Flights to Istanbul
IST · Istanbul Airport
Istanbul Airport opened in 2018 and replaced Ataturk as Turkey's main international hub — it is now the world's largest airport by terminal area and the primary base for Turkish Airlines. Turkish runs daily direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town, with IST positioned as the connection hub for onward routes to Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and North America. South African passport holders receive a 90-day visa-free entry to Turkey, making Istanbul itself an increasingly popular leisure stopover.
Swipe left or right to browse
Quick facts
| Country | Turkey |
| Airport | Istanbul Airport |
| Best time to fly | April to June and September to November are usually the safest value windows for long-haul planning. |
| Fly from | Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth |
Which airlines to check
Quick tips
Start with the strongest route fit
Use the highlighted grid above to compare the booking sites and airlines that make the most sense for Istanbul searches from South Africa.
Watch seasonality
April to June and September to November are usually the safest value windows for long-haul planning.
Compare direct and aggregator pricing
For many destinations, a direct airline fare can beat an aggregator once baggage, support and flexibility are considered.