Antalya International Airport (AYT)
Antalya International Airport (AYT)
Location and General Information
Antalya International Airport (IATA: AYT, ICAO: LTAI) is one of Turkey’s busiest airports and a major gateway to the country's southern Mediterranean coast. It is located 13 km (8 miles) northeast of Antalya city center and serves as the primary airport for the Turkish Riviera, catering to millions of tourists annually.
Antalya Airport plays a crucial role in Turkey’s tourism industry, handling both domestic and international flights. Due to the region’s warm climate, beautiful beaches, and historical sites, the airport sees high seasonal traffic, especially during the summer months.
The airport was first established in 1960 but has undergone significant expansion to accommodate increasing passenger demand. Today, it is a modern and efficient airport equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and three terminals to serve travelers from around the world.
Runways
- Runway 18L/36R – 3,400 meters (11,155 feet), the primary runway used for both domestic and international flights.
- Runway 18C/36C – 3,400 meters (11,155 feet), parallel to the main runway for increased traffic capacity.
- Runway 18R/36L – 2,990 meters (9,810 feet), used for additional capacity and charter flights.
These runways allow the airport to handle large aircraft, including wide-body jets used for long-haul international flights.
Terminals and Passenger Facilities
Antalya International Airport has three main passenger terminals:
Terminal 1 (International Flights)
- Serves major international airlines from Europe, the Middle East, and Russia.
- Features duty-free shopping, luxury lounges, and multiple dining options.
- Designed with modern architecture and advanced passenger processing systems.
Terminal 2 (International Flights)
- Second international terminal built to accommodate the growing number of tourists.
- Houses international check-in counters, baggage claim areas, and immigration facilities.
- Includes a VIP lounge for business and first-class travelers.
Domestic Terminal (Domestic Flights)
- Used by Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, SunExpress, and AnadoluJet for flights within Turkey.
- Provides quick check-in, fast security clearance, and easy access to domestic destinations.
- Includes a selection of cafes, souvenir shops, and traveler services.
Each terminal is equipped with comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, ATMs, currency exchange, and medical services to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Airline Connectivity and Destinations
Antalya Airport connects travelers to over 200 destinations worldwide, making it a key airport for both holidaymakers and business travelers.
Popular International Destinations
- Europe: London (LHR, LGW), Berlin (BER), Paris (CDG), Amsterdam (AMS), Moscow (SVO, DME), Frankfurt (FRA)
- Middle East: Dubai (DXB), Doha (DOH), Riyadh (RUH), Tel Aviv (TLV)
- Asia: Istanbul (IST, SAW), Tehran (IKA), Baku (GYD)
- North Africa: Cairo (CAI), Tunis (TUN)
Major Airlines Operating at Antalya Airport
- Turkish Airlines – Provides both domestic and international flights with extensive global connections.
- Pegasus Airlines – A major low-cost carrier operating flights across Turkey and Europe.
- SunExpress – A joint venture between Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, specializing in leisure travel.
- Corendon Airlines, TUI Airways, and Jet2.com – Focused on bringing European tourists to Antalya.
- Aeroflot, Ural Airlines, and Pobeda – Russian airlines providing frequent services between Antalya and Russia.
Ground Transportation and Accessibility
Antalya International Airport offers multiple transportation options for travelers heading to the city center and surrounding resorts.
Public Transport
- Antalya Tram (Antray) – Connects the airport to Antalya city center, taking about 30 minutes.
- Public Buses (Antalya Municipality Buses 600 and 800) – Provide affordable travel options to downtown Antalya and Konyaaltı Beach.
Private Transfers and Taxis
- Official airport taxis offer fixed-rate fares to popular locations like Lara Beach, Belek, and Side.
- Private shuttle services and VIP transfers are available for tourists heading to all-inclusive resorts.
- Ride-hailing services such as BiTaksi and Uber operate in Antalya, providing another convenient option.
Car Rentals
- Major car rental companies, including Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt, operate from the airport.
- Renting a car is a popular choice for travelers who want to explore the Turkish Riviera at their own pace.
Business and VIP Services
Antalya Airport offers premium services for business travelers and VIP guests.
Exclusive VIP Lounges
- CIP Lounge (International Terminals 1 & 2) – Offers comfortable seating, free refreshments, and private meeting areas.
- SunExpress Lounge – Dedicated to SunExpress passengers with premium lounge access.
Fast-Track Security & VIP Transfers
- Fast-track services allow travelers to bypass standard security and immigration lines.
- VIP private transfers provide a chauffeured experience from aircraft to airport exit.
Meeting Rooms & Business Facilities
- Nearby business hotels offer conference rooms and corporate event spaces.
- Many resorts in Lara Beach and Belek cater to business conferences and incentive travel.
Tourism and Economic Impact
Antalya International Airport is a key driver of tourism and economic growth for Turkey.
Tourist Attractions Near Antalya Airport
- Lara Beach (20 min) – Famous for its golden sands and luxury beachfront resorts.
- Kaleiçi (Old Town) (25 min) – A historic district with Ottoman-era houses, shops, and restaurants.
- Aspendos Theatre (45 min) – One of the best-preserved ancient Roman theaters in the world.
- Düden Waterfalls (30 min) – A beautiful natural attraction with stunning coastal views.
- Konyaaltı Beach (35 min) – A scenic pebble beach backed by the Taurus Mountains.
Economic Contributions
- The airport supports thousands of jobs, from airport staff to hospitality workers.
- It plays a critical role in Turkey’s tourism sector, attracting millions of visitors annually.
- Antalya Airport facilitates cargo transportation, handling perishable goods, textiles, and electronics.
Future Expansion and Development Plans
To keep up with growing passenger numbers, Antalya Airport has expansion projects planned for the future:
- New terminal construction to improve passenger flow.
- Runway and taxiway enhancements to handle more air traffic.
- Sustainability initiatives, such as solar energy systems and carbon footprint reduction projects.
Key Takeaways
- Antalya International Airport (AYT) is Turkey’s second busiest airport, serving as the gateway to the Turkish Riviera.
- Three terminals handle domestic and international flights, with modern passenger facilities.
- Hundreds of international routes connect Antalya to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
- Multiple transport options, including trams, buses, taxis, and rental cars, provide easy access to the city and resorts.
- Future expansion plans aim to enhance capacity and passenger experience, supporting Antalya’s status as a top global tourism destination.
Antalya Airport remains one of the most important travel hubs in Turkey, welcoming millions of holidaymakers every year to experience the country’s stunning coastline, rich history, and warm hospitality.
