Airlines Flying to Turkey
Turkey is well connected by air, with a variety of international and domestic airlines offering frequent flights from the UK and Europe to key destinations. Here’s a guide to popular carriers servicing Turkey’s airports:
AnadoluJet
A domestic airline operating regular flights within Turkey, including Istanbul, Izmir, Bodrum, Dalaman, Antalya, and Gazipasa.
British Airways
The UK’s flagship carrier offers direct flights to Istanbul, Bodrum, and Dalaman.
EasyJet
A popular budget airline flying to Istanbul, Izmir, Bodrum, Dalaman, and Antalya.
Jet2
Offers seasonal flights to Bodrum, Dalaman, and Antalya.
Onur Air
A low-cost Turkish airline offering domestic routes throughout Turkey.
Pegasus Airlines
Operates from London Gatwick and Stansted to Istanbul, Izmir, Bodrum, Dalaman, Antalya, and Gazipasa.
Sun Express
Connects various UK airports to Turkey via Germany, serving a wide range of holiday destinations.
TUI
Offers flights to Izmir, Bodrum, Dalaman, and Antalya during the summer season.
Turkish Airlines
Turkey’s national airline provides daily scheduled flights worldwide to Istanbul and other major Turkish cities.
Airport Access to Major Resorts in Turkey
Turkey has 55 airports, with most tourist resorts located within an hour’s drive from an international airport. Below is a guide to the key airports and their proximity to popular destinations.
Istanbul Airports
Istanbul Atatürk International Airport (IST)
Serves the European (western) side of Istanbul – approximately 30 minutes to the city centre.Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)
Located on the Asian side, this airport also serves Bursa (84 minutes), Izmit (49 minutes), and Yalova (44 minutes).Istanbul New Airport (ISL)
Serves the European side of the city – roughly 39 minutes from central Istanbul.
Western and Southern Turkey International Airports
These airports are particularly popular with tourists and international property buyers due to their proximity to resort towns and beaches.
Izmir Adnan Menderes International Airport (ADB)
Serves Izmir (26 minutes), Kusadasi (60 minutes), and the provinces of Izmir and Aydin.Milas–Bodrum International Airport (BJV)
Provides access to Bodrum (29 minutes), Altinkum/Didim (74 minutes), Akbuk (50 minutes), and the provinces of Aydin and Muğla.Dalaman International Airport (DLM)
Ideal for:
Dalyan – 35 minutes
Gocek – 28 minutes
Fethiye – 48 minutes
Olu Deniz – 64 minutes
Marmaris – 82 minutesKalkan – 108 minutes
Kas – 134 minutes
Serves the Dalaman/Muğla region.
Antalya International Airport (AYT)
Provides access to:
Antalya – 16 minutes
Alanya – 111 minutes
Belek – 31 minutes
Kemer – 59 minutes
Side – 56 minutes
Manavgat – 58 minutesLocated in the Antalya province.
Gazipaşa International Airport (GZP)
A growing airport that serves Alanya (45 minutes) and Turkey’s eastern Mediterranean coast.
Direct Flights from the UK and Europe
From April to October, direct flights from the UK and Europe to Turkey’s coastal airports are plentiful. During the winter season (e.g., December), direct options may be limited, so travellers often connect via Istanbul. Domestic flights in Turkey are reliable and cost-effective, making onward travel simple and convenient.
Booking Your Transfer in Turkey
After arriving in Turkey, there are several options for getting to your destination:
Shuttle Transfers – Inexpensive but may involve multiple stops.
Private Transfers – Direct service for your group only.
Car Hire – Pre-book a car or people carrier and drive yourself.
Taxis – Plentiful at airport arrivals, usually metered.
Many transfer services can be pre-arranged from your home country for a smooth arrival experience.
Tips for Finding Flights and Deals
To get the best value:
Compare multiple airlines online.
Book early to access cheaper fares.
Look out for seasonal promotions.
Don’t forget to arrange airport parking and travel insurance ahead of time.
