Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is Istanbul's second airport, set on the Asian side of the Bosphorus and named after Turkey's first female combat pilot. It handles a busy mix of international and domestic routes, and many budget-conscious travellers watch it closely when hunting for flight deals to Istanbul. Landing here puts you close to the relaxed neighbourhoods of Kadıköy, Moda and Üsküdar, a side of the city that many visitors from Malaysia only discover on a second trip. The European old town is still within reach by metro and ferry.

About Sabiha Gökçen Airport, Istanbul

Location

The airport lies in the Pendik district, south-east of central Istanbul and inland from the Sea of Marmara coast. It is closer to the Asian residential districts than to Sultanahmet, which is on the far side of the strait. Motorways connect it with the Asian districts and onwards across the Bosphorus to the European side.

Terminals

A single passenger terminal serves both international and domestic flights. It is compact compared with the city's main airport, so walking from the gate to baggage claim is usually quick. Cafés, currency exchange and car rental counters are easy to find once you clear customs.

Getting from Sabiha Gökçen to the City

A metro line connects the terminal with Kadıköy on the Asian waterfront, stopping at interchanges along the way. Airport coaches run to Kadıköy and to Taksim on the European side, and taxis wait outside the terminal. For the old city, many travellers ride to Kadıköy and then take a ferry to Eminönü or Karaköy, arriving with a view of the skyline.

Direct and Connecting Flights to Sabiha Gökçen

Most itineraries from Malaysia to Sabiha Gökçen involve at least one stop, often through a Gulf or regional hub. Services change by season, so use the direct filter on Traveloka to check whether a nonstop option exists on your dates, and compare total journey times rather than fares alone.

Deciding between the two Istanbul airports comes down to where you will sleep. If your accommodation is on the Asian shore, Sabiha Gökçen can spare you a long cross-city drive. If you are staying in Sultanahmet or Beyoğlu, compare fares into Istanbul Airport on the European side too. Sabiha Gökçen also offers plenty of domestic routes for onward trips around Turkey.

When to Fly to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen

Istanbul's shoulder seasons are the most pleasant. April and May bring blooming parks and fresh sea breezes, while September and October stay warm enough for waterfront evenings in Moda. Midsummer is hot and busy, and the winter months are grey, cool and prone to rain.

Seats from Malaysia fill up faster around school holidays, Hari Raya and the year-end break. If you want the best shot at a good fare, compare nearby dates using the chart on this page and set a Price Alert so you hear about changes without searching every day.

Popular Places on Istanbul's Asian Side

Kadıköy Market

The streets around Kadıköy's fish and produce market are packed with delis, pickle shops, bakeries and small restaurants. It is one of the best places in Istanbul to eat like a local.

Moda Seafront

A short walk from Kadıköy, the Moda promenade runs along the Sea of Marmara with parks, tea gardens and sunset views back towards the old city's domes.

Üsküdar and Maiden's Tower

Üsküdar is dotted with Ottoman mosques and waterfront tea spots. Offshore, the small Maiden's Tower sits on its islet, one of the city's most romantic sights at dusk.

Çamlıca Hill

The highest point on the Asian side offers a sweeping panorama of both continents and is home to the large Çamlıca Mosque, one of the newest landmarks on the skyline.

Princes' Islands

Ferries from the Asian shore reach this car-free island group in the Sea of Marmara, where visitors walk or cycle past wooden mansions and pine-covered hills.

Where to Stay near Sabiha Gökçen in Istanbul

Kadıköy is the favourite base on the Asian side, with transport links in every direction and a huge choice of places to eat. Moda, next door, is quieter and leafier, with apartments close to the seafront.

Üsküdar suits travellers who want a traditional atmosphere and quick ferry crossings to Beşiktaş and Eminönü. For an early flight, the Kartal district or the coastal district around Pendik keeps the airport close without cutting you off from the city.

Food to Try in Istanbul

Midye Dolma

Mussels stuffed with spiced rice and served with a squeeze of lemon are sold by street vendors across the city, especially along the Kadıköy waterfront at night.

Pide

A boat-shaped flatbread baked with toppings such as minced meat, cheese or egg, pide is a filling meal served straight from the wood-fired oven.

Turkish Ice Cream

Stretchy, chewy dondurma thickened with salep and mastic is often served with a playful routine by the vendor before you finally get your cone.

Menemen

Eggs scrambled with tomatoes, green peppers and spices in a small pan, eaten with crusty bread as a hearty breakfast in cafés around Moda.

For a fresh angle on a famous city, arrive on the Asian shore. Weigh up fares into both Istanbul airports and, when Sabiha Gökçen fits your plans, book on Traveloka and keep your e-ticket on your phone for the metro ride to Kadıköy.