Istanbul Airport (IST) — Flight Compensation
Istanbul Airport is Turkey's largest airport and the hub for Turkish Airlines. It's one of the world's busiest connecting hubs. Note that EC 261 only applies to flights departing from EU airports to Istanbul, not vice versa.
Top airlines at Istanbul
Common disruption causes
Frequently asked questions
What compensation can I get for a delayed flight from Istanbul Airport?
Under EU Regulation EC 261/2004, compensation from Istanbul (IST) ranges from €250 to €600 per passenger, depending on flight distance: €250 for under 1,500 km, €400 for 1,500–3,500 km, and €600 for over 3,500 km. This applies when your flight is delayed by 3 or more hours at arrival, or cancelled with less than 14 days' notice.
Does EC 261/2004 apply to all flights departing Istanbul?
Yes. Any flight departing from Istanbul Airport (IST) is covered by EC 261/2004 regardless of the airline or destination — this includes non-EU carriers. If you fly INTO Istanbul on a non-EU airline from outside the EU, you would need to check if that route is covered.
What are the most common causes of delays at Istanbul Airport?
Istanbul Airport experiences disruptions from High volume connecting traffic, Weather (snow in winter, thunderstorms), Congestion and ATC restrictions, Ground delays. Note that not all of these count as "extraordinary circumstances" — technical problems and staff shortages are NOT valid reasons for airlines to deny compensation.
How do I claim if my flight from Istanbul was cancelled?
You have two options: claim directly with the airline (often slow and frequently rejected), or use FlightOwed. We assess your claim, handle all correspondence, and take legal action if needed — with no upfront cost. We only charge 25% if we successfully recover your compensation.