SkyTeam Lounge

The SkyTeam Lounge at Istanbul International airport is operated by the SkyTeam airline alliance on behalf of its members (which include Air France, KLM, Korean Air, Middle East Airlines, Saudia and TAROM.) The club belongs to a network of five SkyTeam-branded lounges worldwide, which are located at airports deemed strategic enough to justify an investment in the premium ground experience but where it would not make economic sense for a single carrier to build and operate their own lounge. Current locations include Vancouver, BC, Dubai, and Santiago.

Istanbul is a perfect fit: the cosmopolitan Turkish capital is a popular destination, but the aviation market is heavily dominated by home carrier Turkish Airlines and Star Alliance partners.

SkyTeam Lounge – Istanbul (IST)

Opened in late 2019, the SkyTeam Lounge Istanbul is located at the heart of the terminal building, on a mezzanine island overlooking the concourse. Navigating the mammoth Istanbul airport can feel daunting, but there is plenty of signage to facilitate wayfinding. Just follow the signs to “SkyTeam Lounge”, “Yotel”, or “IGA Lounge” as the three facilities are adjacent to each other. Be sure to allow ample time to walk to or from gates, though. While the lounge is centrally located, some gates are situated up to 20 minutes away.

The SkyTeam Lounge welcomes Business and First Class passengers flying with a SkyTeam member airline, as well as SkyTeam Elite Plus customers. Eligible passengers can also purchase access for guests.

SkyTeam Lounge IST design

The SkyTeam Lounge Istanbul dazzles at first sight with its striking glistening white lobby, a modern interpretation of the mashrabiya, a traditional Middle Eastern latticework that serves as a sunshield.

SkyTeam Lounge Istanbul lobby

Beyond the lobby, the décor feels more familiar: the club sports the alliance’s signature design language. Living walls, fluid lines, and pops of vivid colors create a bold but welcoming ensemble. Curved wooden partitions—playfully called “nests”—delineate more intimate areas while allowing daylight to flow throughout the space.

The décor also incorporates a few subtle local touches. Above the central bar, geometric patterns mirror the design of the lobby and blend seamlessly with the soaring roof of the terminal. Behind the coffee bar, the green backdrop evokes traditional Islamic tile work found in mosques.

The decor of the SkyTeam Lounge incorporates local touches

While SkyTeam’s design isn’t particularly innovative or trendy—modern lounges tend to favor a less sterile and more residential decor—we do love the so-called nests, which greatly enhance privacy without sacrificing space efficiency.

Guests have their choice of dining booths, traditional lounge seats, communal tables, tabletop seating, and private productivity pods. The space is smartly appointed; most seats come with an individual lamp with a flexible neck, a universal power outlet, and two USB ports.

Communal table and living wall at the SkyTeam Lounge IST

Located on a mezzanine island, the SkyTeam Lounge overlooks Istanbul Airport’s sprawling terminal—one of the largest in the world—though the views are a bit underwhelming (a sad looking rock garden on one side, the adjacent IGA Lounge on the other side) and the “open air” location means that noise from the concourse bleeds in. On the bright side, the space receives ample natural light, and the mezzanine location makes the club feel more spacious than it is.

Indeed, at 582 square meters (6,200 square feet) with seating for 145 guests, the SkyTeam Lounge Istanbul is very small in comparison to the humongous Turkish Airlines Lounges and IGA Lounge. SkyTeam is the underdog at Istanbul airport, and the SkyTeam Lounge feels more “boutique” than its counterparts, though it punches above its weight when it comes to amenities.

A highlight of the SkyTeam Lounge design is the “nests” that delineate semi-private seating areas

SkyTeam Lounge IST amenities

The SkyTeam Lounge Istanbul boasts a variety of amenities designed for both regional and long-haul travelers, starting with a generous hot and cold buffet.

In the morning, guests enjoy a wide variety of breakfast items, along with cooked-to-order Turkish-style eggs. Then, at 11am, the culinary team rolls out the lunch and dinner selection. The star of the show is the mediterranean and middle eastern salad and appetizer spread; a fantastic fresh and flavorful assortment of local flavors. There are also five hot entrees, all prepared on site in the lounge’s own kitchen, which rotate every month. The hot selection tends to be mainstream, in an attempt to appeal to a global and diverse clientele, but guests also have the option to order fresh pide, a filling Turkish treat. A selection of Turkish sweets rounds up the offering.

The beverage selection includes bottled water, soda, juices, Turkish coffee, tea, and espresso. The SkyTeam Lounge also boasts a self-serve assortment of Turkish wines, beer, and middle-shelf liquor and spirits.

SkyTeam Lounge Istanbul buffet spread

While the SkyTeam Lounge does not offer specific business amenities such as private workspaces or printing facilities, the club has a dedicated Wi-Fi access point with a simple and straightforward login process. (By comparison, the systems used by the airport and other lounges requires getting a code from a kiosk or filling in a lengthy form.)

Guests who wish to freshen up will find two (functional, but not particularly luxurious) shower suites outfitted with a rain shower, a toilet, and a sink. Towels, bath products, and slippers are provided. There may be a wait for showers at peak times, so it is advisable to inquire early.

Shower room at SkyTeam Lounge Istanbul

The club also has a single massage chair—which would be more enjoyable it if was located in a more secluded area.

Finally, the lounge has a separate VIP room with a cooler and food serving area, which is typically unused and doubles as a prayer room. SkyTeam is considering removing VIP facilities altogether and officially designating the space as a prayer room.

SkyTeam Lounge IST bottom line

The SkyTeam Lounge at Istanbul airport is a modern and striking space with an enjoyable range of amenities including a generous buffet, well-appointed work spaces, and shower suites. The culinary offering is the highlight, with standouts such as cooked-to-order eggs at breakfast time and a delicious Mediterranean spread after 11am.

SkyTeam Lounge – Istanbul (IST)

SkyTeam is a niche player at Istanbul airport, and the SkyTeam Lounge does not intend to compete with Turkish Airlines’ flagship facilities. The club has none of the Turkish flag carrier’s over-the-top amenities such as private rooms, flight and golf simulators, or complimentary massages. The SkyTeam Lounge is also modest compared to the sprawling airport-operated IGA Lounge, which features an outdoor terrace and barista coffee.

But the SkyTeam Lounge has a few notable competitive advantages. Unlike Turkish Airlines, SkyTeam offers a full liquor selection. More importantly, the SkyTeam Lounge is remarkably quiet and peaceful outside peak hours, unlike the Turkish Airlines Lounges and IGA Lounge which are packed 24 hours a day. And while the club does fill up at peak times, the smart seating arrangement gives guests a healthy amount of privacy.