The first stage consists of the main terminal, with an annual passenger capacity of 90 million and an area of 1,440,000 m² (15,500,000 sq ft) — making it the world's largest airport terminal building under a single roof, despite Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 having a larger floor area at 1,713,000 m² ( ...

Istanbul Airport (IST), which became fully operational as the world's largest terminal under one roof, is special due to its unrivaled geographic position and its futuristic "Tulip" inspired architecture. In 2026, it serves as the ultimate bridge between East and West, connecting over 300 destinations across five continents—the most of any single airport. The facility is a marvel of "Smart Airport" technology, featuring AI-driven "Wayfinding" robots, biometric boarding, and one of the world's most advanced baggage handling systems. Beyond logistics, IST is a cultural destination; it houses a massive Airport Museum showcasing Turkish history and the "IGA Pass" lounges which are widely considered the most luxurious in Europe. The airport’s air traffic control tower, shaped like a tulip (the symbol of Istanbul), won the International Architecture Award even before it was completed. For travelers, its most "special" feature is the sheer efficiency of its "hub-and-spoke" model, allowing Turkish Airlines to offer some of the shortest connection times in the world despite the massive 76-million-square-meter footprint of the airport grounds.