Ankara to Istanbul flights
Direct and connecting flights from Esenboğa International Airport (ESB) to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) — airlines, aircraft types, and the safety record for this route.
Route FAQ
How long does the flight from Ankara to Istanbul take?
Flight time from Ankara (ESB) to Istanbul (SAW) depends on routing, aircraft type, and whether the flight is direct or connecting. A direct flight typically reflects great-circle distance plus winds, while one-stop options can add several hours depending on the layover airport. The typical block time and frequency we have observed for this route are shown above.
Which airlines fly from Ankara to Istanbul?
Airline availability for ESB to SAW changes by season and sometimes week to week as carriers adjust capacity. The airlines and aircraft types observed operating this route, both direct and connecting, are listed below based on real flight-tracking data.
Are there direct flights from Ankara to Istanbul?
Direct (nonstop) availability on ESB to SAW varies by date, day of week, and season. Busy city pairs usually have multiple daily nonstops, while thinner routes may only have direct service a few days per week or only during peak seasons.
No fatal or serious occurrence recorded and attributed to operators on this pair in the last 90 days.
- TKJ5-yr: no attributed events (coverage limited)Last 90 days: none recorded
- Turkish Airlines5-yr attributed events: 9Last 90 days: none recorded
- Pegasus Airlines5-yr: no attributed events (coverage limited)Last 90 days: none recorded
| Carrier | Sightings / 90d | Safety events |
|---|---|---|
| TKJ | 3 sightings | No recorded events |
| Turkish Airlines | 2 sightings | No recorded events |
| Pegasus Airlines | 2 sightings | No recorded events |
Planning ESB → SAW
ESB to SAW is a short-haul route of 323 km (201 mi). See the return SAW → ESB route.
Alternative airports near Ankara: Ankara (ANK) — 33 km.
Alternative airports near Istanbul: Istanbul (ISL) — 42 km, Istanbul (IST) — 63 km, Topel (KCO) — 68 km.