- Airport history
- How to get from the airport to Antalya
- Airport Shops
- A trip to Antalya with children
- Additional services
Tourists who choose the Mediterranean coast of Turkey as their holiday destination are most likely arriving here by air. The guests of the country are received by Antalya International Airport, located 13 km north-east of the city. In 2016, it was ranked as the third busiest airport in Turkey and the 25th busiest airport in Europe.
The airport near Antalya is one of the largest in the southwest of Turkey. Other airports closest to Antalya are located in Bodrum and Dalaman.
Airport history
At the end of the 20th century, the Turkish authorities thought about building an airport that could serve the millions of tourists who flock to the country's Mediterranean beaches in summer. Construction of Terminal 1, which was to serve international flights, began in 1996. The construction works were managed by Bayindir Holding. The terminal building and runways were ready in two years. On April 1, 1998, the airport began operations. The following year, Bayindir Holding signed a cooperation agreement with the German partner Fraport AG. Terminal 1 is operated by Fraport AG and the new international terminal 2 is operated by Celebi.
In July 2011, Antalya Airport was recognized as the best in Europe by Airports Council International in the category "Passenger traffic - 10-25 million". By 2003, about 10 million passengers had visited the airport in a year, which is 78% more than when it opened in 1998. In summer, the airport accepts charter flights from many European cities (Milan, Paris, Vienna, Moscow, St. Petersburg, etc.). In the off-season, that is, from late autumn to early spring, there are only regular flights, of which there are not so many. There is a lull at the airport.
According to statistics, Antalya Airport ranked thirtieth in 2005, 2008 and 2009 in terms of the number of international passenger traffic performed. In 2008, the airport was on the thirtieth line in the list of the busiest airports in the world, receiving passengers from other countries. By the end of 2010, the airport had significantly improved its performance and was already in 23rd place.
Experts say that in theory, the maximum passenger traffic of Antalya airport will not be able to exceed 35 million people a year. Unless, of course, further expansion of the airport follows.
At the moment the airport has three terminals: two of them are intended for international flights, one for domestic flights. Antalya Airport is the hub of 6 air carriers, including Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines, which are popular among our compatriots.
How to get from the airport to Antalya
Only a fraction of passengers arriving at Antalya airport remain in the Mediterranean "capital" of Turkey. Most of the guests go further - to the villages of the Kemer region, to Belek and further, to Alanya. The easiest way to get to the desired resort is by buses, for which you will have to get to the center of Antalya. This can be done using the following modes of transport:
- bus. City bus No. 600 runs between the airport and the intercity bus station. The terminus of this bus at the airport is Terminal 2. The bus also passes by the terminal used for domestic flights. Bus 800 takes newly arrived guests to the port. You can also get to the city by Havas bus. Traveling on it will cost twice as much as on a city bus. Havas transport departs from the domestic terminal. Travel time to the city will be 30 minutes;
- Taxi. Taxi ranks can be found near all three terminals. Taxis are preferred to other types of transport by those passengers who have rented numbers in areas remote from the center of Antalya. You can calculate the fare yourself. Information on tariffs is indicated at the parking lots. A taxi trip to the bus station area in Antalya will cost about $ 50. Taxis can also be hired to get to any Turkish resort on the Mediterranean. In this case, it is beneficial to travel with a large company;
- transport of private transfer companies. Any passenger can worry in advance about how he will get to his destination and order a car belonging to the transfer company. The guest is met at the airport and taken directly to the hotel in Antalya or any other city on the coast. The trip will cost less than the same trip by taxi.
Soon it will be possible to reach the center of Antalya by tram: in the summer of 2016, the construction of a tram line to the airport began.
Airport Shops
Even if tourists did not manage to buy gifts for all their friends and acquaintances during their vacation, this can be done right before returning home: there are a number of shops at the airport selling sweets, food, souvenirs and much more. Dutyfreeexpress shops operate near the airfield exits in both international terminals. Here, right before boarding the plane, you can buy perfumes, cosmetics of famous world brands, tobacco and alcohol for every taste, chocolate from both Eastern and European manufacturers. Shops are open 24 hours a day without interruption.
Dutyfreearrivals boutiques are located in the arrivals halls of Terminals 1 and 2 and are intended for travelers heading to Turkish Mediterranean resorts. The same range of products is sold here as in the Dutyfreeexpress network.
In the first terminal, tourists arriving to rest in Turkey are also greeted by a small truly Turkish shop "Turkish I. D." It presents sweets and souvenirs produced in this country.
Fans of stylish accessories will surely like the Stylestudio store, whose attentive staff will help you choose exquisite watches and jewelry. A similar pavilion called “Masteroftime” is located in the second terminal.
Adjacent to this boutique in Terminal 2 is the Atelier store, which, as its name suggests, sells clothing and accessories, including handbags, both ladies and travel. There are also suitcases - big, small, solid and not so much. Not far from Atelier is the Suncatcher boutique, where everything for a great beach holiday is presented: sunglasses, pareos, etc.
Temptation shops are open in Terminals 1 and 2 for those departing from Turkey. In them you can buy watches, jewelry made of gold and precious stones, expensive bags. All products are produced by well-known European companies.
A trip to Antalya with children
Antalya airport companies have done everything for the convenience of passengers traveling with small children. Kids won't be bored at the airport. For them, in the first terminal, a children's toys and sweets store “Toys & Sweets” has been opened - a real children's kingdom, from which it will not be possible to leave without shopping.
Each airport terminal has special rooms where mothers can feed their offspring, change their clothes and play with them. The second terminal has a children's corner where kids can spend a few pleasant minutes before flying out, drawing, playing or chatting with other children.
A special children's menu has been developed in restaurants and cafes at the airport. Healthy and tasty dishes are offered to young visitors.
If a child flies by plane alone, unaccompanied by adults, then the airport staff bears responsibility for him. The kid is taken to the plane, where he will be handed over to the flight attendant. The child will not be alone for a minute.
Parents traveling with children can be sure that their babies will receive timely medical assistance at the airport. Ambulances with doctors from the MMS clinic, which is part of AnadoluHospital, are constantly on duty here. If necessary, airport clients, upon their request, will be taken to any other hospital in the city. The ambulances have everything you need to provide first aid.
Pharmacy kiosks also work at the airport. They are located in Terminals 1 and 2. Various medicines, plasters, antiseptic solutions, baby products (nipples, bottles, formula, powders, etc.) are sold here.
Additional services
Usually, the management of any airport does everything to make passengers feel comfortable while waiting for their flight. Antalya airport was no exception. For example, there are 4 prayer halls here, which can be visited by adherents of any religion. The only condition for believers is to behave quietly and modestly, and also to take off their shoes when entering such a room.
For people who cannot imagine their life without tobacco, open smoking areas have been created in all terminals. They offer a great view of the airfield, so we recommend visiting them even if you don't smoke.
The airport provides wireless Internet. There are no internet charges in VIP lounges and in some restaurants.
For travelers who wish to change their currency before arrival or departure, there are branches of Garanti Bank at the airport. You can withdraw money from ATMs located in all terminals.
Finally, every tourist traveling with luggage is interested in its safety. You can wrap your suitcase in a protective film to protect it from scratches at Terminal 1 for a small fee. It is easier to bring large luggage to the check-in counter with a special trolley. They stand right outside the airport terminals.
Updated: 2020.02.
