Airports in Turkey: A Comprehensive Guide

Turkey is a country with a rich history, diverse culture, and breathtaking landscapes, attracting millions of tourists each year. As such, it has a well-developed network of airports to accommodate both domestic and international travelers. This guide will take you through the main airports in Turkey, providing essential information and tips to help you navigate your travels.

1. Istanbul Airport (IST)

Overview

Istanbul Airport (IST) is one of the busiest and most modern airports in the world. Located in the Arnavutköy district on the European side of Istanbul, it serves as a major hub for international flights.

Key Features

• Location: 41°15′46″N 28°44′28″E
• Facilities: Offers a wide range of amenities, including lounges, duty-free shops, restaurants, and hotels.
• Transportation: Well-connected by public transport, taxis, and private transfers.

Conclusion

Istanbul Airport (IST) is a state-of-the-art facility that provides a seamless travel experience, making it a top choice for international travelers.

2. Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)

Overview

Located on the Asian side of Istanbul, Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) is the second airport serving Istanbul, catering mainly to low-cost carriers and domestic flights.

Key Features

• Location: 40°53′54″N 29°18′33″E
• Facilities: Includes duty-free shops, cafes, restaurants, and car rental services.
• Transportation: Accessible by public buses, shuttle services, and taxis.

Conclusion

Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) offers a convenient alternative for travelers, especially those flying with budget airlines or within Turkey.

3. Antalya Airport (AYT)

Overview

Antalya Airport (AYT) is the gateway to Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, serving millions of tourists visiting the popular resort city of Antalya.

Key Features

• Location: 36°54′01″N 30°47′34″E
• Facilities: Features duty-free shops, lounges, restaurants, and transportation services.
• Transportation: Well-connected to the city center by taxis, buses, and private transfers.

Conclusion

Antalya Airport (AYT) is a key airport for tourists heading to Turkey’s beautiful southern beaches and resorts.

4. Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB)

Overview

Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB) serves Turkey’s capital city, Ankara, and handles both domestic and international flights.

Key Features

• Location: 40°07′41″N 32°59′42″E
• Facilities: Offers a variety of services, including shopping, dining, and lounges.
• Transportation: Accessible by airport shuttles, buses, and taxis.

Conclusion

Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB) is essential for travelers visiting Turkey’s political and administrative center.

5. İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB)

Overview

Located in Turkey’s third-largest city, İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) serves the Aegean region, known for its historical sites and beautiful coastline.

Key Features

• Location: 38°17′21″N 27°09′18″E
• Facilities: Includes duty-free shops, cafes, restaurants, and car rental services.
• Transportation: Well-connected by public transport, including buses, trains, and taxis.

Conclusion

İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) is a key airport for tourists exploring Turkey’s Aegean coast and ancient ruins.

6. Dalaman Airport (DLM)

Overview

Dalaman Airport (DLM) is a major airport serving the southwestern coast of Turkey, including popular tourist destinations like Marmaris and Fethiye.

Key Features

• Location: 36°42′53″N 28°47′34″E
• Facilities: Offers various amenities, including shopping, dining, and car rental services.
• Transportation: Accessible by buses, taxis, and private transfers.

Conclusion

Dalaman Airport (DLM) is crucial for tourists visiting the stunning beaches and resorts of Turkey’s southwestern coast.

7. Milas–Bodrum Airport (BJV)

Overview

Milas–Bodrum Airport (BJV) serves the vibrant resort town of Bodrum and the surrounding areas, attracting both international and domestic travelers.

Key Features

• Location: 37°15′02″N 27°39′51″E
• Facilities: Includes duty-free shops, lounges, restaurants, and car rental services.
• Transportation: Well-connected by taxis, buses, and private transfers.

Conclusion

Milas–Bodrum Airport (BJV) is a gateway to the lively and picturesque Bodrum Peninsula.

8. Trabzon Airport (TZX)

Overview

Trabzon Airport (TZX) is located on the Black Sea coast, serving the city of Trabzon and the surrounding region.

Key Features

• Location: 40.9951°N 39.7897°E
• Facilities: Features shopping, dining, and car rental services.
• Transportation: Accessible by buses, taxis, and private transfers.

Conclusion

Trabzon Airport (TZX) is essential for travelers exploring the scenic Black Sea region of Turkey.

9. Gazipaşa Airport (GZP)

Overview

Gazipaşa Airport (GZP) is a smaller airport serving the Alanya region, providing an alternative to the busier Antalya Airport.

Key Features

• Location: 36.2993°N 32.3014°E
• Facilities: Includes basic amenities like cafes, shops, and car rental services.
• Transportation: Accessible by taxis, buses, and private transfers.

Conclusion

Gazipaşa Airport (GZP) offers a convenient option for travelers heading to Alanya and the surrounding areas.

10. Kayseri Airport (ASR)

Overview

Kayseri Airport (ASR) serves the central Anatolian region, including the famous Cappadocia area.

Key Features

• Location: 38°46′13″N 35°29′43″E
• Facilities: Offers various amenities, including shopping, dining, and car rental services.
• Transportation: Well-connected by buses, taxis, and private transfers.

Conclusion

Kayseri Airport (ASR) is a key airport for tourists visiting the breathtaking landscapes of Cappadocia.

11. Konya Airport (KYA)

Overview

Konya Airport (KYA) serves the city of Konya, known for its rich history and religious significance.

Key Features

• Location: 37°58′44″N 32°33′42″E
• Facilities: Includes basic amenities such as cafes, shops, and car rental services.
• Transportation: Accessible by taxis, buses, and private transfers.

Conclusion

Konya Airport (KYA) is important for travelers exploring the historical and cultural sites of Konya.

12. Samsun-Çarşamba Airport (SZF)

Overview

Samsun-Çarşamba Airport (SZF) serves the city of Samsun and the surrounding Black Sea region.

Key Features

• Location: 41°15′56″N 36°32′55″E
• Facilities: Offers amenities like cafes, shops, and car rental services.
• Transportation: Well-connected by buses, taxis, and private transfers.

Conclusion

Samsun-Çarşamba Airport (SZF) is essential for travelers visiting the northern Black Sea coast of Turkey.

13. Diyarbakır Airport (DIY)

Overview

Diyarbakır Airport (DIY) serves the southeastern region of Turkey, including the historic city of Diyarbakır.

Key Features

• Location: 37°53′38″N 40°12′03″E
• Facilities: Includes basic amenities such as cafes, shops, and car rental services.
• Transportation: Accessible by taxis, buses, and private transfers.

Conclusion

Diyarbakır Airport (DIY) is vital for travelers exploring the historical and cultural heritage of southeastern Turkey.

14. Erzurum Airport (ERZ)

Overview

Erzurum Airport (ERZ) serves the eastern city of Erzurum and the surrounding region, known for its winter sports.

Key Features

• Location: 39°57′19″N 41°10′09″E
• Facilities: Offers amenities like cafes, shops, and car rental services.
• Transportation: Well-connected by buses, taxis, and private transfers.

Conclusion

Erzurum Airport (ERZ) is important for visitors heading to the eastern region, especially for winter sports enthusiasts.

15. Şanlıurfa GAP Airport (GNY)

Overview

Şanlıurfa GAP Airport (GNY) serves the city of Şanlıurfa and the southeastern region, known for its historical and religious sites.

Key Features

• Location: 37°27′00″N 38°54′00″E
• Facilities: Includes basic amenities like cafes, shops, and car rental services.
• Transportation: Accessible by taxis, buses, and private transfers.

Conclusion

Şanlıurfa GAP Airport (GNY) is crucial for travelers exploring the rich history and culture of Şanlıurfa.

16. Van Ferit Melen Airport (VAN)

Overview

Van Ferit Melen Airport (VAN) serves the city of Van and the surrounding eastern region, known for its stunning lake and historical sites.

Key Features

• Location: 38°28′06″N 43°19′56″E
• Facilities: Offers amenities such as cafes, shops, and car rental services.
• Transportation: Well-connected by buses, taxis, and private transfers.

Conclusion

Van Ferit Melen Airport (VAN) is vital for travelers visiting the beautiful landscapes and historical sites of Van.

Conclusion

Turkey’s extensive network of airports ensures that travelers can easily access all corners of the country. From the bustling hubs of Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport to the regional gateways like Gazipaşa Airport and Van Ferit Melen Airport, there are plenty of options to suit your travel needs. Whether you’re visiting for business, leisure, or adventure, Turkey’s airports provide a convenient and efficient way to explore this diverse and captivating country.