Air travel is already considered a luxury, but some airports take the meaning of “expensive” to a whole new level. Imagine paying Rs 500 for a single banana!

No, we are not talking about airports in Dubai, Singapore, the US, the UK, Japan, or Beijing.
The world’s most expensive airport is Istanbul Airport — where even basic food items can burn a deep hole in your pocket.

Why Are Airports So Expensive?

Before diving into the details of Istanbul Airport, let’s understand why airport food prices are generally so high:

• High rent and operational costs for airport shops and restaurants.
• Limited competition within terminals leading to monopoly pricing.
• Security and logistics expenses to bring goods into the airport.
• Captive market — passengers have no other buying options.

Now, multiply these reasons by two or three times and you’ll understand the situation at Istanbul Airport.

Istanbul Airport: World’s Most Expensive Airport

Where Is the World’s Most Expensive Airport Located?

The world’s most expensive airport is located in Istanbul, Turkey.
Inaugurated in 2018, Istanbul Airport has quickly become one of the busiest airports globally, but it has also earned a reputation for being the most expensive airport in the world.

What Makes Istanbul Airport So Expensive?

According to a report by The Mirror, passengers at Istanbul Airport are left shocked after seeing the exorbitant prices of everyday items. Here’s what’s happening:

• A single banana costs around 500 Indian Rupees.
• A fast-food meal can easily cross Rs 2000 to Rs 3000.
• Even bottled water comes at a hefty price.

Travelers have no other choice but to shell out these amounts, especially during long layovers or flight delays.

Shocking Prices at Istanbul Airport

Examples of Expensive Items at Istanbul Airport:

Here’s a glimpse of the mind-blowing prices at Istanbul Airport:

• 🍌 One Banana: Rs 500
• 🍔 Fast Food Combo (Burger + Fries + Drink): Rs 2500 – 3000
• ☕ Regular Coffee: Rs 700
• 💧 Bottled Water: Rs 400
• 🥐 Croissant or Small Snack: Rs 800 – 1200

These prices are higher than in airports in Dubai, Singapore, UK, USA, or Japan.

Reasons Behind the High Prices at Istanbul Airport

1. Premium Infrastructure

Istanbul Airport is a modern architectural marvel equipped with:

• Luxurious lounges
• Premium shopping brands
• High-end restaurants
• World-class facilities

The costs of maintaining such an infrastructure are indirectly borne by travelers.

2. Tourist Hotspot

Istanbul being a major international transit hub between Europe and Asia sees millions of tourists every year, leading to high demand for goods and services at the airport.

3. Exclusive Vendors and Limited Competition

Only selected brands are allowed to operate, and due to lack of competition, they charge whatever they want.

Passenger Reactions to Istanbul Airport’s Prices

Many passengers have expressed their shock online:

• Some called it “daylight robbery”.
• Others advised fellow travelers to carry their own snacks if passing through Istanbul.
• Some even questioned the ethics behind charging such high prices for essential items.

A tweet from a tourist read:
“Istanbul Airport: Where a banana costs more than a gourmet meal back home!”

Tips for Travelers Flying Through Istanbul Airport

If you’re traveling through the world’s most expensive airport, here are a few survival tips:

• Carry dry snacks: Pack energy bars, dry fruits, and packaged snacks in your hand luggage.
• Stay hydrated beforehand: Drink enough water before security checks.
• Use lounges if possible: Some lounges offer free food and drinks for passengers.
• Download food apps: Some delivery apps allow you to pre-order cheaper meals inside airports.

Planning ahead can help you avoid spending a fortune!

Comparison: Istanbul Airport vs Other Airports

Here’s how Istanbul Airport compares to some of the world’s other popular airports:

As you can see, Istanbul Airport outprices everyone else by a significant margin!

Final Thoughts: Istanbul Airport, A Luxury You Can’t Ignore

If you’re planning international travel anytime soon and have a layover at Istanbul Airport, be prepared!
From a banana worth Rs 500 to a coffee costing more than Rs 700, Istanbul Airport surely holds the crown of being the most expensive airport in the world.

While it may offer unmatched luxury and services, for the common traveler, it remains a place where even buying basic necessities can feel like a luxury.
Travel smart, pack wisely, and save your wallet from the shock!