Turkey’s vast geography, stretching across Europe and Asia, requires a highly efficient network of domestic airports to ensure smooth connectivity between its cities, towns, and remote regions. While international airports in Turkey dominate headlines due to global traffic, the real backbone of the nation’s aviation system is its domestic airports. These airports serve millions of local passengers annually, linking business hubs, tourism destinations, and remote areas with larger metropolitan centers. The list of domestic airports in Turkey demonstrates the diversity and importance of these regional air transport facilities that keep the nation connected.
Table of Contents
- List of Domestic Airports in Turkey
- Domestic Airports in Central Turkey
- Domestic Airports in Eastern Turkey
- Domestic Airports in Western Turkey
- Domestic Airports in Northern Turkey
- Domestic Airports in Southern Turkey
- Summary Table of Domestic Airports in Turkey
- Top 10 Busiest Domestic Airports in Turkey
- Importance of Domestic Airports in Turkey
- Challenges Facing Domestic Airports in Turkey
- Future Outlook for Domestic Airports in Turkey
- Conclusion
Domestic Airports in Central Turkey
1. Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR)
Located in the heart of Anatolia, Kayseri Airport supports domestic flights connecting Cappadocia’s tourist destinations with Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.
2. Konya Airport (KYA)
Konya Airport is a mixed-use facility serving both military and civilian flights, offering domestic connectivity to Istanbul and Ankara.
3. Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV)
This airport serves Cappadocia, one of Turkey’s most famous tourist regions, with regular domestic routes linking it to the capital and Istanbul.
4. Eskişehir Hasan Polatkan Airport (AOE)
Although smaller in size, this airport connects the industrial city of Eskişehir with Turkey’s main hubs through domestic flights.
Domestic Airports in Eastern Turkey
5. Erzurum Airport (ERZ)
A vital gateway for eastern Turkey, Erzurum Airport provides domestic services and supports the region’s winter tourism industry.
6. Van Ferit Melen Airport (VAN)
Located near the Iranian border, Van Airport connects the eastern provinces to Istanbul and Ankara, supporting regional trade and tourism.
7. Ağrı Ahmed-i Hani Airport (AJI)
This airport is essential for domestic connectivity in eastern Anatolia, offering regular flights to major Turkish cities.
8. Kars Harakani Airport (KSY)
Situated in the northeast, Kars Airport links the historic region of Kars with domestic hubs such as Istanbul and Ankara.
9. Diyarbakır Airport (DIY)
One of the busiest domestic airports in southeastern Turkey, Diyarbakır Airport handles significant passenger traffic to Istanbul and Izmir.
10. Mardin Airport (MQM)
This domestic airport connects southeastern Turkey with the western part of the country, supporting tourism and cultural travel.
Domestic Airports in Western Turkey
11. Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport (EDO)
This airport serves the Balıkesir region, connecting it to Istanbul and other western cities through domestic flights.
12. Zafer Airport (KZR)
Zafer Airport provides domestic services for the provinces of Kütahya, Afyon, and Uşak, acting as a regional hub in western Turkey.
13. Bursa Yenişehir Airport (YEI)
Located in Bursa, this airport supports domestic traffic to Istanbul and Ankara, complementing the region’s industrial activities.
Domestic Airports in Northern Turkey
14. Samsun Çarşamba Airport (SZF)
As the busiest airport in the Black Sea region, Samsun Airport offers domestic connections to Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.
15. Ordu-Giresun Airport (OGU)
This unique airport built on reclaimed land in the Black Sea serves as a regional hub with domestic links to major Turkish cities.
16. Sinop Airport (NOP)
Sinop Airport is a small domestic airport serving the Black Sea town of Sinop with connections mainly to Istanbul.
17. Kastamonu Airport (KFS)
Kastamonu Airport provides essential domestic connectivity for the Black Sea region, focusing on links with Istanbul.
Domestic Airports in Southern Turkey
18. Hatay Airport (HTY)
Hatay Airport serves the southern region with frequent domestic routes to Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, along with humanitarian operations.
19. Kahramanmaraş Airport (KCM)
This airport provides domestic services for Kahramanmaraş, supporting trade and travel in southeastern Turkey.
20. Şanlıurfa GAP Airport (GNY)
Located in Şanlıurfa, this domestic hub connects southeastern Turkey with Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara.
21. Malatya Erhaç Airport (MLX)
Malatya Airport plays a critical role in domestic travel within eastern Anatolia, linking passengers to larger Turkish cities.
Summary Table of Domestic Airport in Turkey
This table highlights the list of Domestic Airports in Turkey, with their regions and key notes
| Airport | Region | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kayseri Erkilet (ASR) | Central | Gateway for Cappadocia tourism |
| Konya (KYA) | Central | Dual-use, civil and military |
| Nevşehir Kapadokya (NAV) | Central | Domestic hub for Cappadocia |
| Eskişehir Hasan Polatkan (AOE) | Central | Serves industrial city Eskişehir |
| Erzurum (ERZ) | Eastern | Supports winter tourism |
| Van Ferit Melen (VAN) | Eastern | Key domestic hub in eastern Turkey |
| Ağrı Ahmed-i Hani (AJI) | Eastern | Links eastern Anatolia with Istanbul |
| Kars Harakani (KSY) | Eastern | Serves historic Kars region |
| Diyarbakır (DIY) | Eastern | Major southeastern domestic hub |
| Mardin (MQM) | Eastern | Cultural tourism and domestic links |
| Balıkesir Koca Seyit (EDO) | Western | Connects Balıkesir to Istanbul |
| Zafer (KZR) | Western | Serves Kütahya, Afyon, Uşak |
| Bursa Yenişehir (YEI) | Western | Industrial hub airport |
| Samsun Çarşamba (SZF) | Northern | Busiest in Black Sea region |
| Ordu-Giresun (OGU) | Northern | Built on reclaimed land |
| Sinop (NOP) | Northern | Small Black Sea domestic hub |
| Kastamonu (KFS) | Northern | Connects Black Sea region |
| Hatay (HTY) | Southern | Domestic hub with humanitarian role |
| Kahramanmaraş (KCM) | Southern | Supports trade and local travel |
| Şanlıurfa GAP (GNY) | Southern | Connects southeast with major hubs |
| Malatya Erhaç (MLX) | Southern | Domestic hub for eastern Anatolia |
Top 10 Busiest Domestic Airports in Turkey
- Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR)
- Samsun Çarşamba Airport (SZF)
- Diyarbakır Airport (DIY)
- Erzurum Airport (ERZ)
- Van Ferit Melen Airport (VAN)
- Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV)
- Hatay Airport (HTY)
- Malatya Erhaç Airport (MLX)
- Ordu-Giresun Airport (OGU)
- Konya Airport (KYA)
Importance of Domestic Airports in Turkey
Domestic airports in Turkey are the backbone of regional mobility, enabling millions of passengers to move quickly between the nation’s cities and rural areas. They provide critical support for tourism in regions such as Cappadocia, the Black Sea coast, and eastern Anatolia. Domestic airports also allow industries in less accessible areas to link with Istanbul and Ankara, ensuring business and trade opportunities. This wide accessibility demonstrates the strategic importance of domestic airports in Turkey for national development.
Challenges Facing Domestic Airports in Turkey
Despite their importance, domestic airports face challenges including seasonal passenger fluctuations, underutilization in smaller airports, and the need for infrastructure modernization. Many airports must also balance civil and military use, which can affect efficiency. Additionally, regional economic disparities and environmental concerns create hurdles for long-term sustainability in Turkey’s domestic aviation system.
DISCOVER ALSO: List of Airlines in Turkey: International and Domestic Airlines
Future Outlook for Domestic Airports in Turkey
The future of domestic airports in Turkey looks promising with continued investment in modernization, digitalization, and passenger-friendly facilities. As regional economies grow, domestic demand for air travel is expected to rise. Airports will increasingly focus on eco-friendly technologies and better integration with rail and road systems to improve efficiency. This modernization effort is likely to ensure that domestic airports remain essential pillars of Turkey’s aviation strategy.
READ ALSO: List of International Airports in Turkey (By City and Region)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How many domestic airports are there in Turkey?
Turkey has more than 30 domestic airports spread across its regions, connecting smaller towns and cities with major hubs like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.
2. Which is the busiest domestic airport in Turkey?
Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR) is among the busiest domestic airports, serving Cappadocia tourism and linking central Anatolia with Istanbul and Ankara.
3. What role do domestic airports play in Turkey?
Domestic airports ensure nationwide mobility, supporting tourism, regional economies, and quick access to major metropolitan centers.
4. Are all domestic airports in Turkey small?
Not necessarily. Some, like Diyarbakır and Erzurum airports, handle high passenger traffic and are crucial regional hubs.
5. Which domestic airports are most important for tourism?
Nevşehir Kapadokya, Kayseri Erkilet, Erzurum, and Samsun Çarşamba airports are essential for regional tourism and cultural travel.
6. Do domestic airports in Turkey also handle international flights?
Some domestic airports occasionally manage limited international routes, but their primary focus remains on internal connectivity.
7. Which domestic airport serves eastern Turkey best?
Van Ferit Melen Airport (VAN) is a key hub in eastern Turkey, linking the region to Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.
8. What challenges do domestic airports in Turkey face?
Challenges include seasonal passenger demand, infrastructure limitations in remote regions, and balancing civil-military operations.
9. Are Turkish domestic airports modernized?
Yes, many domestic airports have undergone upgrades, with improved terminals, runways, and digital services to enhance passenger experience.
10. What is the future outlook for domestic airports in Turkey?
The future looks positive, with modernization projects, green airport initiatives, and integration with road and rail systems expected to strengthen domestic connectivity.
SEE ALSO: Major Cities and Towns In Turkey – Descriptions and Attractions
Conclusion
The list of domestic airports in Turkey highlights the vast network of regional hubs that keep the nation connected. From central Anatolia to the eastern provinces, northern Black Sea coast, and southern cities, domestic airports play a vital role in tourism, business, and social integration. With growing investments and a strong vision for modernization, Turkey’s domestic airports will continue to bridge regions and strengthen national connectivity for decades to come.