Turkey, or Türkiye, lies at a crucial juncture between Europe and Asia. The country is a hub for global travellers and a popular destination for business and tourism alike. Turkey's distinctive geography, vibrant culture, and expanding economy attract millions of visitors and travellers in transit, supported by the country’s many modern airports. These facilities feature exceptional architecture, up-to-date amenities, popular eateries and, of course, quick flights to locations across the globe. This blog explores the major international airports in Turkey.
List of International Airports in Turkey
- Istanbul Airport (IST)
Besides being one of the top airports on the global map, Istanbul Airport is Turkey's biggest and busiest, handling millions of passengers every year. It opened in 2018, replacing Atatürk Airport. Its layout makes the airport a symbol of contemporary architecture and advanced technology, saving passengers valuable transit time. IST connects Turkey mainly to Europe but equally efficiently to Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Turkish Airlines, the national carrier, has its base here. Istanbul Airport boasts spacious lounges, duty-free shops, convenient parking, and excellent transport links.
Address: Tayakadın, Terminal Caddesi No:1, 34283 Arnavutköy/İstanbul, Türkiye
Airport Code: IST
- Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)
On Istanbul’s southeastern side is the bustling Sabiha Gökçen Airport, its location enabling easy routes to Asia. This international airport is named after Turkey’s pioneering female aviator and boasts an environment-friendly structural design. Though smaller than Istanbul Airport, SAW sees millions in footfall every year as its low-cost airlines and domestic flights make this airport a popular option.
Address: Sanayi, 34906 Pendik/İstanbul, Türkiye
Airport Code: SAW
- Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB)
Ankara Esenboğa Airport is located in Turkey’s capital, Ankara. Established more recently, ESB is the second-largest airport in Turkey. It is a gateway to Europe and the Middle East for commerce and political travel. The airport is easy to navigate, with well-organised, clearly demarcated terminals and excellent facilities.
Address: Balıkhisar Mh., Özal Bulvarı, 06750 Akyurt/Çubuk/Ankara, Türkiye
Airport Code: ESB
- Antalya Airport (AYT)
Antalya Airport is the main airport for Antalya, a favourite vacation spot on the Mediterranean coast. Antalya being a gateway to beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and historic sites, this Turkish airport sees a rush of tourists in summer from Russia, Europe, and the Middle East. AYT is equipped with a wide range of facilities for international travellers.
Address: Yeşilköy, Antalya Havaalanı Dış Hatlar Terminali 1, 07230 Muratpaşa/Antalya, Türkiye
Airport Code: AYT
- Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB)
On the coast of the beautiful Aegean Sea, Izmir hosts the plush, modern Adnan Menderes Airport. A train from the airport provides a smooth trip into Izmir, a city known for its history, culture, and coastal beauty, supporting both tourism and trade. There are flights from ADB to numerous destinations in Europe and other parts of Turkey.
Address: Dokuz Eylül, 35410 Gaziemir/İzmir, Türkiye
Airport Code: ADB
- Bodrum-Milas Airport (BJV)
Bodrum-Milas Airport is the gateway to Bodrum, another famous Aegean destination frequented for its luxury yachts, nightlife, and interesting history. BJV is busiest in summer when tourists from around the world arrive in Turkey. The airport has two runways, and just like other significant airports in Turkey, its facilities are top-notch.
Address: Ekinanbarı, Havalimanı Sk, 48200 Milas/Muğla, Türkiye
Airport Code: BJV
- Dalaman Airport (DLM)
Dalaman Airport in Muğla is where vacationers disembark for popular holiday spots nearby, like Marmaris, Fethiye, and Ölüdeniz. During the summer, it is one of the busiest airports in Turkey and the annual footfall is in millions. DLM offers flights to European cities and the Middle East.
Address: Ege, 48770 Dalaman/Muğla, Türkiye
Airport Code: DLM
- Gaziantep Oğuzeli Airport (GZT)
Built approximately 50 years ago, Gaziantep Oğuzeli Airport is located in Gaziantep, a city famous for its history and authentic local food, such as baklava and kebabs. The airport offers flights to Europe, the Middle East, and other Turkish cities. GZT is a great choice for travellers wanting to explore southern Turkey.
Address: Sazgın, Gaziantep Havaalanı, 27900 Oğuzeli/Gaziantep, Türkiye
Airport Code: GZT
- Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR)
Kayseri Erkilet Airport is the main airport for visitors going to Cappadocia, one of Turkey’s most famous tourist destinations known for its unique landscapes. The airport offers flights to Europe. From cabs to shuttles, ASR has a range of road connectivity into the city.
Address: Hilal, Mustafa Kemal Paşa Blv., 38090 Kocasinan/Kayseri, Türkiye
Airport Code: ASR
- Hatay Airport (HTY)
Located in the southern Turkish city of Antakya, Hatay province, Hatay Airport also serves Iskenderun. HTY offers access internationally to West Asia and domestic flights to northern Turkish cities.
Address: Paşaköy, Dış Kapı, Hatay Havaalanı, 31121 Antakya/Hatay, Türkiye
Airport Code: HTY
- Erzurum Airport (ERZ)
If you’re flying in from the east of Turkey, you’ll likely land in Erzurum Airport. Dotted with ski resorts, Erzurum is known for winter sports. This airport in Turkey serves both civil and military purposes and offering both domestic flights and international flights catering to busy winter tourism.
Address: Çiftlik, Erzurum Havaalanı Yolu, 25050 Yakutiye/Erzurum, Türkiye
Airport Code: ERZ
- Van Ferit Melen Airport (VAN)
The Van Ferit Melen Airport is in the eponymous Eastern city of Van, a favourite tourist spot known for its ancient historical remains and natural beauty. VAN connects to several other cities in Turkey and offers occasional international flights.
Address: Eminpaşa, Havaalanı Yolu No:6, 65300 Edremit/Van, Türkiye
Airport Code: VAN
Conclusion
Turkey’s international airports play a vital role in connecting the country to the rest of the world. Each airport provides convenient services and access to diverse regions to meet the demands of residents, business travellers, and tourists. Located across hot spots like Istanbul and Ankara as well as popular holiday destinations, each airport guarantees a smooth travel experience.
Whether you are visiting for leisure, business, or adventure, it is a smart decision to get good travel insurance to safeguard your journey.
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