Istanbul Aviation Museum (Yeşilköy): Aircraft, Opening Hours and Getting There

Updated on October 8, 2026

The Istanbul Aviation Museum (İstanbul Havacılık Müzesi), run by the Turkish Air Force Command, stands in Yeşilköy, in the Bakırköy district, opposite Yeşilköy station. Over about 15,000 m² it shows fighter jets, transport aircraft and civil airliners, largely in the open air, along with uniforms, weapons, models and aviation equipment from the Ottoman era to today. Allow an hour and a half to two hours: it is a visit for aircraft enthusiasts and children, quite far from the historic center.

Highlights

The open-air aircraft

The park lines up fighters and transport planes on lawns; according to sources you can see F-16s, F-5s, F-100s and the Sud Aviation Caravelle, among others. Airliners of the period, such as the Vickers Viscount and the Douglas C-47, round out the picture.

The F-4E Phantom II

This Turkish Air Force fighter, with a shark mouth painted on its nose, is one of the museum's most photographed sights.

The indoor hall

It shows pilots' uniforms, weapons, models and equipment, including a bust of Sabiha Gökçen, Turkey's first female fighter pilot and an adopted daughter of Atatürk.

Practical info

Tips

The museum belongs to the Air Force, not the Ministry of Culture: as far as we know the Museum Pass does not apply, and it publishes no price list online. The sources we found give free entry for pupils, students and under-18s, a paid ticket for adults, and older guides mentioned a supplement for photography; check all of this at the ticket desk. Bring your passport or an ID, since access to a military site may involve a check. The large outdoor area has no shade: a cap and water in summer, waterproof clothing in winter. To continue with military and technical history, see the Naval Museum, the Military Museum and the Rahmi M. Koç Museum. More ideas for children in Istanbul with kids and in amusement parks, aquariums and hands-on museums.

How to get there

Yeşilköy, Bakırköy, Istanbul, opposite Yeşilköy station. Take the Marmaray suburban train (Halkalı–Gebze) to Yeşilköy station, a few steps from the museum; allow half an hour to 45 minutes from Sirkeci or Üsküdar (depending on the train; check in a transport app). By car or taxi, the area is close to the former Atatürk Airport. Line details and the Istanbulkart: Transport in Istanbul.

Opening hours

Best: Weekdays, dry weather

Monday closed; Tuesday-Friday 09:00-17:00; Saturday-Sunday 10:00-18:00 (hours taken from guides and to be verified: some sources also list Tuesday as closed)