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International Airports in Turkey

8 min read
Published: 10 Mar 2023

Do you find yourself traveling to Turkey often or relocating? Are you a first-time traveler to the country, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the prospect of navigating its international airports? Don’t worry – this guide will help you understand what to expect when flying through one of Turkey’s international airports.

Turkey has numerous international airports, including Istanbul Airport, Ankara Esenboga Airport, Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, Antalya Airport, and Dalaman Airport. Each of these airports offers flights from many different airlines and destinations worldwide. The most important difference between the airports lies in the type of flights they provide.

Where Can I Go

Turkey has a rich culture and many attractions for tourists and expats alike. It also has some of the most well-connected airports in the world, and it’s possible to fly to almost anywhere in the world from Turkish airports. In Istanbul, you can travel to nearby countries such as Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Georgia, and Armenia. Further away destinations include destinations such as the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada.

From Sabiha Gokcen International Airport in Istanbul, you can access flights to several other countries, including Germany, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Other far-off countries you can fly to from Istanbul include China, Qatar, and South Africa.

Antalya International Airport has flights to several European countries such as Germany, Italy, and Austria and further away destinations such as Russia and Azerbaijan. Other international airports in Turkey include Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport which flies to destinations such as Kuwait and Saudi Arabia; Trabzon International Airport which flies to Israel, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan; Adana Sakirpasa Airport which has direct routes to Iraq; Dalaman International Airport which flies to many European Countries; Ankara Esenboga International Airport which offers direct flights to Qatar and Dubai; Bodrum Milas-Imsik Airport with direct routes to Germany; Kayseri Erkilet Airport with flights going to Ukraine; Diyarbakir International Airport with flights going to Austria; Gaziantep Oguzeli International airport with direct routes going UAE among other destinations.

If you are planning on traveling internationally from Turkey, then you have many options when it comes down to choosing an airport. Whether for business or pleasure, there is something here for everyone!

Explore Sabiha Gokcen Airport – the Gateway to Turkey!

This airport is one of the busiest in Europe and a major hub for both domestic and international flights. It is in Istanbul, which is the largest city in Turkey. Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (IATA: SAW) was opened in 2001 as the second airport in Istanbul. It was named after Sabiha Gokcen, Turkish history's first female combat pilot. This airport serves both Istanbul and the provinces around it, such as Bursa, Adana, Konya, and Izmir. It has two terminals. The airport is well-connected with local public transportation, such as metrobuses and minibusses that take you directly to Taksim Square or other major locations in Istanbul. There are also car rental services available if you wish to explore on your own.

Sabiha Gokcen Airport boasts a wide range of shops, restaurants, and cafes for passengers to enjoy, so you won't have to worry about boredom while waiting for your flight. Many duty-free stores also offer discounts on many products, such as fashion items, accessories, and electronics goods. So if you're planning a trip to Turkey, check out Sabiha Gokcen Airport—it will be the perfect starting point for your journey!

Istanbul Airport

Istanbul Airport is Turkey's newest and biggest international airport. It's a great way to get to know the country and its unique culture. This brand-new airport is just outside Istanbul and can handle more than 90 million passengers annually. It has six runways, multiple terminals, and a wide range of amenities, including a huge shopping center and entertainment facilities. Istanbul Airport is the perfect starting point for expats and tourists in Turkey who want to explore the country. It provides easy access to major cities like Ankara, Antalya, Izmir, and other popular tourist destinations. With frequent flights to destinations all over the world, it's never been easier for travelers to explore all that Turkey has to offer. People say that the new Istanbul Airport is one of the best international airports in the world because of how well it looks, how well it works, and how many services it offers. At each security checkpoint, there are high-tech machines that scan people in order to keep them safe while they travel. And with plenty of restaurants, bars, shops, lounges, and more, it has everything you need for a comfortable flight experience. Whether you're looking for an exciting layover or just want to start your vacation on the right foot, Istanbul Airport will surely impress! So make sure you check it out when you're next planning a trip to Turkey!

Ankara Esenboga Airport

Ankara-Esenboga Airport is the second-largest airport in Turkey and is mainly used for domestic flights. It has direct flights to cities such as Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya but also provides international connections such as Amsterdam (AMS), Munich (MUC), Copenhagen (CPH), and Vienna (VIE). The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 for domestic flights and Terminal 2 for international arrivals and departures.

Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport

Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport is mainly used for flights within Turkey. Still, it also has some international flights to places like Geneva (GVA), Cologne/Bonn (CGN), Dusseldorf (DUS), and Vienna (VIE). Pegasus Airlines also runs charter flights from this airport to London Stansted Airport in England.

Antalya Airport

Antalya Airport is one of the most popular airports in Turkey due to its proximity to popular tourist destinations such as Alanya and Kemer. It serves mostly charter airlines that fly passengers from other countries directly into Antalya or nearby cities like Side or Manavgat. Here you can find direct flights from many European countries, such as Germany (Frankfurt), Switzerland (Zurich), Poland (Warsaw), and France (Paris).

Dalaman Airport

Dalaman Airport is located near Marmaris on the southwest coast of Turkey, and it mainly serves charter airlines that fly passengers to nearby resorts like Fethiye or Bodrum. Here you can find direct flights from various European countries like Austria (Vienna), the United Kingdom (London Gatwick), Germany (Munich), or France (Paris).

Arriving at an International Airport in Turkey

Arriving at an international airport in Turkey can be a smooth and stress-free experience when you know what to expect. Whether you’re coming from abroad or traveling domestically, there are a few things to remember to ensure your arrival goes as planned.

Before you arrive, make sure to have your passport and any other necessary travel documents ready for processing. At the airport, you must go through passport control and baggage claim. It is important to note that the lines for these processes can be long and busy, so be sure to arrive early so that you can get through both quickly. Once you have collected your bags, look for signs directing you toward the exit area, where taxis and public transportation are available. If you’re taking a taxi, make sure to know the exact address or hotel name of where you’ll be going, as well as how much it should cost. When taking public transportation, check with the information booth before proceeding further. They will help direct you to the right bus or train station based on your destination. Be aware that different lines may have other fares and schedules, so it is important to plan ahead if possible.

Regardless of how you plan on getting around once at your destination, arriving at an international airport in Turkey can be an enjoyable experience if done correctly!

When arriving at any of these airports, several steps need to be taken before boarding your flight: 

  • Check-in your luggage at the designated desk; 

  • Proceed through security control; 

  • Present your passport or visa if necessary; 

  • Check any remaining luggage at the gate; 

  • Board your flight; 

  • Wait in your designated seat until takeoff. Get off when arriving at your destination point safely!

Departing an International Airport in Turkey 

Departing an international airport in Turkey can be a daunting experience for tourists, but with a few simple tips, the process can be made more efficient and hassle-free.

Before arriving at the airport, it is important to make sure you have all the necessary documents and paperwork required for travel. A valid passport and any visas or other permits are essential if needed. Before going to the airport, it's also a good idea to make sure your boarding pass is printed or available on a device and that your bags have already been checked in. When you arrive at the airport, following signs for ‘Departure’ or ‘Check-in’ is a good idea, as these will point you in the right direction. If you are uncertain of anything, look for uniformed airport staff who will be able to help with any queries. After you've checked in and dropped off your bags, go through security, where you can put your things through an X-ray machine. Once you've gone through security, go straight to your boarding gate and wait until your flight number is called before joining the line to board. When boarding your plane, give your passport or ticket to the personnel on board so that they can check it against their records. Once all these steps are complete, you are ready to take off!

Following these simple steps makes departing from an international airport in Turkey easy and stress-free.

When departing one of these airports, you must take specific steps before boarding: 

  • Check-in online prior to arrival;

  • Arrive at least 2 hours before departure time; 

  • Verify what documents are required for travel; 

  • Go through security control; weigh all carry-on baggage; 

  • Collect a boarding pass; 

  • Go to the gate listed on your boarding pass for more information about how to get off the plane.

So now you know how big international airports work in Turkey! We hope this guide has helped clear up some of the mysteries of using a Turkish international airport. Whether you're an expat traveling home or a tourist just visiting, understanding these procedures will make your trip smoother! Happy travels!

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