Schiphol Airport to Istanbul Airport
~3h 30m
Turkish Airlines, Pegasus — short EU hop to IST.
- Flight time ~3h 30m
- Frequency Multiple daily departures
- Entry EU passport or ID — visa-free under 90 days
- Typical stay 3–5 nights for laser
Schiphol Airport — your departure airport
Most Dutch patients fly from Schiphol Airport (AMS). Share your confirmed flight numbers with IPC — meet-and-greet is coordinated at IST or SAW arrivals.
- Istanbul Airport (IST) — primary hub; most international services land here
- Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) — some routes; IPC transfers included either way
Planning
Booking tips
- Arrive at least one full day before assessment
- Book flexible return until surgeon confirms fly-home clearance
- Travel insurance covering elective surgery abroad is strongly recommended
- Share flight numbers with IPC when dates are confirmed
Included
Airport meet
IPC coordinates meet-and-greet at arrivals and transfer to your partner hotel — included in your package after confirmation.
Family
Companion travel
Dual-occupancy hotel rooms available. Companions wait at the hospital campus — not in the laser suite. Companion guide →
Sample itinerary
Typical laser pathway for Dutch patients — exact days confirmed by your surgeon after assessment. See stay length guide →
Day 1
Arrive
Airport transfer. Hotel check-in.
Day 2
Eye 1
First cataract surgery. Rest at hotel.
Day 3
Eye 2
Second eye surgery. Both eyes checked PM.
Day 4–5
Home
Final check. Fly home with premium IOL discharge summary.
You arrange
- Return flights Schiphol ↔ Istanbul
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Personal spending
- Local Dutch optometrist follow-up if desired
IPC arranges after confirmation
- Hospital screening and surgery appointments
- Partner hotel — nights matched to procedure
- Airport meet-and-greet and VIP transfers
- Post-op medication and 3-month video aftercare
Common questions
Does IPC meet me at arrivals?
Yes — once flights are confirmed, IPC coordinates meet-and-greet at IST or SAW.
Can I extend my stay for tourism?
Yes, after surgeon clearance. IPC can advise on timing relative to post-op checks.