Turkey, strategically positioned at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, has emerged as a global aviation powerhouse, driven by its vibrant tourism sector, dynamic economy, and rich cultural heritage. With a network of over 50 airports, including 35 international and 22 domestic facilities, Turkey’s aviation infrastructure is a cornerstone of its connectivity, facilitating millions of passengers annually. The country’s airports, ranging from world-class hubs to regional gateways, cater to diverse travelers, from international tourists exploring Istanbul’s historic landmarks to beachgoers flocking to the Turkish Riviera and business travelers converging on the capital, Ankara.
In 2023 and 2024, Turkey’s airports handled record-breaking passenger numbers, reflecting the nation’s growing prominence in global travel. This article provides a detailed overview of the busiest airports in Turkey, ranked by passenger traffic, highlighting their facilities, connectivity, and pivotal roles in supporting the nation’s economic and cultural ambitions.
1. Istanbul Airport (IST)
- Location: Arnavutköy, Istanbul (European side), 35 km north of the city center
- Passenger Traffic (2024): ~80 million
- IATA/ICAO Codes: IST/LTFM
- Details: Opened in April 2019, Istanbul Airport replaced Atatürk Airport as the primary international hub. It is the largest airport in Turkey and the second-busiest in Europe, handling over 76 million passengers in 2023. Designed to accommodate up to 200 million passengers annually upon completion, it features a 1.4 million square meter terminal, the world’s largest under one roof. The airport serves as the main hub for Turkish Airlines, offering flights to over 300 destinations worldwide. Its modern facilities include 500+ check-in desks, 166 gates, duty-free shops, luxury lounges, and a tulip-shaped control tower symbolizing Turkey’s national flower. Ground transportation options include taxis, buses, and a direct metro line. In 2024, it averaged 1,482 daily flights, making it Europe’s busiest airport during certain periods.
- Significance: A global aviation hub, it boosts Turkey’s economy by creating jobs and supporting international commerce, with LEED Gold certification for sustainability.
2. Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)
- Location: Pendik, Istanbul (Asian side), 50 km from Taksim Square
- Passenger Traffic (2024): ~41 million
- IATA/ICAO Codes: SAW/LTFJ
- Details: Named after Turkey’s first female combat pilot, Sabiha Gökçen is the second-busiest airport in Turkey and Europe’s ninth-busiest single-runway airport. It serves as a hub for Pegasus Airlines and a base for Turkish Airlines and AnadoluJet. Handling over 41 million passengers in 2024, it supports both domestic and international flights, primarily to Europe and the Middle East. The airport features a single terminal with modern amenities like duty-free shops, dining options, and Wi-Fi. Its location makes it ideal for travelers accessing Istanbul’s Asian side, though transfers to Istanbul Airport (IST) can take over 2 hours due to distance.
- Significance: Rapid growth in passenger numbers reflects its role as a key low-cost carrier hub, complementing IST’s operations.
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3. Antalya Airport (AYT)
- Location: Muratpaşa, Antalya, 13 km from the city center
- Passenger Traffic (2023): ~33 million
- IATA/ICAO Codes: AYT/LTAI
- Details: Antalya Airport is Turkey’s third-busiest and Europe’s fifteenth-busiest, serving as the primary gateway to the Turkish Riviera. It handled over 33 million passengers in 2023, with peak traffic during the summer due to tourism. The airport has three terminals: two for international flights and one for domestic. Airlines like Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, SunExpress, and Corendon Airlines operate flights to Europe, Russia, and the Middle East. Facilities include duty-free shops, fashion boutiques, and efficient baggage handling. Ground transport includes Havaş buses and taxis, with a 15-minute trip to the city center. In 2024, it averaged 996 daily flights, ranking tenth in Europe.
- Significance: Vital for tourism, it connects to resorts like Side, Belek, and Alanya, supporting Turkey’s Mediterranean tourism industry.
4. Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB)
- Location: Akyurt, Ankara, 28 km from the city center
- Passenger Traffic: ~13 million (estimated, based on ranking)
- IATA/ICAO Codes: ESB/LTAC
- Details: The fourth-busiest airport in Turkey, Esenboğa serves the capital with both domestic and international flights. It operates a single terminal for both flight types and a General Aviation Terminal for private flights. Airlines like Turkish Airlines, AnadoluJet, and Pegasus Airlines connect Ankara to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The airport features a modern terminal with streamlined check-in, duty-free shops, and Turkish souvenir stores. Approximately 280 aircraft operate daily, with ground transport via Havaş shuttles, EGO bus 442, and taxis.
- Significance: As the gateway to Turkey’s political and administrative center, it serves business travelers, government officials, and tourists.
5. Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB)
- Location: Gaziemir, Izmir, 18 km southwest of the city center
- Passenger Traffic: ~10 million (estimated)
- IATA/ICAO Codes: ADB/LTBJ
- Details: The fifth-busiest airport, named after former Prime Minister Adnan Menderes, serves Turkey’s Aegean region. It supports tourism to destinations like Ephesus, Kuşadası, and Çeşme, with flights by Turkish Airlines, SunExpress, and Pegasus Airlines. The modern terminal offers efficient check-in, duty-free shops, and dining options. It connects to European and Middle Eastern cities, with charter and seasonal flights. Ground transport includes a direct train to Ephesus, Havaş buses, and taxis.
- Significance: A key hub for Aegean tourism and business travel, it supports Izmir’s cultural and economic activities.
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6. Adana Şakirpaşa Airport (ADA)
- Location: Adana, 2.3 km from the city center
- Passenger Traffic: ~5 million (estimated)
- IATA/ICAO Codes: ADA/LTAF
- Details: The sixth-busiest airport serves the Çukurova region with domestic and international flights to 23 destinations, including Europe and Asia. Operating since 1937, it features separate international and domestic terminals. Airlines include Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, and Qatar Airways. Its proximity to the city center makes it highly accessible via taxis and Havaş buses.
- Significance: An important transportation hub for southern Turkey, supporting regional commerce and tourism.
7. Dalaman Airport (DLM)
- Location: Dalaman, Muğla, 6 km from the city center
- Passenger Traffic: ~5 million (estimated)
- IATA/ICAO Codes: DLM/LTBS
- Details: The seventh-busiest airport serves southwestern Turkey’s resort towns like Marmaris, Fethiye, and Göcek. It has two terminals (domestic and international) and operates flights to over 120 destinations via airlines like easyJet, Jet2.com, and TUI Airways. In summer, it handles 200 daily flights. Ground transport includes taxis and shuttles, with Göcek 18 km away and Marmaris 95 km.
- Significance: A gateway to Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, it supports tourism to popular beach destinations.
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8. Milas-Bodrum Airport (BJV)
- Location: Milas, 36 km from Bodrum
- Passenger Traffic: ~4 million (estimated)
- IATA/ICAO Codes: BJV/LTFE
- Details: Serving Bodrum and Milas, this airport supports tourism to the Aegean coast. It operates domestic and international flights, with seasonal routes to Europe and Asia. Airlines include Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines. Facilities include duty-free shops and dining. Havaş buses connect to Bodrum.
- Significance: Popular for tourists visiting Bodrum’s beaches and historical sites.
9. Trabzon Airport (TZX)
- Location: Trabzon, 6 km from the city center
- Passenger Traffic: ~3 million (estimated)
- IATA/ICAO Codes: TZX/LTCG
- Details: The ninth-busiest airport serves the Black Sea region, with 95% domestic flights from Istanbul, Ankara, and Antalya. Seasonal international routes include Middle Eastern destinations. Airlines include Turkish Airlines and SunExpress. It offers basic amenities and Havaş bus connections.
- Significance: Popular among Arab tourists for attractions like Uzungöl Lake and Sumela Monastery.
10. Sivas Nuri Demirağ Airport (VAS)
- Location: Sivas, 22 km from the city center
- Passenger Traffic: ~1 million
- IATA/ICAO Codes: VAS/LTAR
- Details: Serving central Turkey, this airport handles over 1 million passengers annually with domestic flights to Istanbul and Ankara, and limited international routes. Airlines include Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines. Basic facilities and taxi services are available.
- Significance: Supports regional connectivity in central Turkey.
Conclusion
Turkey’s busiest airports, led by Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen, are pivotal in connecting the country to global and domestic destinations. These airports support Turkey’s tourism-driven economy, with Antalya, Izmir, and Dalaman catering to coastal resorts, while Ankara serves the capital’s administrative needs. Modern facilities, strategic locations, and efficient services ensure seamless travel experiences, reinforcing Turkey’s position as a global aviation hub.
Image Credits- Istanbul Airport