IST

R5 183 Find Cheap Flights to Istanbul Airport

1 adult
1 adult, Economy

KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to Istanbul Airport

 
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results for flights to Istanbul
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results for flights to Istanbul
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Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for flights to Istanbul

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights to Istanbul to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

What is the cheapest flight to Istanbul Airport?

These are the best round-trip prices found by users searching on KAYAK in the last 72 hours.

In the last 3 days, the cheapest flight deal to Istanbul Airport was found on the route from Johannesburg, at R9 592 return. The most popular connection is from Cape Town to Istanbul Airport and KAYAK users have found return deals for as low as R9 786 in the last 3 days.

How much is a flight to Istanbul Airport?

The average and cheapest price for all round-trip flights to Istanbul Airport from each origin found by users searching on KAYAK in the last month.

A flight to Istanbul Airport costs R10 878 on average. The cheapest price found on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks cost R5 729 and departed from Durban. The most popular routes on KAYAK are Johannesburg to Istanbul Airport which costs R12 922 on average, and Cape Town to Istanbul Airport, which costs R14 079 on average.

See prices from:

What is the cheapest month to fly to Istanbul Airport?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for flights to Istanbul Airport, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the median of all values for each month.

The cheapest month for flights to Istanbul Airport is February, where tickets cost R9 962 on average for return flights. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and July, where the average cost of tickets from South Africa is R14 284 and R12 369 respectively. For one-way flights, the best month to travel is February with an average price of R11 104.

What is a good deal for flights to Istanbul Airport?

If you’re looking for cheap airfare to Istanbul Airport, 25% of our users found tickets to Istanbul Airport for the following prices or less: From Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport R11 834 return, from Durban R12 406 return, from Cape Town R12 680 return.

How far in advance should I book a flight to Istanbul Airport?

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights to Istanbul Airport, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the average of all the values for each week.

To get a below average price, you should book around 4 weeks before departure, which saves you about 12% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 12 weeks before departure.

Good to know – Book Cheap Istanbul Airport Plane Tickets

Low seasonFebruary
Cheapest flightR5 183
Best time to beat the crowds (15% less expensive on average)
Most popular time to fly (13% more expensive on average)
Flight from Johannesburg to Istanbul Airport

When to book flights to Istanbul

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel to Istanbul based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated return price
KAYAK looks at all historical flight data for each date to provide a predicted price for one-way trips or returns with a duration up to 40 days. The information is for flights to Istanbul based on your location. While we try to provide actual minimum prices for each date, some prices are predictions and actual prices may differ.

FAQs - booking Istanbul Airport flights

  • What is the cheapest flight to Istanbul Airport?

    In the last 3 days, the cheapest flight deal to Istanbul Airport was found on the route from Johannesburg, at R9 592 return. The most popular connection is from Cape Town to Istanbul Airport and KAYAK users have found return deals for as low as R9 786 in the last 3 days.

  • How far is Istanbul Airport from central Istanbul?

    There are 34 km between Istanbul city centre and Istanbul Airport.

  • How much is a flight to Istanbul?

    On average, a flight to Istanbul costs R10 878. The cheapest price found on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks cost R5 729 and departed from Durban King Shaka Intl Airport.

  • What is the cheapest day to fly to Istanbul?

    Based on KAYAK data, the cheapest day to fly to Istanbul is Tuesday where round-trip tickets can be as cheap as R13 804. On the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is Saturday, where round-trip prices are R15 188 on average.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights to Istanbul Airport?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights to Istanbul Airport.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket to Istanbul Airport?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Istanbul Airport is likely to change within 7 days, so travellers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights to Istanbul Airport?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional return ticket. You could then fly to Istanbul Airport with an airline and back with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight to Istanbul Airport?

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Istanbul Airport up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

  • What is the cheapest time of day to fly to Istanbul Airport?

    The cheapest time of day to fly to Istanbul Airport is generally in the morning, when round-trip flights cost R560 on average. The most expensive time of day to fly to Istanbul Airport is generally in the evening, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is R799.

  • How many direct flights to Istanbul Airport are there each week?

    Each week there are around 14 direct flights from within South Africa to Istanbul Airport. The most common day for departures is Friday, with 14% of flights taking off on this day.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Istanbul Airport

  • Looking for cheap airfare to Istanbul Airport? 25% of our users found return tickets to Istanbul Airport for the following prices or less: From Durban R9 251, from Johannesburg OR Tambo R27 135, from Cape Town R27 695
  • Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Istanbul Airport flight deals.

Prefer to fly direct to Istanbul?

 
Nonstop data is based off flight results for the next 60 days. Find direct flights from all airlines flying nonstop to Istanbul.
Find which airlines fly direct to Istanbul Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

South Africa to Istanbul

Monday

ANA, AZIMUTH, Aegean Airlines, +114 more

ANA, AZIMUTH, +115 more

Tuesday

ANA, AZIMUTH, Aegean Airlines, +116 more

ANA, AZIMUTH, +117 more

Wednesday

ANA, AZIMUTH, Aegean Airlines, +112 more

ANA, AZIMUTH, +113 more

Thursday

ANA, AZIMUTH, Aegean Airlines, +120 more

ANA, AZIMUTH, +121 more

Friday

ANA, AZIMUTH, Aegean Airlines, +117 more

ANA, AZIMUTH, +118 more

Saturday

ANA, AZIMUTH, Aegean Airlines, +112 more

ANA, AZIMUTH, +113 more

Sunday

ANA, AZIMUTH, Aegean Airlines, +116 more

ANA, AZIMUTH, +117 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Istanbul to South Africa

Monday

ANA, AZIMUTH, Aegean Airlines, +114 more

ANA, AZIMUTH, +115 more

Tuesday

ANA, AZIMUTH, Aegean Airlines, +116 more

ANA, AZIMUTH, +117 more

Wednesday

ANA, AZIMUTH, Aegean Airlines, +112 more

ANA, AZIMUTH, +113 more

Thursday

ANA, AZIMUTH, Aegean Airlines, +120 more

ANA, AZIMUTH, +121 more

Friday

ANA, AZIMUTH, Aegean Airlines, +117 more

ANA, AZIMUTH, +118 more

Saturday

ANA, AZIMUTH, Aegean Airlines, +112 more

ANA, AZIMUTH, +113 more

Sunday

ANA, AZIMUTH, Aegean Airlines, +116 more

ANA, AZIMUTH, +117 more

See more direct flights

Reviews of the top 5 airlines flying to Istanbul

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying to Istanbul. Airline scores are aggregated from all reviews left by passengers on KAYAK after flying with an airline from South Africa to Istanbul. KAYAK doesn’t show reviews that are older than 5 years. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Need help choosing which airline to fly with to Istanbul? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
8,1
EmiratesOverall score based on 3315 reviews
8,2Entertainment
7,9Food
8,1Boarding
8,3Crew
8,0Comfort
Airline reviews

I lost my lock from my luggage, I don’t know someone took something from my bag.

6,0 GoodJoy, Jul 2025IAH - DXB
Read more Emirates reviews

I lost my lock from my luggage, I don’t know someone took something from my bag.

Emirates is superb service. The A380 was very comfortable. The cabin crew is really helpful

First time and very memorable, the finest flying experience ive ever had

Comfort poor, little leg room, cabin temperature too hot. No free entertainment. No complementary drinks. Overal experience poor and would not travel with them again.

The plane seemed pretty old and the food was not good

Good food, real silverware, polite staff, smooth landing, charging plugs, good entertainment options.

Flight was on time. Seats (economy) were very comfortable and food was excellent. The bad thing was that after landing it took an hour to reach arrivals. We had to wait 15mins to get off the plane and then had to board a bus which moved very slowly and took almost 30 minutes.

The service was excellent. We flew coach on this leg of our trip and it was still very pleasant.

The ground staff on Islamabad is horrible. The on board services are excellent.

The food was amazing on our flight. So many options for movies and shows to stay entertained for 12 hours.

Not sure how we end up with American Airlines instead of Qatar Airways. From Philadelphia to Qatar they boarded us then they asked us to unload. After 30 minutes later they board us again. The inside the plane it was burning hot and we were sweating like crazy. Crew members are absolute rude. The way they served the passengers were horrible. One of the crew members hit my knee with food cart and kept going. I was holding an ice pack for almost 2 hours. I am still with the pain.

It was excellent in all respects. I don’t think it needs any improvement

The staff was great and probably that's the single most thing that distinguished this particular Qatar flight from my average typical experience. They genuinely wanted to please you and do their best.

Liked some flight attendants. 1 was rude I'll not say her name I don't want to get her jn trouble on my flight back to Dallas from Doha. Very rude to some races of people clearly. She needs a better attitude and bedside manners. Asking her questions and she responds "WHAT" twice rudely like I was bothering her and "is it going to be cranberry or mango juice with an attitude".

Qatar Airways did a very good job. Flights were slightly delayed with boarding but pilots made up time by arrival. The food was OK, no better or worse than other airlines. Although it would be nice to have three meals during 16 hours flight instead of two.

Well organized boarding, efficient and on time. Nice crew on the plane. Thank you!

Worst air experience in whole life . Boarding and checking was hassle as they did 3 times. Crew team was clueless about passengers need. Despite of passengers raising hand , they were resetting the program

Seat experience average as they use old 777 for must flights despite full load. Qr fares are higher than other airlines for same routes so they should at least upgrade the planes . Food is average and same dishes for months on most routes I travelled at least - the Arabian rice dish “Maqboos” on every flight for months - I am sure there are other food Arabian dishes ?? It’s become boring ! Crew is always good which makes up for these things but hey confirm us what we need

The rows of seats in economy class are seriously close to one another making eating and resting just about impossible - there is hardly any legroom. Anyone larger than average size would have an incredibly uncomfortable flight. I had to basically share my seat with the lady passenger next to me as she was too big to fit into her allotted seat.

Being a platinum member, no attention given. No towel or tissue provided.

I had a terrible experience checking in at the airport for my flight. I booked my ticket initially through Kayak while it was promoted as a ticket that offers a carry on and 2 suit cases. (I have a screen shot as a proof of it) I selected it to buy three tickets and paid online. Couple of minutes later airfare assist which is the OTA offering the ticket called me saying My card declined. So I used a different card that went through. I was surprised that they increased the price ticket by a $167. They said the ticket no longer exists and because my card declined I had to buy a new one. So I did. The day my family and I were traveling I could not check in and when I went to the airport I was shocked to be told my ticket had no bags allowed and must pay $200 per bag for three people 6 bags mean I have to pay $1200. I called the travel agency as I feel I was scammed the confirmation didn’t say anything about the bags and they never told me the new ticket doesn’t not include any bag so they changed it after I selected it on your app without informing me. Very sneaky. The travel agency said they will reimburse me only for one bag person. Which means I still paid $600 I still feel very disappointed to pay such an expense. I have always used Kayak to buy my flight tickets and telling everyone how good your rates and app are however after this I feel I was mislead and paid more for something I should not have to. You allowing such an agency on your platform will surely hurt your reputation and level of integrity. I have all the proofs from the screen shot to the confirmation email from them, the or email offering to reimburse o e bag per person and the $1200 bag fees receipts that I paid on the desk. I must be refund the full amount and I look forward to your response.

second leg was more comfortable. Customer service in Abu Dhabi is okay.

Etihad seems to have a very strict luggage enforcement. I am a very light passenger compared to other passengers which are mainly heavier. I do not understood why airlines enforce the weight restriction so strictly. I was overweight luggage of 1.5kg, but am probably 10+kg lighter than the average passenger. Other airlines are far more accommodating. Poor customer service as far as I am concerned. If weight is such an important issue to an airline they should charge passengers by total amount of body weight plus luggage. To me just ridiculous.

Crew Check-In – Kolkata (CCU) The crew handling check-in in Kolkata was outstanding—efficient, courteous, and highly organized. Flight Segment – CCU to Abu Dhabi (AUH) A standard flight overall. Notably, only one in-flight meal option—a vegetarian curry—was available, which seemed unsuitable for a red-eye journey. The crew offered no alternatives, which was unexpected. Flight Segment – Abu Dhabi to Rome (AUH-FCO) Comfort improved on this leg, but service quality was average, falling short of Etihad’s premium standards. Crew attention was heavily absorbed by a difficult couple in Row 15 (port side), resulting in disproportionate focus. It was concerning that a steward had to personally return to apologize, a task better suited for supervisory staff. This highlights a development opportunity for supervisors Anna and Quashim in managing guest escalation professionally.

Certainly! Here’s a more concise and refined version of your report, maintaining a polished and professional tone: --- Crew Check-In – Kolkata (CCU) The crew handling check-in in Kolkata was outstanding—efficient, courteous, and highly organized. Flight Segment – CCU to Abu Dhabi (AUH) A standard flight overall. Notably, only one in-flight meal option—a vegetarian curry—was available, which seemed unsuitable for a red-eye journey. The crew offered no alternatives, which was unexpected. Flight Segment – Abu Dhabi to Rome (AUH-FCO) Comfort improved on this leg, but service quality was average, falling short of Etihad’s premium standards. Crew attention was heavily absorbed by a difficult couple in Row 15 (port side), resulting in disproportionate focus. It was concerning that a steward had to personally return to apologize, a task better suited for supervisory staff. This highlights a development opportunity for supervisors Anna and Quashim in managing guest escalation professionally.

Horrible. After paying for seats, I was cramped, my daughters legs kept hitting the seat in front, I had no overhead bin space and no help from stewards on board, the food was served cold, when asked for snacks was told to wait and never received any, the flight was cold with no temperature controls. Entertainment was outdated. I booked this through partnership with American Airlines but will avoid in the future.

Flight was delayed due to slow boarding process by etihad. Update food options and movies as well.

Extremely bad food, they never gave our bags in time, the online check-in did not let us check in because we had Indian OCI not sure why we were given the option to check in then, because we couldn’t check in online we had to go in person and we were not able to change our seats and sit with our family

Should have had business class line in immigration. Food quality suboptimal

Used to Etihad employees are very rude and unprofessional but now better than before over all is okay now

I loved and appreciated the agent at the check in counter in Amman. He was very professional and helpful. I believe his name was Lawrence. All I saw from him were smiles after smiles after smile. Very kind and professional. Overall trip was comfortable and pleasant.

The crew were very hospitable and pleasant. The food was pretty good. Unfortunately, there was a flight delay of more than 2 hours. We're not sure why but it appeared to be outside the control of Turkish Airlines.

Terrible. Delayed. No one would help. Just limped about like a piece of meat

Bough tickets with luggage, but made me pay at Airport as well

The best airline food being served for business travellers. Excellent food.

The economy seat was so uncomfortable, had not enough leg room for 13 hours flight, front seat basket was broken and couldn’t hold anything, food quality was horrible( we got food poisoned ) we charged for logged which used to be free. We paid too much for this flight and very disappointed. Turkish air line better to make satisfy and respect people instead of find different way to scam people.

The business class seats are designed for someone taller than I am, so my feet were dangling (the footrest was just a smidge too low). Which caused problems with my sciatic nerve and made for a long uncomfortable flight.

Overall great airline that still provides two suitcases, has a huge hub and crew goes above and beyond to assist you. Boarding took a lot of time as there were only 2 people checking in. Also, in Istanbul, taxing took almost 30 min.

Very good overall.... apart from the cost of extra check ed in luggage where they charge £17 per kg, and no option to just buy an extra bag allowance (at least on the route I took)

Amazing! Big line at Check in was diminished in 10 minutes. Boarding was quick and efficient. Service and food great. Only minor point: seats could be a little broader and for me being small, something to put your feet on during the flight would be great.

POSITIVES The hostesses were mostly pleasant, NEGATIVES The full flight wifi was horrible, hardly able to use it. My charger port was not working which made me use my neighbour's port which resulted in an accident which ruined her flight. During dinner, meat ran out when the cart got to us forcing us to eat vegetarian which was not great. We watched everyone around us eating meat. My wifi did not transfer to the second leg of my trip as they promised as they changed the plane. I was thrown off the window seat I booked for the 2nd leg of my journey as they changed planes, all done at my expense. This was not a cheap flight ($2600) which i hurriedly had to book to attend my mother's funeral who passed away suddenly. I was honestly disappointed with the whole saga as I heard Ethiopian Airlines was one of Africa's best.

Delays delays making us miss or next connection to IAD hence having to stay additional 24 hrs in Addis Ababa

It was an old aircraft, stiff seats almost wooden chairs with thin cushions. Food was ok.

Traveling with Ethiopian is always a good experience. I also enjoy the stay at skylight hotel in Addis

Lost suite case and pillow that’s used by senior and they didn’t leave it at the airport

Forgotten Suite inside of the top compartment but went back to ask and they didn’t leave at the lost and found place. Also the checking in was so horrible. I had multi city and one of the passenger saint have visa go go go Dubai. The Ethiopian airlines never had information about requirement for US permanent resident so couldn’t go to Dubai. And when coming back to US we were told we can not use our Addis to Washington ticket and they forced us to get new ticket. Very horrible experience.

I had a comfortable seat that makes my trip wonderful. I appreciate the Ethiopia crew, they were very helpful

i send you separate claim of what happens ,I buy ticketed from you and you said that it is confirmed and shall send the ticket in 24 hrs but you did not send and when we go to Ethiopian air line counter they say it is pending and we dont know why ,and we forced to buy another ticket ,and this all because Ethiopian air lines canceled the return flight from Adi Ababa to Amman, please note that we buy all the tickets through your app and hold you responsible for all loss and discomfort.

No Asian Vegetarian food was available on this sector but only fish and chicken and pasta were offered.

It was very bad experience with Ethiopian airlines . The flight was delayed in both ways . On the way coming back one of the crews dropped hot coffee on my whole body and other crew dropped used dirty glasses on top of me . The same crew that dropped hot coffee on me hit me with the food trolley on my knee while I was sleeping . I couldn’t sit properly due to the pain on my knee caused by those irresponsible crews . Very unprofessional airlines

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