Advertising at Istanbul Airport (IST): Formats, Costs, and Effectiveness in 2026

Istanbul Airport (IST) remains one of the busiest airports in the world in 2026, serving over 80 million passengers annually. Its traffic includes travelers from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, as well as business travelers and VIP passengers. This makes IST one of the most attractive advertising platforms for brands aiming to reach their target audience before the journey even begins.

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Advertising Formats That Work at IST in 2026

Istanbul Airport operates a multi-layered advertising ecosystem covering nearly every stage of the passenger journey — from check-in to baggage claim exits.

1. Digital Screens and LED Networks

LED screens in Baggage Claim Halls

Large vertical and horizontal screens visible to nearly all arriving passengers.

Digital Arrival Network & Digital CLP Network

A network of digital screens across arrival zones, passport control areas, and connecting corridors.

Video walls and LCD screens

Located in waiting areas, near boarding gates, and along terminal corridors.

2. Static and Hybrid Formats

Lightboxes

Backlit static displays in corridors, baggage claim zones, and boarding areas.

Spectaculars

Oversized, high-impact formats placed on walls and at major terminal intersections.

Hybrid walls & vinyl wraps

Full branding of walls, windows, and façades in high-footfall areas.

3. Special Advertising Zones

Baggage claim & car rental area branding

Direct contact with passengers at a high-intent moment — when they are ready to book hotels, transport, or tours.

Business lounges and VIP areas

Premium placements designed for C-level executives and high-net-worth travelers.

Estimated Advertising Costs at Istanbul Airport (IST) in 2026

Official rate cards for IST are not publicly available and are shared only through authorized media planners and airport partners such as Mediaport and iGA affiliates. The figures below reflect market-based estimates for 2026.

Digital Screens in Baggage Claim & Large LED Formats

High-visibility LED screens in arrival and baggage claim areas typically start at USD 1,500–3,000 per day per screen. During peak seasons (summer, New Year holidays), prices may exceed this range.

Campaigns are usually booked in 7–30 day packages, resulting in total budgets ranging from USD 15,000 to 50,000+, depending on duration and number of screens.

Lightboxes and Spectaculars

Lightboxes: approx. USD 800–1,500 per day, depending on proximity to passenger flow

Spectaculars & zone branding: approx. USD 3,000–7,000 per day, depending on size and location

These formats provide constant brand presence and strong visual dominance.

Simpleist “Multi-City, Multi-Format” Packages

Simpleist offers bundled campaigns combining IST airport advertising with outdoor placements across Türkiye — including billboards, metro ads, shopping malls, and major city streets.

Such integrated packages allow brands to extend visibility beyond the airport and reach urban audiences in Istanbul, Antalya, Ankara, and other key cities. Package pricing may start from approx. USD 1,450 per day, making this approach cost-efficient for brands seeking nationwide exposure.

Advertising Effectiveness at IST in 2026

1. Reach and Audience

• IST handles 200,000+ passengers daily during peak periods

• Monthly reach: millions of unique viewers

• Audience mix: international tourists, business travelers, families, and VIP clients

This makes IST suitable for both premium and mass-market brands.

2. Brand Recall and Conversion

Digital screens in baggage claim halls and arrival corridors deliver high memorability due to unavoidable dwell time.

Brands using short video creatives (10–20 seconds) and consistent visual identity report: 20–30% higher brand recall compared to static banners

3. Use Cases and Brand Examples

QNB Türkiye ran a rebranding campaign on IST baggage claim LED screens, reinforcing its image as a modern, tech-driven bank.

Major tourism and financial brands use IST as a core anchor point within integrated offline + digital campaigns, increasing trust and booking intent.

Key Takeaways for 2026

Best locations: baggage claim halls, arrival corridors, boarding gate zones, car rental areas

Most effective formats: large LED screens (recall), lightboxes (constant presence), spectaculars (premium impact)

Creative recommendations: short videos, minimal text, strong visuals, QR codes linking to landing pages

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Simpleist — Your Partner for Advertising at Istanbul Airport and Across Türkiye

If you are considering advertising at Istanbul Airport (IST) or planning a broader campaign across Türkiye, Simpleist manages the entire process — from format selection to operator approvals and campaign launch.

We help brands effectively use:

• baggage claim digital screens

• LED walls

• lightboxes and spectaculars at IST

• city-wide outdoor advertising (billboards, metro, malls)

With Simpleist, you get:

• transparent communication and clear budget benchmarks

• multi-city, multi-format solutions combining airport and urban visibility

• full support from concept to performance analysis

Contact Simpleist to discuss how advertising at Istanbul Airport and across Türkiye can work specifically for your brand in 2026.