Review by Nadeem Z

Airport Overview

Renowned Turkish developer SCENERYTR DESIGN has brought their famous rendition of Istanbul
Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (LTFJ) to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 with a fully native,
high-detail rendition of one of Türkiye’s busiest and fastest-growing aviation hubs. Located on the
Asian side of Istanbul, Sabiha Gökçen serves as a major base for Pegasus Airlines and AnadoluJet
(AJet), while also hosting a wide range of international carriers connecting Europe, the Middle
East, and Asia.

LTFJ operates as Istanbul’s second primary international airport and plays a crucial role in regional
and medium-haul operations. The airport features a modern single-terminal layout, extensive
apron space, a dedicated cargo zone, and a recently added second runway that significantly
increased traffic capacity. Its dense traffic flow, low-cost carrier dominance, and challenging
airspace make it a highly popular destination for flight simmers.

SceneryTR Design ’s MSFS 2024 rendition focuses on delivering an accurate, performance-
friendly, and visually modern representation of LTFJ—fully aligned with the simulator’s updated

lighting, atmospheric effects, and world rendering technology.

Airport Features

SceneryTR Design ’s Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen is designed specifically to take advantage of MSFS
2024’s upgraded engine and includes the following features:

• Fully custom terminal building with accurate architectural proportions
• Detailed second runway, updated taxiway layouts, and current apron configurations
• Custom ground polygons with high-resolution PBR textures
• MSFS24-native material reflections and surface response
• Custom jetways with basic animation support
• Accurate runway, taxiway, and apron lighting tuned for MSFS 2024
• Custom airport signage and realistic stand numbering
• Cargo apron and support buildings modeled in detail
• Static and animated airport vehicles and ground service equipment
• AI traffic–friendly design with no manual exclusions required
• Sloped Runways and Taxiways
• 3D Taxiway Signs with proper night lighting

The scenery integrates cleanly with MSFS 2024’s default terrain and Istanbul city environment,
avoiding elevation issues or terrain mismatches—particularly important given the airport’s
proximity to dense urban development.

Modelling and Texturing

SceneryTR Design has captured the modern, functional design of Sabiha Gökçen’s terminal with
a strong focus on scale accuracy and material realism. The terminal façade features clean glass
surfaces, correct structural framing, and subtle PBR reflections that respond naturally to changing
daylight and weather conditions.

Additional modeled elements include:

• Cargo and logistics facilities on the airfield perimeter
• Remote parking stands and service roads
• Hangars and maintenance buildings
• New Control tower and auxiliary airport structures

Ground textures across runways, taxiways, and aprons are sharp and consistent, with realistic
asphalt coloring, rubber buildup in touchdown zones, and clearly defined markings. Taxiway
signage and lighting placement are accurate, aiding both realism and ground navigation during
complex taxi operations.

While interior modeling is limited compared to ultra-high-end hub sceneries, glass transparency
and interior lighting still add depth during night operations and apron-side views.
Night lighting is well-executed, with balanced apron floodlights, clearly visible taxiway guidance,
and a convincing terminal glow that complements MSFS 2024’s improved atmospheric scattering.

Final Feedback

As a native MSFS 2024 release, SceneryTR Design ’s Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport
delivers a well-optimized, accurate, and visually pleasing representation of one of Türkiye’s most
important airports. The developer has successfully balanced performance and detail, making
LTFJ suitable for both mid-range and high-end systems without sacrificing immersion.

The scenery shines during busy low-cost carrier operations, night departures, and challenging
weather approaches—areas where MSFS 2024’s lighting and atmospheric engine truly elevate
the experience. Performance remains stable even during peak traffic periods, making it a
reliable hub for frequent flyers in the region.

With future updates—such as deeper GSX integration, enhanced interiors, and optional
configuration tools—LTFJ has the potential to move into a higher-tier category. As it stands
today, it is already a strong, enjoyable, and practical addition to the MSFS 2024 airport lineup.
A solid release from SceneryTR Design, and an easy recommendation for anyone flying in and
out of Istanbul’s Asian-side hub.

Review by Nadeem Z