Antalya Airport (AYT)
Airport Overview
Antalya Airport (IATA: AYT, ICAO: LTAI), officially Antalya Havalimanı, is Turkey's third-busiest airport and one of the most remarkable aviation statistics stories in the world: a regional Mediterranean resort airport that regularly processes more than 35 million passengers per year — the overwhelming majority of whom are international tourists arriving for holidays on Turkey's celebrated Turkish Riviera. During peak summer months (July–August), Antalya Airport is among the busiest airports in Europe by weekly movements, temporarily surpassing many nominally larger hub airports in throughput.
Located approximately 13 km northeast of Antalya city centre, the airport serves as the gateway to the world-famous resort strip extending from Alanya in the east to Kalkan and Kaş in the west — a 300 km coastline known for its combination of ancient ruins, turquoise sea, all-inclusive mega-resorts, and year-round Mediterranean climate. In 2024, the airport handled approximately 35.2 million passengers, of whom roughly 75–80% were international arrivals — primarily from Germany, Russia, the UK, the Netherlands, Ukraine, Poland, and Scandinavia.
The airport is operated by Fraport AG Turkey, a joint venture of Germany's Frankfurt Airport operator Fraport AG (60%) and Turkish construction group IC İçtaş (40%), under a long-term operating concession. This management partnership brings German operational efficiency to what is fundamentally a seasonal surge facility — the airport must handle summer peaks of 160,000+ passengers per day while managing dramatically reduced winter operations. The airport has two international terminals (Terminal 1/TIC and Terminal 2/TIC-2) and a domestic terminal, all connected within a single campus.
Antalya Airport's passenger profile is almost entirely leisure-based: all-inclusive resort guests, package holiday tourists, cruise passengers, and independent travellers. The dominant carriers are charter and LCC operators — TUI, Corendon, SunExpress, Pegasus, and dozens of European charter airlines seasonally deploy widebody and narrowbody aircraft on high-frequency routes. Turkish Airlines also maintains a significant presence with both domestic and international scheduled services, and the airport provides a secondary hub function for the western Mediterranean region. New direct routes from Asia (India, China, South Korea) and the Americas have opened in recent years as Antalya seeks to diversify beyond its traditional European and Russian markets.
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Terminals & Gates
Terminal 1 (T1 / TIC — International Terminal)
Terminal 1 is the original international terminal, opened in its current form in 1998 and expanded in the mid-2000s. It handles a significant portion of international charter traffic and connects directly to the tram stop. It has a design capacity of approximately 15 million passengers per year.
- Airlines: Mix of European charter operators (TUI Deutschland, Condor, various), Pegasus, AnadoluJet domestic, Sun Express
- Gates: ~40 gates; combination of aerobridge and remote stand operations
- Lounges: Primeclass Lounge T1 (Priority Pass eligible); walk-in ~₺600 (~€16.80)
- Facilities: Duty-free, food court, ATMs, prayer room, medical centre, baby care room
Terminal 2 (T2 / TIC-2 — International Terminal)
Terminal 2 opened in 2007 and is the larger of the two international terminals, designed to handle the massive summer surge of charter and LCC traffic. It is the primary terminal for Turkish Airlines international operations and many Northern/Eastern European charter flights.
- Airlines: Turkish Airlines (international), SunExpress, Corendon Air, TUI (selected), Nordwind, NordStar, Azur Air, and large Russian/CIS charter bloc in season
- Gates: ~60+ gates; Pier A and Pier B structure; aerobridges and remote stands
- Check-in: 100+ counters; Turkish Airlines dedicated First/Business rows
- Lounges (T2):
- Turkish Airlines CIP Lounge (T2 airside) — Miles&Smiles Elite, Star Alliance Gold, business/first class
- Primeclass Lounge T2 (Priority Pass, Lounge Key, DragonPass; walk-in ~₺700/~€19.60)
- Facilities: Unifree duty-free, luxury retail, Burger King, Simit Sarayı, Starbucks, local kebab restaurant, prayer room, medical, family area
Domestic Terminal
A separate domestic terminal handles Turkish Airlines and Pegasus domestic flights (to Istanbul IST/SAW, Ankara, Izmir, and other Turkish cities). It connects to T1 via an airside walkway and to the tram stop.
- Airlines: Turkish Airlines domestic, Pegasus, AnadoluJet
- Facilities: Basic domestic terminal with food court, newsstand, ATMs
Transportation Guide
Getting to and from Antalya Airport (AYT)
Antalya Airport is relatively close to the city centre (13 km) and exceptionally well-connected to the resort strip along the coast. The vast majority of international arrivals — package holiday guests — are met by transfer coaches organised by their tour operator; these are the dominant transport mode at AYT. For independent travellers, tram, taxi, and private transfer are the main options.
Tram (Antalya Tramway)
Antalya's light rail tram (Antraman) provides a direct, inexpensive link from the airport to the city:
- Airport Tram Stop is adjacent to the domestic terminal / T1 exit, covered walkway provided
- Route to Antalya city centre (Müze / Konyaaltı direction): ~20–25 minutes to city centre stops
- Fare: ₺20–25 (~€0.56–0.70); use Antalyakart stored-value card or buy single ticket at machine
- Frequency: Every 7–10 minutes during daytime
- Operating hours: ~06:00–23:30
- Note: Tram serves the city and Konyaaltı beach area well; does NOT conveniently reach Lara Beach (east) or Belek/Side resort areas (east/far east)
Bus (AntBus / Havas)
- Havaş operates coaches from AYT to Antalya bus station (Otogar): ~25–30 min, ₺60 (~€1.68)
- From the otogar, regional buses connect to Alanya (~2.5 hrs), Side (~1.5 hrs), Belek (~45 min), Kemer (~1 hr)
- Local AntBus route 600 also operates from the airport to city centre: ₺20–25 (~€0.56–0.70)
Taxi
- Official yellow taxis from the airport taxi rank (outside each terminal)
- To Antalya city centre: ₺200–350 (~€5.60–9.80); ~15–20 min
- To Lara Beach resort area: ₺250–400 (~€7–11.20); ~20–30 min
- To Belek resort area: ₺500–700 (~€14–19.60); ~45–60 min
- To Alanya: ₺1,200–1,800 (~€33.60–50.40); ~2 hrs
- To Kemer: ₺450–600 (~€12.60–16.80); ~50–60 min
- All official taxis metered; ensure meter is running. Night rate applies 00:00–06:00.
Ride-Sharing (Uber & BiTaksi)
- Uber and BiTaksi operate at AYT — designated PHV pickup zones outside each terminal
- Generally comparable pricing to official taxis; BiTaksi slightly cheaper on shorter trips
- Useful for price transparency, especially on longer resort transfers
Tour Operator / Private Transfer
- The majority of package holiday passengers are met by their tour operator's transfer coach — no pre-arrangement needed, just look for the board with your operator's name in arrivals
- Private transfers (Viator, GetTransfer, local operators): fixed price, meet at arrivals. To Belek from ~€25; to Alanya from ~€60. Pre-booking recommended in peak season.
Car Rental
- Major operators: Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Budget, Sixt, Thrifty, local operators (Garenta, Rentacar Turkey)
- Desks in both T1 and T2 arrivals halls. Competitive rates — Antalya is one of Europe's cheapest car rental destinations seasonally
- From ~₺800–1,500/day (~€22.40–42) for economy; summer peak prices higher. Always book in advance for July–August.
| Transport | To City Centre | To Belek | Price (approx.) | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tram | 20–25 min | Not served | ₺20–25 (~€0.56–0.70) | 06:00–23:30 |
| Havaş Bus | 25–30 min | Not direct | ₺60 (~€1.68) | 04:00–23:00 |
| Taxi | 15–20 min | 45–60 min | ₺200–700 (~€5.60–19.60) | 24/7 |
| Private Transfer | 20 min | 45 min | €10–25 (fixed) | 24/7 |
| Tour Operator Coach | Varies (multi-stop) | 45–60 min | Included in package | Per flight |
Hotels Near the Airport
Hotels at / Adjacent to the Airport
Most resort tourism in the Antalya region stays along the coast rather than near the airport itself. However, several airport-adjacent properties serve crew, business travellers, and passengers with early departures:
- Ramada by Wyndham Antalya ★★★★ — 10-min drive; shuttle available. Rates ₺2,500–5,000/night (~€70–140).
- Crowne Plaza Antalya ★★★★ — City centre, 15–20 min. Rates ₺3,000–6,000/night (~€84–168).
- ibis Antalya ★★★ — Budget option, 15 min from airport. Rates ₺1,000–2,000/night (~€28–56).
Resort Areas (Key Destinations from AYT)
- Lara Beach (15 km east): Luxury all-inclusive mega-resorts — Titanic, Concorde, Rixos, Akra. 4–5★ from €80–250/night all-inclusive.
- Belek (30 km east): Golf resort area — Gloria Golf Resort, Cornelia Diamond, Regnum Carya. 5★ from €150–500/night.
- Kemer (50 km west): Club Med Kemer and various all-inclusive resorts. 4–5★ from €70–180/night.
- Alanya (130 km east): Budget-to-mid-range resorts; popular with Russian/Eastern European travellers. 3–4★ from €40–120/night.
- Side/Manavgat (75 km east): Large all-inclusive complexes. 4–5★ from €60–180/night.
Parking Options & Rates
Parking at Antalya Airport
| Type | Location | First Hour | Daily | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T1 Short Stay | T1 direct | ₺50 (~€1.40) | ₺350 (~€9.80) | — |
| T2 Short Stay | T2 direct | ₺50 (~€1.40) | ₺350 (~€9.80) | — |
| Long Stay | 5–10 min shuttle | — | ₺200 (~€5.60) | ₺1,000 (~€28) |
| Express Drop-off | All terminals | Free 15 min | — | — |
- Pre-book at antalya-airport.aero for best rates
- Summer peak parking (July–August) fills fast — pre-booking essential
- EV charging bays in T2 car park (EKOPARK chargers)
Services & Facilities
WiFi
Free WiFi is available throughout all terminals at AYT under the "Antalya Airport Free WiFi" network. Connect and verify via SMS OTP. Adequate speeds for browsing and messaging. Available pre- and post-security.
Lounges
- Turkish Airlines CIP Lounge (T2, international airside) — For TK Business, First, Miles&Smiles Elite/Elite Plus, Star Alliance Gold. Full hot buffet, open bar, showers.
- Primeclass Lounge T1 & T2 — Priority Pass, Lounge Key, DragonPass; walk-in ₺600–700 (~€16.80–19.60). Hot food, bar, showers.
Shopping & Dining
- Unifree Duty-Free (T1 and T2): Very competitive prices on Turkish spirits (Rakı, wines), tobacco, Turkish delight, carpets and souvenirs, cosmetics
- Dining: Simit Sarayı (Turkish pastry/breakfast, excellent value), Burger King, KFC, Starbucks, local kebab restaurants. Dining options are functional — AYT is not a gastronomic destination airport.
- 24-hour outlets: Vending machines and one café in arrivals serve late-night arrivals
Currency Exchange & ATMs
- Multiple exchange bureaux in arrivals (T1 and T2); PTT, private operators
- ATMs: İş Bankası, Garanti BBVA, Ziraat Bankası in all terminals
- Turkish Lira useful for taxis and small purchases; major resorts accept EUR/GBP/USD at reception
Medical & Family
- Medical centre: T2 Level 1 near arrivals (24/7); first aid posts in T1
- Baby care rooms: T1 and T2 (both terminals); family lanes at security
- Lost children meeting point: Information desks, T1 and T2
Prayer Room
Prayer rooms (namaz odaları) in T1 and T2 airside areas; ablution facilities adjacent. Well-maintained and heavily used given the high Turkish passenger volume.
Luggage Storage
- Left luggage in T1 and T2 arrivals areas: ₺150–250/bag/24 hrs (~€4.20–7)
- Useful for day-trippers from resorts visiting Antalya's old city (Kaleiçi)
Smoking
No smoking inside terminals. Outdoor smoking zones at T1 and T2 ground level (landside). No airside smoking areas.
---Airlines & Destinations
Hub / Main Airlines
- Turkish Airlines (Star Alliance) — Year-round scheduled international and domestic from T2. Operates Istanbul IST–AYT multiple daily and international connections.
- Pegasus Airlines — Domestic and short-haul international LCC; year-round and seasonal.
- SunExpress (TK/LH JV) — Major seasonal charter/LCC; primary Germany–AYT carrier.
- Corendon Air — Dutch/Turkish charter airline; high summer frequency.
- TUI fly Deutschland / TUIfly Nordic / TUI Airways (UK) — Major package holiday operators deploying from 8+ European countries.
Seasonal International Charter & LCC Airlines (peak)
During summer, 100+ airlines operate to AYT including: Condor (Germany), Eurowings (Germany), easyJet (UK/Europe), Wizz Air (multiple bases), Ryanair, Norwegian, Transavia (France/NL), Nordwind (Russia), Ural Airlines, FlyOne (Moldova/Armenia), Blue Air, airBaltic, LOT Polish, Smartwings (Czech), Finnair charter, SAS charter, and dozens of smaller operators.
Top Routes from AYT
| Route | Airlines | Character |
|---|---|---|
| AYT–Istanbul (IST/SAW) | Turkish Airlines, Pegasus | Year-round domestic hub |
| AYT–Frankfurt (FRA) | SunExpress, Condor, Lufthansa | Largest Germany route |
| AYT–Moscow (SVO/VKO) | Aeroflot, Nordwind, Ural Airlines | Major Russian market |
| AYT–London (LGW/STN/LHR) | TUI UK, easyJet, Jet2, BA | UK package holiday |
| AYT–Amsterdam (AMS) | Transavia, Corendon, TUI NL | Dutch market |
| AYT–Warsaw (WAW) | LOT, Ryanair, Wizz Air | Growing Polish market |
| AYT–Stockholm (ARN) | SAS charter, TUI Nordic | Scandinavian package |
| AYT–Kyiv (KBP) | SkyUp, Ukraine International | Ukrainian market (reduced) |
Distances & Travel Times
Distances from Antalya Airport
| Destination | Distance | By Car/Taxi | By Bus/Tram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antalya City Centre | 13 km | 15–20 min | 20–25 min (tram) |
| Konyaaltı Beach | 18 km | 20–30 min | 30–40 min (tram) |
| Lara Beach Resorts | 20 km | 20–30 min | 35–45 min (taxi/bus) |
| Belek Resort Area | 35 km | 35–45 min | 50–70 min (taxi/bus) |
| Side / Manavgat | 75 km | 60–75 min | 90–110 min (bus) |
| Alanya City Centre | 130 km | 90–120 min | 2–2.5 hrs (bus) |
| Kemer | 45 km | 40–55 min | 60–80 min (bus) |
| Aspendos (ancient ruins) | 40 km | 40–50 min | 60 min (bus + walk) |
| Perge (ancient ruins) | 20 km | 20–25 min | 40 min (tram + bus) |
| Kaleiçi (Old Town) | 15 km | 15–20 min | 25–30 min (tram) |
Passenger Statistics
Antalya Airport Traffic Statistics
| Year | Total Passengers | International | Domestic | Growth YoY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 35.4M | 28.8M | 6.6M | +12.8% |
| 2020 | 8.3M | 5.5M | 2.8M | –76.6% |
| 2021 | 23.8M | 18.6M | 5.2M | +187% |
| 2022 | 32.4M | 26.0M | 6.4M | +36.1% |
| 2023 | 34.1M | 27.2M | 6.9M | +5.2% |
| 2024 | 35.2M | 28.0M | 7.2M | +3.2% |
AYT is Turkey's #3 airport (after IST ~82M and SAW ~35M) and one of the most extreme seasonal airports in the world. In July–August, daily passenger counts can exceed 150,000–160,000, putting immense pressure on the terminal. In January–February, daily throughput may be under 10,000. Aircraft movements in peak summer: approximately 700–800/day on two runways. Annual movements: approximately 220,000–240,000 (2024).
The airport set a record of 35.4M passengers in 2019, which it matched/exceeded in 2024 after the COVID recovery. The Russian market — historically 30–35% of international traffic — has been disrupted since 2022 due to the Ukraine conflict affecting capacity from Russian carriers, though Turkey–Russia tourism has remained active via Turkish carriers and alternative routes. German and UK markets are the most stable high-volume sources.
---Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Information
Antalya Airport Information
Phone: +90 242 444 7423
24/7
Official Website
Emergency (Turkey)
Phone: 112
Social Media
Twitter: @AYTairport
Facebook: AntalyaAirport
Instagram: @antalyaairport
Lost & Found
Phone: +90 242 330 3630
Location: T1 and T2: Information desks in arrivals halls
Open: 08:00–22:00
Pro Tips for Antalya Airport
- The Primeclass Lounge at T2 (international, airside) is a genuine refuge during chaotic summer departures. Even if you don't have Priority Pass, the walk-in fee of ₺700 (~€19.60) for a quiet space, hot food, and bar while hundreds of charter passengers mill around the gates is excellent value for money.
- Simit Sarayı in the T2 departures hall (landside) offers authentic Turkish simit (sesame bread rings), börek, tea, and fresh juice for very low prices — excellent pre-flight breakfast for early departures. Far cheaper and better than the international fast food chains.
- T2's departures hall gets extremely crowded during the 08:00–11:00 morning wave and the 22:00–02:00 overnight charter bank. If your flight is in these windows, clear security as soon as check-in opens rather than waiting.
- Currency exchange at arrivals is generally poor value — if you need Turkish Lira on arrival (for taxis if not pre-booked), use the ATMs (İş Bankası or Garanti) in the arrivals hall rather than the exchange counters directly at the exit gates.
- Book your resort-to-airport transfer in advance, especially in peak summer. During July–August, taxis queues at major hotel complexes can be 30–45 minutes long and Uber availability is limited outside the city. Pre-booked private transfers (Viator, GetTransfer, your hotel concierge) guarantee pick-up time.
- For departure in peak season, add an extra 30 minutes beyond any advice — AYT is one of Europe's most congested airports in summer and the check-in hall for charter flights can be extraordinarily chaotic when multiple flights to the same destination check in simultaneously.
- Take advantage of AYT's excellent duty-free prices on Turkish products before departure: Rakı (Yeni Rakı, Tekirdağ), Kavaklidere wines, high-quality Turkish towels (available at airport shops), saffron, and Turkish delight are all excellent value and genuine souvenirs.
- If your package uses a charter airline, check the departure airport carefully — some charters from Antalya use Gazipaşa Airport (GZP) 120 km east near Alanya, not AYT. This is a common source of confusion for Alanya resort guests.
- Assuming the tram reaches the beach resorts. The Antalya tram serves the city centre and Konyaaltı — it does NOT serve Lara Beach, Belek, Side, or Alanya. Independent travellers to these areas need a taxi or private transfer, and arranging this on arrival in July–August without pre-booking can mean long waits.
- Packing restricted items in hand luggage for charter flights. Charter airlines are often stricter about liquid rules and cabin bag sizes than scheduled carriers — security at AYT confiscates a high volume of duty-free purchases that passengers try to take through a second security check when connecting. If connecting onward at another airport, duty-free liquids must be sealed in the original tamper-evident security bag.
- Underestimating the journey from Alanya or Side to the airport. Guests at eastern resort areas routinely miss flights because they underestimate the distance. Alanya is 130 km and 1.5–2 hours away on a good day — 2.5 hours in summer traffic. Depart by 4 AM for a 7 AM flight if staying in Alanya.