Airports in Turkey
Turkey is a country located in Eurasia and is known for its rich history and culture, beautiful landscapes, and delicious cuisine. It is also a popular tourist destination, with millions of visitors every year. This means that the country needs a well-developed transportation infrastructure, and airports play a crucial role in this. In this article, we will explore how many airports there are in Turkey, where they are located, and their importance for the country’s economy and tourism industry.
The Importance of Airports in Turkey
Airports are essential for any country’s economic development, as they facilitate domestic and international travel and trade. In Turkey, airports are particularly important for the tourism industry, which contributes significantly to the country’s GDP. In 2019, the country welcomed almost 52 million international visitors, and this number was expected to increase in the following years. Therefore, the country needs to have a sufficient number of airports to accommodate this demand, as well as to provide efficient transportation for its citizens.
How Many Airports are in Turkey?
As of 2021, Turkey has a total of 98 airports, according to the General Directorate of State Airports Authority. This number includes both international and domestic airports, as well as military airports. In recent years, the country has invested heavily in the expansion and modernization of its airports, as part of its efforts to improve its transportation infrastructure.
The Distribution of Airports in Turkey
The airports in Turkey are distributed across the country, covering both its European and Asian sides. The majority of the airports are located in the western part of the country, including Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Antalya. However, there are also airports in the eastern and southeastern regions, such as Diyarbakir, Van, and Gaziantep. The distribution of airports is important for providing access to remote areas and promoting regional development.
International Airports in Turkey
Turkey has a total of 56 international airports, which serve as entry points for tourists and business travelers from around the world. The largest and busiest of these airports is Istanbul Airport, which opened in 2018 and replaced the old Ataturk Airport. Other major international airports include Sabiha Gokcen in Istanbul, Antalya Airport, and Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport.
Domestic Airports in Turkey
In addition to international airports, Turkey has 42 domestic airports that provide connections between different cities and regions within the country. These airports are particularly important for promoting regional development and facilitating business and leisure travel. Some of the busiest domestic airports include Ankara Esenboga Airport, Adana Sakirpasa Airport, and Dalaman Airport.
The Biggest Airports in Turkey
The biggest airport in Turkey is Istanbul Airport, which covers an area of 76.5 million square meters and has a capacity of 200 million passengers per year. It is also one of the largest airports in the world, with six runways and a terminal building that spans over 1.4 million square meters. Other big airports in Turkey include Sabiha Gokcen Airport in Istanbul, Antalya Airport, and Esenboga Airport in Ankara.
The Smallest Airports in Turkey
The smallest airport in Turkey is Yalova Airport, which has a single runway and serves only private and charter flights. Other small airports in the country include Adana-Incirlik Airport, which is a military airport, and Balikesir Koca Seyit Airport, which serves the city of Balikesir.
The Busiest Airports in Turkey
The busiest airport in Turkey is Istanbul Airport, which handled over 23 million passengers in 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Other busy airports include Sabiha Gokcen Airport in Istanbul, Antalya Airport, and Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport.
The Least Busy Airports in Turkey
The least busy airport in Turkey is Agri Ahmed-i Hani Airport, which handled only 8,000 passengers in 2020. Other airports with low traffic include Mus Airport, which serves the city of Mus, and Sanliurfa GAP Airport, which is located in southeastern Turkey.
The Future of Airports in Turkey
Turkey’s government has ambitious plans for the development of its airports, as part of its broader vision for the country’s economic growth and modernization. The plans include the construction of new airports, such as the Istanbul Grand Airport, which is expected to become the world’s largest airport when it is completed. The government also aims to improve the infrastructure and services of existing airports, to provide a better experience for passengers and to attract more tourists and investors.
Conclusion: Turkey’s Airports in Numbers
In summary, Turkey has a total of 98 airports, including 56 international and 42 domestic airports. The airports are distributed across the country, with the majority located in the western regions. Istanbul Airport is the biggest and busiest airport in Turkey, while Yalova Airport is the smallest. The airports are essential for the country’s economic development and tourism industry, and the government has ambitious plans for their expansion and modernization in the future.
