Top 10 Airports in Turkey

To my fellow dreamers,

When you travel to Turkey, you will travel across 2 continents at once. Throughout my journey through the great mountains of Anatolia and the blue seas of the Aegean, I have come to understand that the journey itself lies in the change. Your journey does not start at an ancient city’s gates or on a silk sandy beach; instead, it starts in the airport, which is the modern equivalent of a caravanserai and the introduction to your journey in Anatolia.

Many travellers often ask what airports are in turkey to begin their adventure. Turkey has many airports in Turkey where people can get their first smile and experience the well-known hospitality. To set the tone for our journey, I would like to share a quote that has inspired me to pack:

“To travel is to possess the world, but to land in Turkey is to find your soul’s home in the arms of the East and the West.”

Join me as I take you through the 10 best airports in Turkey that will provide the most wonderful entry points to this fabulous country. If you are wondering how many airports are in turkey, the country boasts over 50 civil airports, but these ten stand out as the main airports in turkey for international visitors. Here are the turkey airports names you should remember

1. Istanbul Airport (IST) – The Crown Jewel of the Skies.

Istanbul Airport (IST) is known as the “Crown Jewel of the Skies.” It is number one, but it is more than a terminal; it is a futuristic city that is all in one place. The first time I walked into the departures area of IST, it felt like entering a giant cathedral made of glass and steel, because the terminal seems so big! It is the seventh busiest airport in the world and serves as an international hub for Turkish Airlines.

Istanbul’s airport has one unique thing about it: Its design represents Istanbul’s history, and the shape of the airport’s control tower resembles a tulip, which is a well-known symbol in Turkey. Among all turkish airports, this tower’s design has also won awards from various organisations around the world.

My travel advice is for those who have layover times between six and 24 hours: Take advantage of the free “Tour of Istanbul.” This tour is offered by Turkish Airlines and gives you the chance to visit the famous Blue Mosque or the ancient Topkapi Palace while waiting for your next flight. Instead of being bored during your long wait at the airport, you can experience a short holiday in Istanbul!

 2. Antalya Airport (AYT) – The Gateway to the Turquoise Coast.

Antalya is number two on our list. The Mediterranean Region is crazy about this Airport. The atmosphere is breezy and relaxed. For the year 2023, this airport had approximately 35 million visitors coming from various parts of the world looking for sunshine. It remains one of the main airports in turkey for summer holidays.

What Makes It Stand Out: This is one of the few areas that allow you to land at the airport and be sitting on a world-class beach (like Lara Beach or Belek) in 20 minutes or less. When listing turkey airports names, AYT is synonymous with the sun. This location is built to accommodate a large volume of passengers during the peak summer travel season easily.

When flying into Antalya, look out the window as you are coming in to land. If the pilot makes a good approach, you may see the snow-covered Taurus Mountains meeting the beautiful blue sea. That view will take your breath away!

3. Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) – The Spirit of the Asian Side.

Istanbul Ataturk is an international giant, but Sabiha Gökçen is at the very heart of the Asian part of Istanbul. Sabiha Gökçen was named in honor of the World’s first female pilot; therefore it has a more laid-back, chaotic, and traffic-congested environment compared to IST. Pegasus Airlines is also a main contributor to the savings-conscious traveller using Sabiha as their main means of air travel. It is a vital part of the network when considering how many airports are in turkey serving the metropolis.

What makes it unique: It gives the impression that you are closer to the true essence of Istanbul. The Rat City of Kadiköy, as well as Üsküdar, both have a unique energy. As one of the major turkish airports, it offers a different perspective of the city.

Use public transportation! Get from Kadiköy to Sabiha in now less than one hour by travelling the metro to the airport. Therefore, if you’re travelling to the “other” side of the Bosporus, you’ll have a much easier time now.

4. Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) – The Aegean’s Welcome.

This is named after a Prime Minister and is the very beautiful way to enter the east coast of Turkey. The airport is bright and light filled and is an ideal launch point for visiting the ruins of Ephesus. For those asking what airports are in turkey provide the best access to history, ADB is the answer.

Why is it different? This airport has an extensive eco-friendly environment and was one of the first in Europe to become a carbon-neutral airport. It is frequently cited among the main airports in turkey for its efficiency.

At the airport you will find a direct train (İZBAN) to Selçuk (for Ephesus) or to Izmir’s centre. This is one of the easiest ways to get from the airport to your town in Turkey.

 5. Dalaman Airport (DLM) – The Summer Dream.

Dalaman is the Airport for “Blue Voyage” Destinations (Whales). Fethiye, Marmaris, and Gocek are all Boutique Holiday Destination towns. By stepping off the airplane, I feel like I’m on Holiday! It is a key mention when you look up turkey airports names for coastal trips.The unique features of Interest: The terminal looks Modern and New, however it’s nestled amongst beautiful hills covered with greenery. If you are wondering how many airports are in turkey that offer such a scenic arrival, Dalaman is near the top.

If you are travelling to the Greek Islands, Dalaman is your Best option. Drive to Fethiye or Marmaris, and then take a ferry to Rhodes in less than one hour!For travellers seeking precise updates on flight regulations and airport facilities, The Official Aviation Authority (Best for Technical/Travel Info), known as the General Directorate of State Airports Authority (DHMİ), provides the most reliable data across all these locations.

 6. Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB) – The Diplomatic Hub.

Ankara Esenboğa Airport serves as the main airport for the city of Ankara, Turkey, and is known for being an ideal location for international diplomats and government officials.  Unlike Istanbul’s busy and hectic atmosphere, this airport offers its guests a calm, professional environment. It is undoubtedly one of the main airports in turkey for business.

Why It Is Unique: The airport has received the “Best Airport in Europe” award for its unique design and eco-friendly practices, which makes it one of the few turkish airports  to have received the award multiple times.

As a history enthusiast, you can fly into this airport and visit some of the earliest structures built by people known as the Hittites and the beautiful Anıtkabir (the mausoleum of Ataturk).

 7. Milas-Bodrum Airport (BJV) – The Bohemian Arrival.

The Bodrum Airport in Milas (BJV) is most likely a “st Tropez of Turkey”.  The international terminal is very nice looking and modern. It feels more like a gallery of art, than an airport.

What makes the airport different, is the private jets that line up there during the summer months.  It is the main departure point for “Blue Cruises” along the coast of Turkey on old wooden sailboats (gulets). For travellers researching what airports are in turkey to find luxury, BJV is the destination.

Travel Tip: When you arrive at the airport and take a taxi to Bodrum (around 35km), you will take a scenic ride through olive orchards and will be able to see the famous white buildings with purple flowers (bougainvilleas), before you reach.

8. Trabzon Airport (TZX) – The Emerald Gate.

Trabzon Airport (TZX) is located at the entrance to the Black Sea, along with the beautiful landscaping of the tea growing areas in the northeast section of Turkey. While it does not have a long enough runway for commercial jets, it has one of the most picturesque locations of any airport in Turkey.

Landing at Trabzon Airport feels as if you are landing on water. The land mass separating Trabzon from the Black Sea is barely wider than a jet runway. As you land at TZX, you will experience the fresh scent of the Black Sea in close proximity to the forest of Trabzon, an exhilarating experience.  When counting how many airports are in turkey with sea-front runways, this one is the most famous.

If you use the airport as a starting point for visiting the Samela Monastery (a remarkable building built into the side of a cliff) it will only take a short drive to see the monastery.

9. Gaziantep Oğuzeli Airport (GZT) – The Gastronomy Entrance.

If you like to eat on your trip (and who doesn’t?) then go there! Gaziantep is the food capital of Turkey and this airport is the way to get to the tastiest baklava and kebabs. It is a standout among turkish airports for its local flavour.
Why it’s different: This airport shows off the friendly, comfortable atmosphere of southeastern Turkey.
Be careful not to eat any food while on the airplane because you’ll want to save all of your appetite for the city about 20km away hungrier than ever!

 10. Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR) – The Fairy Chimney Port.

Kayseri is the most popular airport for travellers who want to visit the unique beauty of Cappadocia. When looking at turkey airports names, travellers often choose ASR for its convenience to the central plains.

What makes it different: Visitors landing at Kayseri Airport on a nice day will be amazed at how high Mount Erciyes, a dormant volcano, is in relation to the surrounding landscape. Understanding the layout of turkey airports helps in planning these inland adventures.
If you’re looking for cheaper flights, Kayseri Airport may have more flights available than Nevşehir Airport (which is closer to the fairy chimneys), and the drive to Göreme takes only about an hour through the beautiful volcanic landscape.

Dear friends who travel, whether you arrive from Istanbul with sparkling and shiny places or from Trabzon near The Sea of Black & Salt, never forget that you are being taken care of by us, Learning more about airports turkey can truly enhance your travel planning. It is a pleasure to welcome you through any of the airports in Turkey for your upcoming turkey holidays.

Take Your Hopes, with an open heart to experience all the beauty here first hand and let us write your own Turkish love tale when you arrive.

The horizon is calling. Safe travels, and Görüşürüz until we meet under the Anatolian sun!

Frequently Asked Questions.