Turkish Airlines has expanded efforts to improve travel conditions for pets transported in aircraft cargo holds through a dedicated Pet Lounge at Istanbul Airport, offering animals a controlled and comfort-focused environment before departure.
The facility is designed for pets traveling under the AVIH category – Animal on Hold – which applies to animals that exceed cabin travel limits. Turkish Airlines allows pets weighing up to 8 kilograms, including their carriers, to travel in the cabin if they meet size requirements.
Dedicated Areas Designed To Reduce Animal Stress
Located beneath the B Pier of Istanbul Airport’s international departures terminal, the roughly 250-square-meter lounge includes fully separate sections for cats, dogs and birds.
The facility can accommodate up to 32 dogs, 36 cats and 10 birds simultaneously.
Each section is arranged so animals cannot see one another, helping reduce anxiety before flights. Ventilation, hygiene and lighting are closely monitored, while automated systems manage air circulation and calming background music selected specifically for animals.
Veterinary Teams Monitor Pets Before Flights
A veterinarian and veterinary technician remain on duty to oversee the health and wellbeing of animals staying at the lounge.
Staff conduct feeding routines, rest arrangements and health checks before departure, while also inspecting carrier suitability and breed-specific travel requirements.
The lounge additionally features an outdoor terrace area where animals can move around, access fresh air and meet basic needs before boarding.
Turkish Airlines says the terrace helps reduce stress levels for pets during longer waiting periods at the airport.
Service Activated During Longer Wait Times
According to facility manager Ayşe Önkal, the project was developed alongside the opening of Istanbul Airport to improve comfort for both passengers and their pets.
The Pet Lounge officially entered service on Jan. 3, 2025, after an extended preparation period.
Önkal said the service is provided free of charge and becomes active when waiting times exceed 60 minutes for domestic flights and 75 minutes for transfer passengers.
The airline tracks pets through flight reservation data, receives animals upon airport arrival and cares for them until departure.
Restrictions Apply To Certain Breeds
Veterinarian Tufe BenlioÄŸlu said all animals undergo health checks both upon arrival and before departure to ensure they are fit to travel.
She noted that some breeds are restricted from air travel due to health concerns or legal regulations.
These include brachycephalic, or flat-faced breeds. Certain legally restricted breeds, including pit bulls and kangals, are also prohibited from transport.
Turkish Airlines Expands Focus On Passenger Pet Travel
The airline says the initiative is aimed at improving welfare standards for animals traveling in cargo holds while also giving passengers greater reassurance during journeys involving pets.
The service also extends to animals arriving from other domestic and international destinations through Istanbul Airport under the AVIH transport category.
