Travelers passing through Istanbul's Atatürk Airport experienced lengthy lines as a 10-day holiday on the occasion of Qurban Bayram (Feast of the Sacrifice), also known as Eid al-Adha, approaches.

Scores of holidaymakers seeking a bayram getaway as well as hajj pilgrims traveling to Mecca through Istanbul caused long queues at various airport checkpoints.

Crowds of people were reportedly waiting at terminal entrance doors, boarding counters and passport control points.

Police said all passengers managed to be on time for their flights as they opened all passport control counters at once.

Domestic and foreign airlines reported a significant increase in occupancy rates over the last days.

The cabinet decided August 15 to extend the Qurban Bayram holiday to 10 days in Turkey.