380 TL Water at Sabiha Gökçen Airport Sparks Outcry

A 1-liter bottle of water reportedly sold for 380 Turkish liras at Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen International Airport has sparked strong reactions from passengers and social media users.

The price, equivalent to around €6.77, became widely discussed after images of the bottle and its price were shared online. The incident has once again brought attention to the cost of food and basic necessities at airports in Türkiye.

Why Did the Water Price Cause Controversy?

Passengers have pointed to the limited shopping options available after airport security checks. Restrictions on bringing liquids through security can leave travelers dependent on shops and cafes inside the terminal for basic drinks.

The reported 380 TL price refers to a specific sale at Sabiha Gökçen Airport and should not be interpreted as the standard price of water across Istanbul airports.

Passengers and social media users have called for closer monitoring of prices for essential goods in airport terminals, particularly where travelers have few alternatives.

Calls for Stronger Price Checks

The controversy has renewed calls for authorities to examine pricing practices at airport businesses and increase inspections of food and beverage outlets.

A parliamentary question was also submitted after the 380 TL water claim. New Yol Party parliamentary group deputy chair Selçuk Özdağ asked Türkiye’s Trade Minister whether high prices at airports, bus stations and motorway rest areas are subject to regular inspections and whether the reported water price was being examined.

As of 16 September, reports indicated that the issue had prompted demands for stronger price controls, while Turkish media also reported that there had not yet been an official statement from the airport management or relevant authorities specifically confirming an investigation into this particular sale.

Airport Prices Have Been Debated Before

The discussion is not limited to bottled water. Sabiha Gökçen Airport has previously attracted attention over reported food and drink prices.

In one earlier case, a passenger’s bill reportedly included a 550 TL sandwich and a 185 TL cup of tea, bringing the total to 735 TL. The incident also led to calls for greater oversight of airport prices.

What Passengers Are Asking For

• Stronger checks on food and drink prices at airports
• More affordable options for basic necessities such as drinking water
• More free drinking water fountains inside airport terminals
• Greater transparency around prices in areas where passengers have limited alternatives

Important: The 380 TL figure comes from a reported sale and the resulting media coverage. Whether the price constitutes a legal violation remains a matter for the relevant authorities to assess.

Why the Story Matters for Travelers

For international passengers using Istanbul’s airports, the incident is a reminder to check prices before purchasing food and drinks inside terminals, particularly after security controls.

The debate also highlights a broader question about how airport businesses price basic necessities when passengers have limited access to alternatives.