Istanbul International Airport (IST) review: Racism and Harassment at Istanbul Airport: A US Citizen's Experience

My experience at Istanbul Airport was an absolute nightmare, marred by unprofessionalism and blatant racism. As a US citizen, I expected a straightforward process for obtaining my visa, but what I encountered was harassment and discrimination.

Despite holding a US passport, I was repeatedly asked for my Pakistani green card and passport simply because my name is Muhammad Khan. It's appalling that in this day and age, assumptions are made about someone's nationality, identity, or background based on their name. The staff seemed to operate under the assumption that I was a Pakistani national attempting to deceive them, which was not only insulting but also completely irrelevant to my travel documents.

The treatment I received was unacceptable. The staff was rude, unprofessional, and clearly had no training in dealing with international travelers. Their lack of English proficiency made communication nearly impossible, and their attitude was one of suspicion without cause. When I questioned the rationale behind their demands, I was met with hostility.

The entire ordeal was stressful and humiliating. As a traveler, you expect to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of your background. Istanbul Airport failed miserably in providing even the most basic level of service and respect.

Given the treatment I received, I would not recommend Istanbul Airport to anyone. The experience was marred by prejudice, incompetence, and a complete lack of customer service skills. Until significant changes are made to how passengers are treated, especially those with certain names or backgrounds, I would advise travelers to consider alternative routes or destinations.

Muhammad Zeeshan Khan