Istanbul Airport processes over 90 million passengers a year across a terminal exceeding 1.4 million square metres. For most travellers, that means queues, crowded passport halls, and long walks to the gate. For a select few, there is a structurally separate alternative: the C-VIP Terminal
Inside Istanbul Airport's Private Terminal. The C-VIP Experience
The C-VIP Terminal sometimes referred to as the Istanbul Airport Private Terminal , or Istanbul Airport JETEX terminal is a dedicated facility within the Istanbul Airport complex that operates entirely separately from the main passenger terminal. The terminal was formally inaugurated in May 2026 as a joint venture between iGA (Istanbul Grand Airport) and Jetex, the Dubai-based private aviation brand. The result is a 5,000 square metre, three-floor facility positioned as the largest fully independent VIP terminal currently in operation anywhere in the world.
The defining characteristic of the C-VIP Terminal is complete separation from the general passenger flow. All formalities check-in, passport control, security screening, customs — are carried out within this facility itself. Passengers who use it do not pass through the main terminal at any point during their journey. Access is strictly by advance reservation, with capacity kept intentionally limited to ensure a controlled, personalised experience for each guest.
Facilities Inside the C-VIP Terminal
The C-VIP Terminal at Istanbul Airport is equipped to a level that goes considerably beyond even the most well-appointed airport lounges. Reported facilities include:
Private Spaces
- 8 exclusive suite rooms
- 1 dedicated meeting room
- Spacious private lounge areas
Dining and Lifestyle
- 2 à la carte restaurants and bars
- Wine and cigar experience zone with specialist staff assistance
- Children’s activity area
Wellness
- Spa and wellness centre
Retail
- Duty-free shopping within the terminal
Ground Services
- Valet parking and dedicated private parking
- Private tarmac transfer to and from the aircraft by chauffeured vehicle
- Dedicated baggage handling throughout the journey
- Dedicated passport control officer
- All customs and security procedures completed within the terminal
Who Uses the C-VIP Terminal?
The C-VIP Terminal is not a standard business class lounge or a fast track lane through immigration. It is a genuinely separate terminal environment, and its typical users reflect that:
- Heads of state and senior government officials
- Corporate executives and C-level professionals
- Members of royal families and diplomatic delegations
- High-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth private individuals
- Celebrities and public figures requiring privacy
- Private jet passengers whose aircraft connect to commercial onward flights
The appeal for this group is less about luxury in the conventional sense and more about control, discretion, and the avoidance of public exposure. Analysts studying UHNW travel trends have noted a growing preference for what is sometimes described as “invisible travel” — the ability to move through an airport without being seen in shared public spaces.
Inside Istanbul Airport's Private Terminal. The C-VIP Experience
Istanbul Airport processes over 90 million passengers a year across a terminal exceeding 1.4 million square metres. For most travellers, that means queues, crowded passport halls, and long walks to the gate. For a select few, there is a structurally separate alternative: the C-VIP Terminal
The C-VIP Terminal sometimes referred to as the Istanbul Airport Private Terminal , or Istanbul Airport JETEX terminal is a dedicated facility within the Istanbul Airport complex that operates entirely separately from the main passenger terminal. The terminal was formally inaugurated in May 2026 as a joint venture between iGA (Istanbul Grand Airport) and Jetex, the Dubai-based private aviation brand. The result is a 5,000 square metre, three-floor facility positioned as the largest fully independent VIP terminal currently in operation anywhere in the world.
The defining characteristic of the C-VIP Terminal is complete separation from the general passenger flow. All formalities check-in, passport control, security screening, customs — are carried out within this facility itself. Passengers who use it do not pass through the main terminal at any point during their journey. Access is strictly by advance reservation, with capacity kept intentionally limited to ensure a controlled, personalised experience for each guest.
How to book the C-VIP Terminal?
Reservations must be made at least 12 hours before your flight. The terminal operates 24 hours a day, year-round.
Arrival
From aircraft door to road vehicle — without entering the main terminal.
Departure
Check-in, security and passport handled in-terminal while you use the lounge.
Transit
Remain within the private facility throughout your connection at IST.
Pricing is per guest and varies by service type. Reservations are handled by specialist concierge operators on behalf of the terminal.
Check availability & pricing →How it works ?
Istanbul Airport VIP Arrival
For arriving passengers, the process begins before leaving the aircraft. A personal luxury experience agent meets the passenger at the aircraft gate. The passenger is transferred directly to the C-VIP Terminal by a luxury Mercedes Maybach. Passport and customs formalities are completed within the facility, and luggage is retrieved and delivered directly to the private vehicle.
Istanbul Airport VIP Departure
Departing passengers arrive at the C-VIP Terminal’s dedicated entrance, where luggage is immediately collected by a porter team. Check-in, baggage screening, security and passport procedures are all handled by assigned staff while the passenger uses the lounge, dining, or suite facilities (as an add-on service) Transfer to the aircraft is by private chauffeured vehicle directly to the aircraft door.
Istanbul Airport VIP Transit
Transit passengers who require a connection at Istanbul Airport can also use the C-VIP Terminal, remaining within the private facility throughout their time at IST without entering the main terminal at any point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the C-VIP Terminal only for private jet passengers?
No. While private aviation clients are among its users, the terminal is also available to passengers travelling on scheduled commercial flights who meet the access criteria and hold a reservation.
Do I need to enter the main terminal building at any point?
When using the C-VIP Terminal, you do not enter the main terminal. Arrival, departure, and transit procedures are handled entirely within the private facility.
Is the service available on all airlines?
Yes. The C-VIP Terminal handles the ground-side formalities independently of the operating airline. Passengers on any carrier can use the service, provided a reservation is in place.
How far in advance should I book?
A minimum of 12 hours before departure or arrival is recommended to allow for the necessary coordination with airport and passport control authorities.