of the Mediterranean below, it was quite the scenery. Gonna miss this airport. RIP Ataturk
I love you turkey 🇹🇷 From bangladesh 🇧🇩 ....
@Acepilot1312
5 жыл бұрын
Certainly true Adam. :(
I was there back in 2016! Loved the Turkish Airways & the Airport! One of the great memories of my life ❤️
@nonstopjacey
5 жыл бұрын
I've heard so many good things about Turkish airlines. Can't wait to try them!
Was feeling bored and then Sam chui uploaded a vedio . Love from Saudi Arabia ❤️
@SamChui
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you for such nice comments.
@ryanalmazi6802
4 жыл бұрын
Sam Chui You are welcome!
Thanks Sam, appreciated to share of last days of Atatürk Airport....I was 5 or 6 years old when I saw first airplane in "Yesilköy Airport" over the top of my father cars. There was no restriction in 70s :)..It was an A300 and her big engine fan that is never be forgetten after 45 years! I have many memories about Ataturk (Yesilkoy) airport like as many other peoples who loves the planes. They all becomes priceless memories. I was in there for farewell to Ataturk Airport 2 weeks ago...We will miss there.
Nice video Sam. It was an amazing airport for spotting, especially because of the rare planes and airlines that flew into Istanbul Atatürk, and the amazing spotting location at the flyinn mall.. I'm happy to have spent a total of 12 spotting days at Atatürk airport, and I'm surely going to miss it!
@SamChui
5 жыл бұрын
Flyinn is such amazing locations! Always enjoyed the kebab from the Flyinn food court.
Turkey is my second Home love from Pakistan 🇵🇰🇵🇰💖💖🇹🇷🇹🇷
@bendasparks6593
5 жыл бұрын
You and all my pakistani brothers and sister are welcome... ❤🇦🇿🇹🇷🇵🇰❤
Sam biz seni çok seviyoruz! Love from Turkey 🇹🇷 ♥️
@yagzalganaydn8308
5 жыл бұрын
Türk buldum
@serdarsever5955
5 жыл бұрын
@@yagzalganaydn8308 ben bir kaç tane buldum. onlar da biri birilerini arıyolar dı :)
@id6113
5 жыл бұрын
@@yagzalganaydn8308 eeee
@id6113
5 жыл бұрын
Niye seviyon
@monikacarlyle8439
4 жыл бұрын
Turkk
it just does not grow old... watching bits of metal FLY... incredible... awesome video Sam, looking forward to more GREAT videos...
I would love to fly on that Libyan A320! I flew into Ataturk for the first time last year and I was amazed by the diversity of carriers that operate there. That airport was truly a crossroad for the world!
@nycflyertravel
5 жыл бұрын
Oh yeah? How did you find traveling in Libya?
@Rooneykid-zm2zj
5 жыл бұрын
It is nice you can book at the isntabul airport
@nonstopjacey
5 жыл бұрын
Same here. Would love to fly on it.
I'm so sad Ataturk airport s closing coz Ataturk airport s the first place of my lovely memorable has begun , everytimes landing means i arrived my second home ❤ i love Ataturk airport and will be always in my heart
The best in Europe and they really deserve it and so does their new hub. Their management of their humongous 320 routes around the world while also maintaining a world-class in-flight service as well is just magnificent.
I don't know why I am crying over an airport closing? It seems so close to heart for many.
@valmen8518
3 жыл бұрын
the new airport is far from the city center. this is so bad for who going to istanbul.i think old airport best :=)
One of the best videos I've seen and very close to bad it's closing. Thanks all you guys for all your hard work. Keep it up.👍👌👏👍👏🙌😘😆☺💜💋💕🌹👍
That's a super busy airport. The number of Iranian airlines taking off was also impressive. Thanks for sharing
I’m 11 years old and half Turkish. I’ve travelled through this airport since the day I was born, and all the memories I have are in it. It made me cry finding out about the shutting down of it as it’s part of all my memories and heart. I’ve traveled to the new airport and it’s not the same. It’s big and empty.
@m.l.4037
2 жыл бұрын
Exact, I can totally understand you, for me this is also really painful because I flew through Ataturk Airport almost every year in my childhood an there are so many good memories about this Airport! For me the new one cannot replace it by far. And now, 3 years after the closure, it is especially sad to see what happens there at the moment.
What a fantastic video Sam! Great final tribute to Ataturk airport! I could watch planes land and take off all day :) Been to Ataturk airport many times in recent years, incredible mix of planes and people of all nations in the airport, a true global hub on such a great position close to the center of Istanbul. Views from the plane on Istanbul were amazing! Once I even took free guided tour of Istanbul which you can get if you have several hours between flights, even the lunch was free in the city, that is just fantastic from Turkish Airlines! Sad to see it close, but I'm also looking forward to seeing new airport.
I'll always miss this beautiful airport with so much history, and now we need to go forward and enjoy the new airport, that for sure will be incredible
Such a fabulous airport. I have been there in 2018,still can't forget it. It is history now. Will miss it.
Will miss flying through Atatürk Airport. Can’t wait to fly through Istanbul airport though. 🤗
Fantastic Video Sam Chui! I will miss Ataturk Airport but I can't wait to travel to the new Istanbul Airport this June. Really Excited to fly on Turkish Airlines as well! Liked
Sam, I really love your channel. From childhood I have always had an amazing feeling watching aeroplane. At nights I used just stare at sky to spot Aeroplane and shout and tell everyone I spotted one. This video brought back those childhood memories.
Bravo Sam congratulations from Italy 🇮🇹
Thank You Sam for Sharing such good plane spotting. It is sad that this airport is closing but the new one is just Amazing. Thank You Again ❤️❤️
OMG!!!!! What a busy Airport that was, but I am sure the New One will be as pleasant as Ataturk......... I will look forward to land there on my next trip to Istanbul, hopefully. Again, thank you so much, dear Sam for showing us all the excietment in the FLYING WORLD....... I LOVE IT ...........
Your content keeps getting better and better!!!!!!
Awesome video! Thank you for sharing your video with us!!
Beautiful video. Lucky you all to be able to be so close to the airport and in comfort to take pictures. This country looks magical
Congratulations Sam to making such beautiful emotional video of Ataturk Airport. I hope one day they still reopen for another use.
Thank you Sam, for showing us all the latest ........ In my opinion, you are the best to put us up-to-date in the day by day what is happening either on ground or in the skies,,,, GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS!!!! A BIG HELLO FROM BEIRUT, LEBANON....... You are always welcome , Come and visit us!!!!! my best to you.............
Congrats for 1 million subs. From Poland🇵🇱
@krangighwan
5 жыл бұрын
elo tu polak
@nonstopjacey
5 жыл бұрын
Yes, congrats
@mohamedhassn830
5 жыл бұрын
I like poland 🇵🇱
Thank you so much for this wonderfull video. A great airport is going to close. Istanbul Atatürk Airport is so busy, they have been doing such a great job to keep it running with all these flights. Every time I have been there I was so impressed.
Beatiful video. Love from Turkey Ankara 👍✌️
Such a beautiful timelaps, Sam! Love your channel!❤️
lovely report....and bye bye Ataturk Airport ....i like Turkey and your friendly people !:)
Hey sam.!!!.thank you very much this beautiful video.🙋🙋🙋
Beautiful video Sam! Ataturk was a great airport indeed.
Another great video Sam. I flew out of Ataturk on TA biz to Cape Town last year. The interior was a bit crazy but great airline plus good plane watching. Greetings from Greece.
Awesome efforts by you firstly to take us to the new airport and then plane spotting at the old one
Great Video Sam!!! Thanks for the vid
I am so happy you made this video :)
Hi I’m from Istanbul. And I love your videos. They are very nice
I miss those few hours, I spared with my friends back on 2k17 at this airport😧...Gonna miss this airport!!!♥️💯 From Bangladesh!🇧🇩
dear sam, IM PROUD TO SAY THAT IM YOUR BIGGGESST FAN FROM ASIA! THE BEST AVIATION RELATED VIDEOS EVER!!!!!!!!!! YOU DESERVE MORE THAN 1 MILLION SUBS!
Man it was a good airport, always running to mt grandparents when we went over there, I WILL REMEMBER YOU! Love from the UK!
Thank you for ure sharing Sam..good job
Very Exciting am glad to see the Love for Aviation really enjoyable to watch.
Great video Sam! can't wait to see the new airport
A force to be reckoned with......well done Sam!
Enjoyed my 'workout' at IST August 2022.... Thought I would never stop walking. Slept like a baby that same night. Enjoy your presentations. Thank you.
Huge thanks as always for your hard work and for sharing. Super Like!
Wow, Great Airport.
@leonelpereira3438
3 жыл бұрын
Oh great! I was in grade 6 when Ataturk airport closed! And is it closed as of today?!
I'm glad I've had the privilege of going there once, I'm always sad when a great airport closes I just hope the new one is good also congratulations Sam on over one million subscribers 👍🇦🇺
Love your videos sam chui, hearty congratulations for a million subscribers been watching every video of your ❤
Beautiful video, Sam! The end of an era!
Look forward to your review on the opening of Changi Airports beautiful new Jewel project. Looking stunning from the media snaps.
It's beautiful Sam, full of emotions
Very grateful to have visited this airport. It was beautiful close to everything. Also I love Istanbul Türkei one of the best places on Earth.
Really super shots thanks
See you at the new airport in 4 days time...can't wait ✈️
Such a pleasant video, i love it
I have just subscribed to this channel and I find it amazing! You really produce a great content and provide super information. Thanks Sam, keep up the great work :)
I wish you and your team were able to document the closing of Kai Tak just as great as this one. Back then vlogs weren’t even a thing, so I guess getting access to the different parts of the airport the way you do now would be impossible... great video as always!
Bonjour Sam sa faisait un petit moment que j'attendais ta vidéo comme tu le dis il fait très beau là-bas et je suis impressionné par le nombre de d'avion qui y circulent on y trouve pratiquement toutes les compagnies je me suis régalé merci Sam 😉😉😉😉😉😉😉
Dude You're just doing awesome.. Literally I'm very fond of your videos.. Keep it up😍
Wow. Love from Pakistan 🇵🇰 . Thanks 🙏🏽 Sam 💐👍💐
As always, amazing video( :
Beautiful and well presented... Thank Sam
Congratulations to you for getting 1 million subscribers!!!!I am going to miss Atatutk airport!!!!😔
I wait for every upload. This is another one. 💚💚💚
very nice video sam ! we are all very sad that a very long historical chapter has closed, but we look forward with the new istanbul airprot.. istanbul will be the gate of the world soon, it will connect everboy to his loves, families, business, or nice journeys all over the world.. im very satisfied about the product of turkish airlines.. everbody should try a joureny with TK, im sure that you not gonna be dissapointed
Magnificent video, Sam! This reminds me of when Kai Tak closed. Sadly, another great spotting airport is closed. The new airport will be far more convenient for the travelers, but for us crazy plane spotters, it will never come close to Ataturk's congested, constant hustle and bustle. The time of day didn't matter. There was always activity at Ataturk, and from one vantage point, you could capture it all, fairly close. You will be missed, Ataturk! Thanks for the many memories and great experiences!
@SamChui
5 жыл бұрын
Indeed. I wish I could of some video footage on the last days of Kai Tak. My love of aviation started from watching planes there!
@jeffreydeeds9225
5 жыл бұрын
Sam Chui - I very much enjoy your videos covering all aspects of aviation. I enjoyed two decades of getting to be a part of this glorious industry and count myself among the luckiest of people to have been able to have a career doing what was my hobby as a kid. My love of aviation began when I was too young to remember. Any time we went to an airport before I was old enough to go to school, my parents have told me they would have to peel me off of the window, against my vehement protests! Thank you for bringing so many different amazing aviation experiences to your channel!
I like you tripreport report sam and this airport is a very big memory
It is so amazing how you put up all these amazing videos, Sam. Keep it up. 👍👍👍
We will remember you, Ataturk Airport🇹🇷✈️
This is one of the airport that I have flown as well as liked best, the hub of Turkish airline. Their lounge was so authentic! I look forward to flying to the new airport near future.
Looking very nice.....Always fly safe....Thank you...
All the best for you Sam. Doing great work on channel ❤💪🏽
Love to turkey 🇹🇷 from India 🇮🇳 btw my cousins live and turkey
Wow steady hands Sam.. Congrats on your 1M subs channel. More power!
Amazing video, amazing timelapse! I had my first international flight from Ataturk Airport. I will be missing Ataturk so much...
@nonstopjacey
5 жыл бұрын
Yes it's so sad
Amazing Video! Congrats! Very heartbreaking but Istanbul needed that upgrade so bad
Thank you Sam for this video ❤
Hey Sam today I am traveling to Tokyo from Los Angeles in Singapore Airlines! I am so excited😊😊😊😀😀😀😀😀😀
@SamChui
5 жыл бұрын
Enjoy the legendary Singapore Air service!
@justjon_6844
5 жыл бұрын
Wow I’m so jealous!!!! Have fun stranger!
I liked Ataturk, was there last month, but I'm excited to try the new one on Monday! :)
GREAT JOB SAM THANKS
Wow! Excilant video!
very nice...thank you Mr.Sam
I love the part when the planes are taking off....Wowww..am speechless ❤❤❤👌👌👌👌👌
hello sam love ya i love your videos very much
I flew into ataturk airport in 2013. It was nice not bad.. Cant wait to see the new airport
I love the Aseman A340!! Keep up the great vids!
Greetings From Istanbul Turkey 🇹🇷🇹🇷