Istanbul Airport is magnificent, modern, and massive. But the food and drink prices there? Absolutely malevolent.

Istanbul Airport Named World’s Most Expensive For Food & Drinks…The Prices Are Insane

One Mile At A Time flagged a 2024 study in Corriere della Sera found that Istanbul Airport ranks double the second-most expensive European airport when it comes to concessions (the study averaged the price of a coffee, water, croissant, sandwich, and cappuccino). Think €22.50 for a turkey sandwich, €15.50 for a pistachio croissant (dubbed “Dubai croissants”), and even €32 for a doner kebab with rice. At Burger King, a Double Whopper meal with fries and a drink rings in at €26.50.

Other items have posted outrageously steep prices: nearly €20 for a beer, €7 for a banana, and €28 for a tiny serving of lasagna that one Italian traveler compared to “a brick with grated cheese and a pseudo-basil leaf.” Reddit users have piled on, noting that prices are two to four times higher than Frankfurt Airport, and mocking the idea that passengers will simply “pay whatever it costs.”

What Gives With These Prices?

While travelers may be held hostage at airports, even by airport standards, Istanbul is absurd. Factors to blame may include state control of airports (leading to a lack of competition and preferred vendors with kickbacks), high rent, and the weakening lira (though, as you can see above, prices are in Euros, not TYL).

As a side note, pricing is so odd in Turkey…it was so expensive last trip compared to my previous trip. While the lira continues to weaken, inflation keeps pushing prices higher. I would speculate there’s a rich black market “hard” currency like the USD, EUR, and GBP, much like in Argentina pre-Javier Milei.

I’ve never even looked at prices in Istanbul since, no matter what cabin or airline I am flying, I have lounge access with Priority Pass or my Star Alliance Gold status. This absurd pricing makes lounge access in Istanbul all the more important. In fact, in some cases, a Priority Pass membership to access the IGA Lounge might be cheaper than a meal for four…

CONCLUSION

Istanbul itself is full of more affordable, delicious food…this airport isn’t. If you’re headed through IST, grab snacks before security—or brace yourself to be shocked from hop to layover. Yes, the terminal is architecturally dazzling, but that does not justify over $30 for a combo meal at Burger King…

Have you noticed the high prices at Istanbul Airport? Do you bring your own food?