Security and Baggage Restrictions

Airport Security

At Istanbul Airport, security checkpoints scan all departing and transfer passengers, along with their baggage, to prevent the entry of prohibited items into restricted areas and onboard the aircraft.

The scanning methods used at security checkpoints are conducted in accordance with the standards established by the National Civil Aviation Security Program and its revisions, the Istanbul Airport Security Program and its revisions, as well as guidelines from the Civil Aviation Directorate General, the Decisions of the Istanbul Airport Security Commission, and the recommendations of international organizations, such as the ICAO and the ECAC.

To expedite the security checkpoint process, please take the following into consideration.

Take your time when passing through security checkpoints.
Complying with the guidance and instructions given by the staff at security checkpoints will ensure a secure and seamless passage.
Any objects that might activate the detector's alarm (such as cell phones, keys, and coins) should be placed in the plastic trays for an X-ray examination.
Remove your belt, jacket, coat, blazer, and other similar items at the X-ray preparation table, and place them in the plastic trays provided.
Remove laptops, cameras, and large electronic devices from their cases, and place them in a separate plastic tray.
There is no restriction on liquids (except dangerous liquids) at terminal entrance security checkpoints.
Make sure you collect all your belongings before leaving the X-ray area.
Please adhere to the security regulations and pay attention to the security staff, as their guidance is intended to assist everyone.

Have your boarding card ready.
Take your time when passing through security checkpoints.
Complying with the guidance and instructions given by the staff at security checkpoints will ensure a secure and seamless passage.
Make sure that your cabin baggage does not contain any liquids that are not in compliance with the liquid restrictions.
Any objects that might activate the detector's alarm (such as cell phones, keys, and coins) should be placed in the plastic trays for an X-ray examination.

Remove your belt, jacket, coat, blazer, and other similar items at the X-ray preparation table, and place them in the plastic trays provided.
Remove laptops, cameras, and large electronic devices from their cases, and place them in a separate plastic tray.
Remove the 1-liter transparent, re-sealable bag containing liquid containers (up to 100 ml each) from your bag and place it in a separate plastic tray.
Make sure you collect all your belongings before leaving the X-ray area.
Please adhere to the security regulations and pay attention to the security staff, as their guidance is intended to assist everyone.

Metal detectors and hand-held metal detectors present no risk to pregnant passengers. If you have any concerns, you can request an alternative search method from the security personnel, which will not involve metal detectors.
Alternative search methods will be used for passengers using wheelchairs and cardiac pacemakers.
Passengers with disabilities are advised to notify the staff on duty at the checkpoint prior to the security check.
Failure to comply with security checkpoint rules may result in denial of passage through the security checkpoint.
Detailed information about prohibited items such as lighters and batteries in the cabin, security restricted areas, and cargo hold, can be requested from the airline company.
Please note that the list of prohibited items at security checkpoints only includes the most common items and is merely a guideline. Items not listed, but which can potentially be used as a weapon, are also prohibited.

1. Firearms, other weapons, and their components,

2. Pointed, sharp, or piercing weapons and items,

3. Non-sharp or non-pointed weapons, objects, and items,

4. Explosives, explosive devices, and their components,

5. Flammable and combustible liquids and gases,

6. Nuclear, biological, chemical (NBC), and hazardous or toxic substances,

7. Liquids, aerosols, and gels exceeding 100 ml and not secured in a 1-liter bag are prohibited,

8. Prohibited items in checked baggage,

a) Fuses and detonators,

b) All types of explosive devices,

c) All types of explosives,

1) Dynamite,

2) Gunpowder,

3) Plastic explosives and similar,

a) Mines,

b) Hand grenades,

c) Fireworks, sparklers, and pyrotechnical materials,

d) Explosive capsules,

e) Military ammunition,

f) Smoke-producing cans and cartridges,

g) High-risk flammable and combustible materials,

h) CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) substances, excluding those for medical use.

Certain items may be classified as prohibited items, subject to the decisions of the airport security commission.
Your airline operator may refuse to transport prohibited items, or any other items not included in this list, on the aircraft.
In the interests of flight safety, personal transportation devices powered by lithium batteries, including mini-Segways, solowheels, airwheels, balance wheels, etc., are not permitted to be transported as hand luggage or checked baggage.
In line with international and national legislation, firearms, other weapons, their components, and ammunition must be declared at the firearm declaration office situated near the terminal entrance, as well as to the airline company, accompanied by the required documentation. These items may not be carried unless they have been declared.
Should you intend to carry such an item, please contact the airline.

Baggage Security and Restrictions

All departing and transfer passengers traveling from iGA Istanbul Airport are scanned at the security checkpoints to prevent the entry of prohibited items into the security restricted areas and the aircraft.

Screening methods employed at security checkpoints adhere to the standards established in the National Civil Aviation Security Program and its Annexes, published by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, in addition to the ICAO Aviation Security Manual (Doc 8973) and ECAC Document 30 Part II.

In order to expedite the process, please consider the following.

Avoid rushing at security checkpoints.
Make sure you place the following metal and electronic items inside the screening trays:

- Cellphone,
- Computer,
- Camera,
- Keys,
- Coins, etc.

Remove your belt, jacket, coat, and other similar items, and fold them neatly to prevent them from falling out of the trays.
Fold up your child's stroller. Place the stroller on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening.
Proceed through the checkpoint one person at a time.

Have your boarding pass ready,
Place all metal belongings and clothing items such as belts, jackets, coats, etc., in the plastic trays,
Make sure that your hand luggage does not contain any prohibited items, as these are not permitted on the aircraft.

In line with international and national regulations, as of April 1st, 2012, passengers on all flights (domestic and international) are permitted to carry Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels (LAGs) in their hand baggage (in the cabin), enclosed in containers with a maximum capacity of 100 ml, and placed in a single 1-liter resealable bag. This restriction does not apply to checked baggage (in the hold).

We advise you to pack any Liquids, Aerosols, or Gels (LAGs) in your checked baggage. Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels (LAGs) not in your hand baggage will be prohibited from passing through security checkpoints. Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels (LAGs) are permitted in your hand luggage in containers with a capacity of up to 100 ml, provided they do not exceed the quantities specified below.

For security reasons, certain items and substances (hazardous materials) are prohibited in checked baggage.

1- Liquid/Aerosol/Gel (LAG) Prohibitions
(Stored in containers larger than 100 ml and not sealed in 1-liter bags)

All liquids, including water, syrups, beverages, perfumes, lotions, contact lens solutions, liquid medicines, and infant formula,
Creams, oils (including cosmetic oils), all types of makeup products including mascara (excluding solid products), shaving foams, shaving gels, and hair care products such as hair gel,
Liquid or gel food items, including jams, honey, yogurt, molasses, and tomato paste,
Products such as shampoos, hair conditioners, aerosols, deodorants, and sprays,
Toothpaste and any paste-like substances (e.g., hair sprays),
Other spray liquid products, and similar items as mentioned above.

Exceptions to the Liquid Restrictions

In the following cases, Liquid-Aerosol-Gel (LAG) substances may be carried in the cabin with the passenger and are exempt from the rules specified here.

a) Medication: Passengers are permitted to carry medication in the cabin, provided it is in its original packaging and accompanied by a prescription or medical report indicating the passenger's name and prescribed medication.

b) Baby Formula: Passengers can bring a reasonable quantity of baby formula in the cabin for the duration of the flight, as long as the infant is also onboard the aircraft. In case of any doubt, the passenger may be asked to taste the formula.

c) Items Purchased from Duty-Free Retailers: Liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) purchased from airport duty-free retailers, or onboard, are permitted. Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels (LAGs) bought from airport duty-free shops are packaged in special, sealed (tamper-proof) bags.
Please refrain from opening these bags (STEBs) until you have passed through the security checkpoint.

Otherwise, the Liquid-Aerosol-Gel products (LAGs) inside the bag will not be permitted through the security checkpoints. If you are transferring through another airport on the way to your final destination, it is important that you do not open the duty-free shopping bag provided, either in-store or on the plane, until you reach your final destination. You can learn more about the applicable liquid restrictions at the duty-free shops in the transfer airport.

Liquid, aerosol, and gel products, as specified above, and purchased from duty-free shops, may be taken onboard by the passenger, provided that:

The products purchased by the passenger are placed securely in a transparent bag. The products must be in a tamper-evident bag.
A copy of the receipt or invoice for the products should be placed in the bag so that it is visible from the outside. The receipts or invoices must have the same date as that of the flight. (This restriction does not apply to flights scheduled to take off before 2:00 AM the next day.)
Bags packed in accordance with the regulations outlined at the Security Checkpoints can be taken onboard, provided they remain unopened, and after confirming that the receipt or invoice was issued by the duty-free store authorized by the Local Authority at that airport.
The bag containing Liquid, Aerosol, and Gel (LAGs) products will be permitted onboard the aircraft once the bag and the invoice for the products have been inspected at the security checkpoint.

Packaging Liquid - Aerosol - Gel (LAGs) Products

Liquid, Aerosol, and Gel (LAGs) products must be placed in individual containers, each with a maximum capacity of 100 ml. These containers should be placed in a transparent, resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 liter (20 cm x 20 cm). Only one of these bags is allowed per passenger. Resealable, 1-liter food storage bags can be used for this purpose. These bags must be presented for inspection at the checkpoints and examined separately from your hand baggage.

Rifles of all calibers,
Any type of shotgun and pump-action rifle,
Replica and imitation firearms, and similar,
Air guns (PCP and CO2) that discharge BBs, plastic projectiles, paintballs, pellets, blanks, as well as firearms designed for sports and similar activities, and their capsules and cartridges,
Concealed and disguised standard weapons, as well as improvised weapons (such as lighter-shaped guns, pen guns, and cane guns),
Any weapon components, including telescopic sights, magazines, and cartridges,
Flare guns, starter pistols, emergency pistols, and flares.

Pointed and Bladed Weapons and Objects

Axes and various types of axes,
Hatchets,
Arrows, crossbows, and bows,
Hooks, machetes, swords, daggers, and switchblades,
Bayonets, socket bayonets, shuriken, throwing stars, tactical and hunting knives, and supplies,
and items such as darts, harpoons, mountaineering equipment (crampons, ice hammers, ice axes, poles), skis, batons, ice skates, bows, and arrows.
Sewing needles and similar items, injectors, hypodermic needles, fishing hooks,
Cutlery, tactical pens, carpet knives, knitting needles, barbecue skewers, nail clippers, nail files and similar, surgical instruments (scalpels, lancets, etc.), pocketknives, switchblades, multi-tool pocketknives, ceramic knives, disguised and improvised knives (cards, pens, belt knives, cane swords, etc.), manual gyro knives, straight razors, razor blades, dive knives, ice picks, ice axes, corkscrews,
Paper scissors, wire cutters, dressmaker's shears, poultry shears, hairdressing scissors, kitchen scissors, pruning shears,
Hammers, adzes, screwdrivers, drills, cordless drills, drivers and drill bits, saws (handsaws, chainsaws, hacksaws, fretsaws, etc.), tape measures, multi-tool sets, crowbars, chisels, repair tools (pliers, round pliers, diagonal pliers), pipe wrenches, adjustable wrenches, wrench sets, nail guns, pneumatic torque wrenches, tools with shafts and blades longer than 6 cm capable of being used as weapons.

Non-sharp/Non-Pointed Weapons/Objects/Items

All types of batons, kubotans (shock, stun, law enforcement, telescopic, etc.), sports sticks (e.g., golf clubs, cricket, baseball and softball bats, hockey and lacrosse sticks, cues, etc.), ropes, chains, and similar items, fishing equipment and gear, paddles (canoe, etc.)
Handcuffs, sports equipment (skateboards, skis, surfboards), catapults and similar devices, slingshots,
Electroshock weapons and all types of stun guns (e.g., those used to stun and slaughter animals), brass knuckles, maces, garrotes, nunchucks, and staffs.

Flammable and Combustible Liquids and Gases

Spray paints, spray adhesives, solvents such as thinners and turpentine, etc.,
Gases, gas cylinders, and refills (oxygen, propane gas, butane gas, acetone, lighter fluids, and gases (liquid-gas)),
Torch lighters (blow torches),
All types of non-safety matches (strike-anywhere matches),
Beverages and liquids with more than 70% alcohol (e.g., cologne),
Imitations, equivalents, and replicas of all kinds of flammable and combustible products.

Nuclear, Biological, Chemical (NBC), and Hazardous/Toxic Substances

Acids, liquid batteries, large solid batteries, radioactive substances (excluding those used in healthcare), dry ice (exceeding 2 kg), spontaneously combustible materials,
Poisons and pesticides (e.g., insecticides, rodenticides), fly and insect control products (aerosol/solid forms), infectious and biohazardous materials (contaminated blood, bacteria, and viruses), chemical and biological agents, VHFs including mustard gas, sarin, anthrax, smallpox, cyanide, tularemia, botulism, Ebola, and Marburg, which cause high fever; incapacitating sprays (pepper spray, tear gas, riot control agents such as CN and CS gases, animal repellent sprays, acid sprays, and similar products),
Solvents, abrasives, bleaching agents and removers (irritants such as chlorine, bleaches, hydrochloric acid, etc.), oxygen cylinders (chemical oxygen generators, diving tanks, liquid oxygen cylinders), devices that generate or emit heat, nitrogen cylinders, and flammable liquids or solids.

Explosives, components of explosives, and detonation mechanisms

Plastic Explosives (e.g. C-4),
Semtex, dynamite, TNT, liquid explosives,
Mechanisms of detonation, replicas, imitations, and equivalents of explosives,
Arms and ammunition, smoke and stun grenades, etc.,
Pyrotechnics, igniters for detonators,
Power supplies for detonators (e.g. batteries),
Detonation timers (e.g. clocks),
Fuses and wicks,
Any type of explosives and explosive devices,
Fireworks, signal flares, land mines, and military explosives,
Grenades,
Firecrackers,
High-risk flammable and combustible materials, smoke-emitting devices,
NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) substances, excluding those for medical purposes,
CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) substances, excluding those for medical purposes.

If you intend to carry oversized items, such as skiing or diving equipment, please contact the airline to inquire about the regulations regarding the transport of bulky items. Such items may include skis, strollers, sun umbrellas, wheelchairs, surfboards, windsurfing boards, fishing rods, diving gear, backpacks, golf bags, bicycles, and musical instruments.

Liquids may be transported in your hand luggage in containers with a maximum capacity of 100 ml.
Place these containers in a 1-liter resealable plastic bag prior to departure.
Devices such as spare batteries and battery-powered chargers (powerbanks) must be transported in your hand luggage. Batteries should be packed separately in your bag, to protect them from damage and short circuit.
Containers exceeding 100 ml, as well as knives and sharp scissors with a length greater than 6 cm, are only permitted in checked baggage.
If you are traveling with hand luggage only, you are not permitted to carry these items.

Items and liquids that are prohibited from the aircraft and security controlled areas:

Detailed information about items such as lighters, batteries, etc., is provided. Prohibited items include only the most common items and are merely for general understanding.
Items that are not on this list, but which could be considered a potential weapon, are also prohibited.
Some substances not included on this list may be qualified as prohibited by the airport security commission, because of the local security concerns at the relevant airport.
Your airline operator may refuse to transport prohibited items, or any other items not included in this list, on the aircraft.

Please contact the airline if you intend to carry such items.

Prohibited Items List

1- Lithium Batteries

Spare batteries must be packed separately to prevent short-circuiting; if this is not possible, they should be placed in a protective plastic bag.
For any type of battery;

a) If the battery is composed of lithium metal, the lithium content must not exceed 2 grams,
b) if it is a lithium-ion battery, the capacity must not exceed 100Wh;
batteries that meet these criteria may be transported in your carry-on luggage, but are strictly forbidden in the cargo hold.

2 - Electronic Cigarettes

Electronic cigarettes are prohibited in the cargo hold of the aircraft, and can only be carried in the passenger's hand luggage.

3 - Hobbyist UAVs

The only factor that can pose a danger in transporting a UAV in the cabin is the type and capacity of the batteries that it contains. UAVs with batteries may be carried in the cabin, provided they adhere to the restrictions on electronic devices containing lithium batteries, as outlined in ICAO Doc.9284 Technical Instructions.

Please contact your airline for more detailed information regarding baggage regulations.