Free Wheelchair Assistance at Sabiha gökçen (SAW)

Welcome to Part 2 of our series on navigating airports with ease! In Part 1, we covered requesting wheelchair assistance at Istanbul Airport (IST). Today, we turn our attention to Istanbul’s other major international hub: Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW).

Based directly on the official information provided on the Sabiha Gökçen Airport website, requesting free wheelchair assistance SAW is a straightforward process, but planning ahead is crucial.

The Official Procedure: Inform Your Airline or Tour Operator

Just like at IST, the most critical step for securing Sabiha Gökçen wheelchair assistance is to notify your service provider well in advance. As confirmed on the official SAW website’s “Disabled Passengers” page:

Important : You must inform your AIRLINE or TOUR OPERATOR of your need for wheelchair assistance at the time of booking, or at the very latest, 48 hours before your scheduled flight time.

This 48-hour notice is vital. It allows your airline to make the necessary arrangements with the Ground Handling Companies operating at Sabiha Gökçen, ensuring that staff and equipment are ready for you. This service is provided free of charge to passengers with reduced mobility (PRM).

What Information to Provide Your Airline

When you contact your airline or tour operator (check their website, customer service, or your booking confirmation for contact details), be prepared to share:

• Your booking reference and flight details (dates, flight numbers).
• Clear details about the assistance you need (e.g., wheelchair needed from check-in to gate, assistance required for stairs, etc.).

For your questions about wheelchair service, please feel free to contact PortClinic at +90 216 588 87 80/81 if you are travelling with Pegasus Airlines and Airclinic at +90 216 588 22 22 if you are travelling with AJet.Their staff will be happy to help you with any requests you may have.

What to Expect at Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)

Once you’ve made your request in advance:

For Departures:

• Upon arrival at the terminal, you can proceed to your airline’s check-in counter. Inform the staff you have pre-booked assistance.
• Alternatively, SAW has designated “Disabled Passenger Meeting Points.” Look for clear signage indicating these points, which are typically located near Information Desks before security control and also in the departures hall after passport control.
• Assistance staff coordinated by your airline will help you through check-in, security, passport control, and boarding the aircraft.

For Arrivals:

• Assistance staff should meet you at the aircraft gate upon arrival.
• They will assist you through the arrival procedures, including passport control and baggage reclaim.
• The assistance typically continues until you reach the main arrivals hall exit or a designated point for onward travel (e.g., car park, taxi rank, pre-booked vehicle meeting point).

Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) Contact Information (For General Information Only)

Remember, the booking for wheelchair service must go through your airline/tour operator. However, if you have general questions about accessibility facilities at SAW or encounter an urgent issue at the airport, you can use the general airport contacts:

• SAW Call Center: +90 216 588 88 88
• SAW Website (Disabled Passengers Page): https://www.sabihagokcen.aero/passengers-and-visitors/passenger-guide/disabled-passengers (For detailed official information)

Do not use these airport contacts to book wheelchair assistance.

Additional Notes from SAW’s Guidelines

• The airport emphasizes clear signage to help passengers locate meeting points and information desks.
• Ground Handling Companies provide the actual service, coordinated by airlines.