King Khalid International to Istanbul Airport
~4 hours
Saudia, Turkish Airlines — multiple daily RUH–IST services.
- Flight time ~4 hours
- Frequency Multiple daily departures
- Entry Saudi passport — e-Visa or visa-free under 90 days
- Typical stay 3–5 nights for laser
King Khalid International — your departure airport
Most Saudi patients fly from King Khalid International (RUH). 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 Saudi patients — exact days confirmed by your surgeon after assessment. See stay length guide →
Day 1
Arrive
Evening arrival. IPC airport meet and hotel transfer. Rest.
Day 2
Assessment
Pentacam, refraction, surgeon consultation. Written platform confirmation.
Day 3
Surgery
LASIK or SMILE Pro AM. Post-op check PM.
Day 4
Return
Morning clearance. Fly home to Riyadh or Jeddah with discharge letter.
You arrange
- Return flights Saudi Arabia ↔ Istanbul
- Travel medical insurance (recommended)
- Personal spending
- Any local Saudi optometrist follow-up you arrange
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.