Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is one of two airports serving the Turkish city of Istanbul, so it is important that passengers flying from Istanbul make sure they are at the right airport for their flight.
Book a flight to Kuwait and discover a cultural oasis amid rolling desert dunes, golden beaches, museums and world-class restaurants. Coastal resorts are designed as serene retreats, while the desert offers plenty of opportunities for intrepid explorers.
Whether you wander around the bustling metropolis of Kuwait City or head for the barren wilderness, you'll find wonders aplenty in Kuwait.
Flying from Istanbul Sabiha
Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is one of two airports serving the Turkish city of Istanbul, so it is important that passengers flying from Istanbul make sure they are at the right airport for their flight.
Located 22 miles from the centre of the city on the Asian side, this modern, efficient departure point serves international destinations across the globe and is a relaxed and memorable start to any journey.
Staff are friendly and focused on delivering a truly outstanding passenger experience.
Parking and transportation
There are regular buses between the airport, the nearest Metro station and the city centre, and take approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on the time of day. Note that during particularly busy times that journey time can increase.
Taxis are plentiful, but it is advisable to ask your hotel concierge to book one for you so that you are taken to the airport in a metered, official taxi. SAWKOOP taxis offer fixed-price city and hotel transfers to the airport. An alternative route is by water bus, and the IDO Sea Bus Port is five miles away and provides links to other parts of the city and further afield.
Parking is provided by a four-storey car park next to the terminal, which has capacity for 4,700 vehicles. Spaces fill up quickly.
Arriving in Istanbul
Passengers flying from Istanbul with Qatar Airways will depart from the main terminal Departures area. It is well signposted and has 112 check-in desks and 24 online check-in counters.
There are a number of VIP and business/first-class passenger lounges. Be aware that security at the airport is particularly tight, so allow at least one and a half to two hours before your flight is due to board to check in and clear security and customs checks.
Facilities and amenities
Apart from the VIP lounges, there are spacious waiting areas for passengers that are comfortable. Mother and baby rooms are available, as are prayer rooms for devotions. Wi-Fi internet connectivity is available throughout the airport for a fee, and there are fixed internet kiosks in both Arrivals and Departures.
Food outlets include the usual fast food options, as well as some vendors selling Turkish specialities, and the shopping area houses several high-quality outlets selling watches, perfumes, leather goods and accessories.
Arriving in Kuwait
A major trading point since the 1600s, Kuwait is a small but powerful country that plays a key role in the political and commercial success of the region. It is now turning into a popular tourist destination, and welcomes visitors from all over the world. Kuwait is a fascinating country with plenty to see and do.
Book a flight to Kuwait with Qatar Airways and you’ll discover a city and country that has traditional values but a very modern outlook. Its petroleum and oil wealth has led to the development of resorts and luxury hotels, but there are also plenty of older attractions to fascinate and entertain visitors.
Tourist attractions
Failaka Island is just a short boat ride away from Kuwait City, and has a selection of Bronze Age and Greek archaeological sites worth visiting that demonstrate just how important on the Mediterranean trading routes Kuwait was through the ages.
The islands harbour is bustling with dhows, giving you a glimpse of Kuwaiti life outside the modern city.
Back in Kuwait City itself a good place to find traditional crafts and goods is the Al-Mubarakiya shopping district, where you’ll find plenty of souvenirs to remind you of your trip.
Much of Kuwait is flat desert, but just outside the city you’ll find the Kazmah desert cliffs. This is a great location to do a bit of off-road jeep driving, and on a clear day the view from the top of the cliffs stretches out across the bay.
Travel Considerations
Flights to Kuwait with Qatar Airways land at Kuwait International Airport. Visa restrictions for entry into the country will depend on your country of origin, length of stay and whether your trip is for business or pleasure. Before you fly to Kuwait please check the visa and passport requirements.
Flight FAQ
To get the best price on your {Destination} flights, it is recommended that you book well in advance of your departure date, as booking early means you are likely to secure the flight you want with your preferred departure and arrival times.
You can buy Business Class tickets to {Destination}, or First Class tickets on some flights. When you book in premium (First or Business Class), you can look forward to exceptional levels of luxury and comfort, with wide seats (fully reclining on some aircraft), unparalleled attention from our cabin crew, the latest in-flight entertainment and a sumptuous on-demand menu. You can view all flight features during flight selection when you book your ticket at qatarairways.com to choose the flight that best suits your needs.
Qatar Airways flights from {Origin} to {Destination} will stop in Doha, Qatar along the way. You will transit at the state-of-the-art Hamad International Airport, home to a myriad of entertainment, shopping and relaxation venues. Stopping in Doha will allow you to take a break from your journey, stretch your legs and rejuvenate before your connecting flight.
Yes. Qatar Airways operates direct flights from {Origin} to Doha. You can check our timetable for flight times and frequency.
Qatar Airways flights from Doha to {Destination} take around {FilightTime}. You can check our timetable for flight times and frequency.
Qatar Airways is proud to be recognised as the ‘World’s Best Business Class’ at the 2023 World Airline Awards by Skytrax, for the tenth time. The airline also won ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Lounge’ and ‘World’s Best Business Class Lounge Dining’. As a testament to its continuous pursuit of excellence, Qatar Airways was named ‘World’s Best Airline’ by Skytrax an unprecedented seven times. The airline offers an unsurpassed travel experience in one of the youngest fleets in the skies.
From the moment you step on board until you reach {Destination}, the award-winning cabin crew will take care of your every need. Prepare to enjoy renowned hospitality as you relax in a spacious seat, and keep warm with a cosy blanket for the ultimate comfort. Explore local and international flavours when you indulge in fine cuisine prepared with only the freshest ingredients. Explore up to 6,000 entertainment options on Oryx One, including the latest movie releases, TV series, music and games.
From the moment you step on board until you reach {Destination}, the award-winning cabin crew will take care of your every need. Prepare to enjoy renowned hospitality as you relax in a spacious seat, and keep warm with a cosy blanket for the ultimate comfort. Explore local and international flavours when you indulge in fine cuisine prepared with only the freshest ingredients. Explore up to 6,000 entertainment options on Oryx One, including the latest movie releases, TV series, music and games.
