Turkey is famous not only for its ancient monuments, rich multinational traditions, beautiful beaches, leather goods, carpets and baths. Experts note the unusually high rates of development of the aviation industry in this country. Most of the tourists get here by plane. Airports in Turkey last year served over 210 million passengers. New ones are being commissioned, the infrastructure is rapidly developing. Tourists can only keep up with the pace of transformation and enjoy the opening opportunities.
International nodes
There are 51 airports in Turkey as of 2021. Of these, 23 are international, through which more than 97 million foreign tourists passed last year. The main passenger traffic falls on the Istanbul airport, but everyone is busy during the tourist season.
It seems that Turkey's international airports on the map in tourist areas literally stand on top of each other ─ they are so close. It is important for us to have the necessary minimum of information about the service, the possibilities of transport communication.
Istanbul Ataturk
Istanbul Ataturk Airport is still the largest in the country, the third in Europe in terms of passenger traffic. Located in the European part of the city, 24 km west of the historic center. IATA code ─ IST, ICAO ─ LTBA.
The two terminals, connected by an underground passage, are equipped with the latest technology. The flight schedule is available on the official website of Ataturk Airport ─ www.ataturkairport.com.
There is a lot of Duty Free, there is a hotel, paid Wi-Fi. The city is easily accessible by metro, bus, taxi. The territory is the headquarters of the national airline Turkish Airlines, and carriers such as Atlasglobal and Onur Air are also based.
İstanbul New Airport
The new or "Third Airport" of Istanbul is located in the north of the European part of the city by Lake Durusu, 35 km from the center. The airport took 3.5 years to build and opened at the end of October 2021. Since December 31, all passenger and cargo flights from Ataturk Airport have moved to the new airport.
Now its capacity is 90 million passengers / year, 4 runways are involved.
The hub consists of two terminals: domestic and international.
Passengers are provided with:
- Duty Free zone, where Heinemann and Unifree shops operate;
- hotel of the English chain YOTEL, located in the departure terminal;
- two art galleries;
- prayer rooms for Muslims;
- 39 cafes and restaurants (planned for a total of 150);
- car rental from 17 international and national operators;
- ATMs Denizbank, QNB, Yapı Kredi Bank, Halkbank, TEB, Ziraat Bank, İş Bank;
- parking with a total capacity of 40 thousand cars.
The official website of the airport: https://www.igairport.com.
Online board of departure and arrival.
After completion of construction (scheduled for 2021), the hub will serve up to 200 million passengers a year, receiving and sending flights to 300 destinations.
Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen
The second most important Istanbul airport was named after the first female military pilot in the history of the country, Sabiha Gokcen. Located in the Asian part, 35 km southeast of the city center.
ICAO code ─ LTFJ, IATA ─ SAW. Official website: www.sabihagokcen.aero.
Today, there is one terminal here, serving international and domestic flights of 45 airlines from 28 countries to 123 destinations in different wings of the building. Infrastructure includes duty-free, parking complex, ISG Airport Hotel.
It is the base for the low-cost airline Pegasus Airlines and Borajet, an additional hub for Turkish Airlines. Communication with the city is provided by taxis and buses.
Let's highlight the key airports in the resorts of Turkey.
Adnan menderes
Adnan Menderes Airport is located 18 km south-west of the city of Izmir. Named after a famous Turkish politician. IATA code ─ ADB, ICAO ─ LTBJ, website ─ www.adnanmenderesairport.com.
It has two modern terminals, Tax Free system, road and rail links with Izmir. The fare to Kusadasi by taxi is only 3-5 euros. It is the base for Pegasus Airlines and SunExpress.
Dalaman
The main airport of the resort of Marmaris - Dalaman - is located next to the city of the same name on the western coast of the country in the province of Mugla. Serves flights to about 120 destinations. IATA code ─ DLM, ICAO ─ LTBS, Russian-language version of the site ─ ru.yda.aero.
The new international terminal is the third largest in Turkey. It has everything you need for a comfortable journey.
If you plan to arrive at the Dalaman airport, it is possible to get to Marmaris by bus for 20 liras or by car in 1.5 hours. Fethiye is less than an hour's drive away.
Esenboga
Esenboga - Ankara airport - is located 28 km north-east of the Turkish capital near the village of the same name. IATA code ─ ESB, ICAO ─ LTAC. You can really get to know the online scoreboard at www.esenbogaairport.com.
Relatively small (serves about 7 million passengers a year), but the most modern airport in the country. Both terminals have waiting areas, restaurants, cafes, shops, including duty-free, currency exchange, free Wi-Fi and a tax-free system. You can get to the city by taxi, bus or Havas shuttle.
It is an additional hub for Turkish Airlines and a subsidiary of AnadoluJet.
Antalya
Antalya Airport is located 12 km northeast of the center of the resort town of the same name. IATA code ─ AYT, ICAO ─ LTAI. The online scoreboard is available at www.aytport.com (there is a choice of English).
The third in the country in terms of the number of passengers served. Two terminals are equipped in the highest class.
It is considered the main destination for tourists arriving in Kemer, Side and Alanya. This is the most convenient airport for holidaymakers in Belek, which is only 18 km away.
Basic for carriers Corendon, Pegasus and SunExpress. You can get to the place by taxi, bus, you can order a transfer.
Milas-Bodrum
Milas-Bodrum Airport is located on a peninsula in the Aegean Sea between Bodrum (36 km northeast) and Milas (16 km south). IATA code ─ BJV, ICAO ─ LTFE. The flight schedule can be found at www.milas-bodrumairport.com.
There are two terminals for international (new) and domestic (old) flights, which receive up to 2.5 million passengers annually. The station complex includes a parking lot, a cafeteria, shops, currency exchange, taxi, car rental, ATMs.
The airport is beneficial in that it concludes contracts with a large number of low-cost carriers. Connected with nearby resorts by road and bus.
Alanya Gazipasa
The airport in Alanya is correctly called Gazipasa-Alanya, since it is located 45 km southeast of the popular Alanya near the village of Gazipasa, by the way, famous for its magnificent beaches. IATA code ─ GZP, ICAO ─ LTFG, flight information can be found at www.gzpairport.com.
Built in 2021 to unload Antalya airport, which is also too far from the region. The only terminal, which has Gazipasa Airport, is designed for 1.5 million passengers per year, but has everything you need.
There are three restaurants, parking, ATM machines, a small duty-free shop and free Wi-Fi. It takes about half an hour to get to the city by taxi or bus.
Minor Air Harbors
They mainly serve domestic transportation, but the following Turkish airports can be interesting from the tourist's point of view:
- Adiyaman Airport ─ Adiyaman airport is located 20 km southeast of the main city of the province of the same name. ICAO code ─ LTCP, IATA ─ ADF. A real-time arrival / departure board is available at adiyaman.dhmi.gov.tr/Sayfalar/default.aspx. Two terminals provide a full range of services required by travelers, shops, restaurants and cafes. You can get to the city by taxi or bus.
- Kars Harakani Airport is located just 6 km from the city of Kars in the north-east of the country. IATA code ─ KSY, ICAO ─ LTCF, online scoreboard ─ kars.dhmi.gov.tr/Sayfalar/default.aspx. There is only one terminal here, it is currently being reconstructed. Seasonal international charters are serviced as required.
- Erzurum Hava Alani is a dual-use airport (military and civilian operators are based).Located 12 km west of Erzurum city center in eastern Turkey. IATA code ─ ERZ, ICAO ─ LTCE. Online flight schedules are available at erzurum.dhmi.gov.tr/Sayfalar/default.aspx. There is one passenger terminal, divided into international and domestic zones. Designed for 2 million passengers per year. There is a parking lot, several car rental points. There is a bus to the city.
- Samsun-Çarşamba Airport is a regional public airport located on the Black Sea coast, 23 km east of the city of Samsun. IATA code ─ SZF, ICAO ─ LTFH. Official site ─ carsamba.dhmi.gov.tr. One terminal is adapted to serve seasonal international flights. Since last year, Utair and RusLine flights have resumed here from Krasnodar.
- Trabzon Airport is located on the east of the Black Sea coast, right on the highway, 5 km from the city. IATA code ─ TZX, ICAO ─ LTCG. The online scoreboard is presented at trabzon.dhmi.gov.tr/Sayfalar/default.aspx. A clean and comfortable air terminal with two terminals is well equipped. International is designed for 15 million passengers a year, has several cafes, duty free and a health center.
- Adana Şakirpaşa Airport is international. Located 3 km west of the city of Adana, near the village of Shikhirpasha. IATA code ─ ADA, ICAO ─ LTAF. An online scoreboard is available at adana.dhmi.gov.tr/Sayfalar/default.aspx. There are three terminals here: domestic, international and freight lines. There is a restaurant, two cafes, two duty-free shops, and four car rental points. The railway station is 400 m away. Residential areas are located at a distance of only 2 km.
- Kayseri Erkilet Airport is a co-located international airport (civil / military). Located 5 km north of the city center of Kayseri. IATA code ─ ASR, ICAO ─ LTAU, online scoreboard ─ kayseri.dhmi.gov.tr/Sayfalar/default.aspx. There are two terminals. International is designed for 2.5 million passengers per year. There is a restaurant, a cafe, a point of sale of printed materials. There is an opportunity to rent a car, order a taxi. The city bus stop is located right at the entrance to the terminal.
- Denizli Çardak Airport is located in the city of ardak in the south-west of the country in the province of Denizli, bordering the resort of Mugla, Antalya and Izmir. IATA code - DNZ, ICAO - LTAY. Online scoreboard ─ cardak.dhmi.gov.tr/Sayfalar/default.aspx. It is interesting in that there is a general aviation terminal ─ you can fly here by private plane. Pamukalle is 65 km away and Isparta is 74 km away.
- Ferit Melen Airport ─ Van civil airport is located 3 km from the center of the city of the same name and the lake shore. IATA code ─ VAN, ICAO - LTCI. Current flight information is easier to check at van.dhmi.gov.tr/Sayfalar/default.aspx. There are two terminals, but in a common building. There are several souvenir shops, ATMs, cafes, three rental offices, a restaurant, and a post office at the passengers' service.
- Co-base airport Diyarbakir Airport is located just 2 km from the city of Diyarbakir in southeastern Turkey. IATA code ─ DIY, ICAO ─ LTCC. Online scoreboard ─ diyarbakir.dhmi.gov.tr/Sayfalar/default.aspx. The terminal building is divided into international and domestic terminals. There are cafes, shopping areas, and a car rental office.
Advantages of Turkish airports
Turkey is a tourist paradise with excellent transport infrastructure, logistics and services. Planes in Turkey are almost never late. Turkish is considered one of the most punctual in the world, and its fleet is one of the newest in the world. The Turks have created the most comfortable conditions for guests of various interests and age groups.
Without exaggeration, the abundance of air hubs near the resort areas allows you to choose the most convenient route and the landing point of the airliner closest to the resting place. Below is a map of Turkey with airports, which is easier to navigate.
Even small local airports stand out for their quality of service and a number of advantages:
- mandatory availability of the ability to change currency, issue tax-free;
- a large selection of goods in stores, a variety of outlets themselves, including Duty Free;
- well thought out and organized transport links. Airport transfers in Turkey cost less than in many countries;
- a variety of food outlets for every taste;
- well-equipped lounges, mother and child rooms, often with animators, hotels on site;
- information desks with staff who understand Russian;
- wide offer of car rental;
- the indispensable availability of free parking lots, medical centers, pharmacies.
And that's not all.
Conclusion
Having an idea of how many airports there are in Turkey and why they are good, the traveler can choose the best option for himself. To personally evaluate the service, you need to use it at least once. Many have already been to Turkey, and even more Russians want to do it. Both of them should definitely get to know the whole country, and not just the sea and beaches.
There is a lot of fascinating things here, in addition to historical monuments. The country is mountainous, with many rivers and lakes, therefore it is interesting for lovers of photography, rafting, mountaineering. The East has not been practically explored by Russians. Therefore, we recommend that you pay attention to the above Turkish airports by cities, which are rarely visited by a Russian tourist.
