Heathrow, Gatwick or Stansted to Istanbul Airport
~3h 30m–4h
Turkish Airlines, British Airways, Pegasus — multiple daily services.
- Flight time ~3h 30m–4h
- Frequency Multiple daily departures
- Entry UK passport holders do not need a visa for tourist stays under 90 days. Passport valid 6+ months beyond travel dates.
- Typical stay 3–5 nights for laser
Heathrow, Gatwick or Stansted — your departure airport
Most UK patients fly from Heathrow, Gatwick or Stansted (LHR). 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 UK patients — exact days confirmed by your surgeon after assessment. See stay length guide →
Day 0
Fly to Istanbul
Evening arrival. IPC airport meet and hotel transfer. Rest — no clinical appointments same day.
Day 1
Pre-op assessment
Pentacam, refraction, and surgeon consultation. Written consent with confirmed platform.
Day 2
Surgery
LASIK or SMILE Pro AM. Post-op check PM. Return to hotel with drops schedule.
Day 3
Morning check & fly home
Surgeon clearance and English discharge letter. Flight to the UK when clinically cleared.
You arrange
- Return flights UK ↔ Istanbul
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Personal spending and optional sightseeing
- Any NHS or private UK follow-up you choose locally
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.