Turkish Airlines has become the latest airline to unveil a novel experience for transit travellers facing several hours sitting it out at Istanbul Airport between flights.

The leading flight carrier has developed a free service as part of the Touristanbul progamme for all international transfer passengers who face between six and 24 hours layover before flying on to another country.

The offer is a guided tour of the third-largest filming studio in the world and the largest in Europe. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at large-scale sets used in series such as "Resurrection: Ertugrul," "The Great Seljuks," and "Barbaros: Sword of the Mediterranean."

Visitors can explore elaborately reconstructed historical settings and gain unique insights into Türkiye's booming television industry.

Based in Istanbul's Riva area, the film plot spans 336 acres. It includes replicas of cities, palaces, inns, mosques, churches, and markets, all designed to authentically reflect the historical periods depicted in the dramas.

Passengers are accompanied by a professional guide who provides information about the series filmed there, as well as insights into Turkish history and culture.

Abdullah Yormaz, director of Tourism Marketing at Turkish Airlines, said the project is specifically aimed at international travellers transiting through Istanbul Airport to other destinations.

He said: "We have long received requests from passengers to visit the filming locations of these series. Based on that demand, we launched this program in collaboration with Bozdag Film Studios." The tour offers have already generated significant interest from those who passionately follow these series.

"Mexico leads the list of participating countries, along with guests from Pakistan and India residing in the United States," he added. "There is also notable participation from Indonesia, Kazakhstan, and Arab countries."

Nearly 3,000 travellers have joined the tour so far this year, with the number increasing during the summer months, occasionally reaching up to 100 participants per day.

Passengers can register for the tour online via THY's website or by visiting the TourIstanbul desk at the airport. The service is free and includes transportation, guides, and refreshments.

New Free Transit Tour From Istanbul - The Wise Traveller - Istanbul Airport

Best transit tours globally

Incheon International Airport, Seoul, South Korea: The airport is renowned for its free transit tours. Ranging from one to five hours, tours cater to various interests: historical excursions to Gyeongbokgung Palace, cultural visits to Insa-dong and Bukchon Hanok Village, and nature-focused trips to Yonggungsa Temple and nearby beaches.

Changi Airport, Singapore: Changi Airport offers two free guided tours for transit passengers: the Heritage Tour and the City Sights Tour. These 2.5-hour tours operate several times daily and are perfect for layovers lasting at least 5.5 hours. The Heritage Tour, for instance, features landmarks such as the Colonial District and Kampong Glam. Both tours showcase the city's blend of history, innovation, and natural beauty.

Doha Hamad International Airport, Qatar: Qatar Airways operates an excellent layover experience for travellers. The Discover Qatar Transit Tour is a 3-hour guided experience and open to those with layovers of 5 hours or more. The tour includes the Pearl-Qatar, Katara Cultural Village, the Museum of Islamic Art, and the bustling Souq Waqif.

Tokyo Narita Airport, Japan: Narita Airport offers a fascinating selection of short layover tours through the Narita Transit Program, with both self-guided and volunteer-guided options. These tours last from two to four hours and cover destinations such as Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, traditional streets in Narita City, or local parks and gardens.

Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Vietnam Airlines offers a surprising package of highlights for passengers with a stopover of between eight and 35 hours in Hanoi. They can choose from two tours. One includes a visit to the President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, Old Quarter, and Sword Lake by electric bus.

If you have a six-hour layover or more in Ho Minh City, the airline offers two programs: a visit to Thien Hau Temple and Chinatown, while the other includes a visit to the Independence Palace, Immaculate Conception Cathedral Basilica, Ho Chi Minh City Post Office, Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, and the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Building.


Andy Probert - The Wise TravellerAndy Probert is an independent journalist who writes about global travel news, airlines, airports, and business. His work has appeared globally on the BBC, and in many national newspapers and magazines.