iPad Left at Sabiha Gökçen Airport: How We Recovered It and Sent It to New Zealand

Greg contacted us from New Zealand after his iPad was found at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport and registered with the TGS Lost Property Office. The airport confirmed that the device could not be shipped directly by them and that someone authorized by the owner would need to collect it. Because Greg was thousands of kilometres away, returning to Türkiye simply to recover an iPad was not a practical option.
Before attempting collection, we reviewed the airport's instructions and clarified what authorization would actually be required. During the pickup process, the Lost Property Office also needed to verify ownership of the electronic device. Rather than asking Greg to share his private iPad passcode with us, we arranged for him to communicate directly with the airport staff for verification. Our courier then confirmed that the iPad, its protective case and Apple Pencil were all present and successfully collected the complete set. We later prepared the device for international transport, securely packaged it and arranged shipment to Wellington, New Zealand, where Greg confirmed that he had finally been reunited with his iPad.

I left my iPad at Sabiha Gökçen Airport. How can I get it back?

If your iPad has been registered with the airport's Lost Property Office, you first need to confirm the reference number and collection requirements. In some cases, an authorized person or courier can collect the device on your behalf, allowing you to recover it without returning to Istanbul.

Can Sabiha Gökçen Airport ship my lost iPad directly to me?

Not necessarily. In Greg's case, the Lost Property Office specifically stated that forgotten items could not be shipped by them and that an authorized person would need to collect the tablet first. The international shipment therefore had to be arranged separately after collection.

Can someone collect an iPad from SAW Airport on my behalf?

Yes, depending on the instructions given for the specific lost-property case. We first confirmed the required authorization and then coordinated the collection directly with the Lost Property Office. Once the required information was accepted, our representative was able to recover the device.

Why may the airport ask for the passcode of a lost iPad?

Electronic devices can look identical, so airport staff may need an additional way to confirm that the device belongs to the person claiming it. In this case, passcode verification was requested during collection. To protect the owner's privacy, we avoided receiving the passcode ourselves and instead arranged direct communication between Greg and the Lost Property Office.

Can a lost iPad be shipped from Istanbul to New Zealand?

Yes, once the device has been released and checked for international shipment requirements. We prepared Greg's iPad for transport, documented the packaging process and arranged international delivery. The parcel ultimately reached New Zealand safely, with the owner confirming its arrival on April 9.