Turkish Airlines has redefined the airport lounge experience with its expansive business lounge at Istanbul Airport, now spanning a remarkable 5,900 square metres after its comprehensive renovation. The addition of 2,400 square metres has introduced a vibrant new lower level, packed with innovative amenities such as a model racetrack and a state-of-the-art golf simulator. Our editorial team visited to experience this exclusive space first-hand.
Situated beneath the original lounge, the new floor increases the overall capacity to accommodate up to 1,000 guests at once. The recently added lower level is tucked away at the far end from the primary entrance, providing a serene escape from the airport bustle. During our visit shortly after the expansion, we noticed many guests gravitating to the familiar upper level, leaving the new area uncrowded and tranquil. For guests arriving from the transit hotel, a dedicated entrance now seamlessly grants access to the lounge’s lower floor.
Striking Atrium and Signature Turkish Touches
The heart of the new lounge is a grand atrium, crowned by an elegant spiral staircase and a dramatic globe emblazoned with the Turkish Airlines logo—an homage to the carrier’s extensive global reach. Nestled within the atrium is an authentic Turkish tea garden, inviting guests to unwind with freshly brewed tea and local delicacies. Radiating from this central space are refined seating lounges, quiet workspaces, a gourmet buffet area, beverage stations, a vibrant children’s play zone, and interactive activity rooms.
Sweeping Staircase and Inviting Tea Garden
Gastronomy & Beverages: Culinary Excellence in the Lounge
Upon descending the staircase, guests are greeted by a beautifully appointed restaurant area adorned with stylish chandeliers and a thoughtfully curated self-serve buffet.
One of the Lounge’s Elegant Dining Spaces
Across the atrium, a second dining zone offers an even more extensive buffet selection. Reminiscent of a luxury hotel breakfast room, this area features sophisticated décor and an impressive assortment of culinary options. Guests can enjoy a varied spread of cold appetizers, light snacks, and hot entrees, all freshly prepared by a dedicated team of chefs. Made-to-order options such as omelettes—with a choice of fresh ingredients—are available at breakfast, while signature Turkish dishes rotate throughout the day. The renowned Do & Co catering group, celebrated for its award-winning inflight cuisine, oversees all food preparation in the lounge.
Expansive Self-Service Buffet Area
Throughout the lounge, well-placed beverage stations offer a range of soft drinks and non-alcoholic refreshments, elegantly displayed within recessed wall units. Three full-service bars are spread across the lounge, serving a premium selection of spirits including gin, vodka, whiskey, rum, and artisan liqueurs. In the central atrium, the Turkish tea garden presents three varieties of authentic Turkish tea paired with traditional snacks, offering an immersive local experience.
Diverse Selection of Premium Alcoholic Drinks
Leisure, Entertainment & Family Activities
The lower floor is designed to transform layovers into memorable experiences for guests of all ages. One of the standout features is the miniature racetrack, allowing visitors to navigate a small-scale Istanbul—passing iconic sites like the Hagia Sophia, the Bosphorus Bridge, and the city’s renowned airport. Additional entertainment options include multiple car racing simulators, an advanced golf simulator for honing your swing, billiards tables, and an interactive play zone for children.
Rally Car Track, Digital Games, and Beverage Station
Golf Simulation Experience
Upper Level: Classic Comfort & Signature Amenities
The original upper level of the lounge remains open, providing a familiar yet slightly more traditional environment—highlighting just how elevated the new floor has become. The upper lounge features multiple comfortable seating areas, a variety of dining choices, and several signature amenities. Notable highlights include a curated library, a private cinema room complete with a popcorn machine, a spacious children’s playroom, and an aviation enthusiast’s corner, where a live Flightradar24 wall display allows guests to track real-time arrivals and departures in the Istanbul region.
Classic Ambience of the Upper Lounge
Private Cinema with Fresh Popcorn
Our Verdict: Turkish Airlines Business Lounge Experience
Turkish Airlines’ flagship business lounge in Istanbul sets a benchmark for luxury and innovation. The new lower level, with its hotel-like ambiance, offers a tranquil oasis that feels more like an exclusive members’ club than a busy airport lounge. The integration of refined dining, exceptional beverage options, and immersive entertainment ensures every visit is both relaxing and memorable.
During our morning visit, the lower level remained delightfully quiet, while the upper floor saw more traffic. Many guests seemed unaware of the expanded space, making the new area a hidden gem for those in the know. This serenity is likely to shift as more travelers discover the lounge’s full breadth.
The culinary offerings and drink selections are consistently top-tier, and the varied activities transform the lounge into a destination in its own right. It’s an inviting space for both business and leisure travelers seeking a premium pre-flight experience.
Access is exclusive to business and first class passengers, as well as Star Alliance Gold members flying with Turkish Airlines or any Star Alliance carrier.
All images: Jacob Molin