The American newspaper New York Post, citing reports from Corriere Della Sera and Mirror, has written that Turkey’s largest airport, Istanbul International Airport, stands out as the “world’s most expensive airport.”
Istanbul Airport has made headlines in the international press due to the prices of food and beverages offered to passengers.
According to the report, at Istanbul Airport:
- A glass of beer is sold for $19.95 (approx. 760 TL),
- A single banana costs around $7 (approx. 266 TL),
- A small slice of lasagna is priced at $28 (approx. 1064 TL).
“BRICK-LIKE LASAGNA…”
The Italian financial news site L’Economia described the lasagna served at Istanbul Airport as “a brick-like slice with a sprinkle of grated cheese and a fake basil leaf.” The $28 price tag for such a small portion sparked major reactions on social media.
Likewise:
- A chicken salad costs about $20 (760 TL),
- A croissant ranges between $17 to $20.
Travelers looking for a quick bite before their flights are being hit with sky-high prices.
EVEN FAST FOOD CHAINS ARE EXPENSIVE
Well-known fast-food chains like Popeyes and McDonald’s located in the airport also offer steep prices:
- At Popeyes, a menu with four fried chicken wings, fries, and a soda sells for nearly $20.
- At McDonald’s, a Big Mac or Double Quarter Pounder meal ranges from $25 to $29 (approx. 950–1100 TL).
FOUR TIMES THE PRICE OF FRANKFURT
On Reddit, in a thread dedicated to Istanbul, a user commented that prices at Istanbul Airport were 2 to 4 times higher compared to Frankfurt Airport:
“The terminal is massive and impressive, but the prices overshadow the experience. They raise prices because they know people will have to pay.”
The same user mentioned that his sister had paid about €40 (around 1730 TL) for two Big Mac meals at Dalaman Airport, pointing out that price inflation is widespread across Turkish airports.
Another commenter noted that the prices at LaGuardia and Orlando airports in the U.S. were much more reasonable in comparison. (cumhuriyet.com)
