Hatay Airport

Hatay Airport (IATA: HTY) is a modern aerial gateway to one of the most historically rich regions of Turkey. Located on the site of the former Lake Amik, it serves as a starting point for travelers eager to explore the unique culture and ancient monuments of Antakya, known in antiquity as Antioch. Despite damage sustained during the earthquake in 2023, the airport was rapidly restored, highlighting its strategic importance to the region. Today, it continues to receive both domestic and international flights, connecting Hatay province with the world.

Hatay Airport offers passengers everything necessary for a comfortable start or end to their journey. In the single terminal serving all flights, you will find a spacious waiting lounge, several cafes and restaurants where you can taste local and Turkish cuisine, as well as shops, including Duty Free. For the convenience of travelers, car rental services, ATMs, currency exchange points, and free Wi-Fi are available.

The main advantage of the airport is its strategic location. It is situated in close proximity to world-famous landmarks such as St. Peter's Church and the Hatay Archaeology Museum with its renowned collection of Roman mosaics. Transport connections to the center of Antakya and neighboring cities, such as Iskenderun, are provided by Havaş shuttle buses and taxis, making travel around the region convenient and fast.

• Official Website: www.dhmi.gov.tr (airport page on the website of the state management company DHMİ).
• Information Desk Phone: +90 (326) 235 13 00.
• Address: Antakya-İskenderun Karayolu Üzeri, 31120 Antakya/Hatay, Türkiye.
• Email: infohatay@dhmi.gov.tr.
• Social Media: Hatay Airport does not have separate official pages on social media. Up-to-date information can be tracked on the general accounts of the management company DHMİ.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage was lost during the flight, you should first contact your airline's representative office. For items left in the airport terminal, you can contact the information desk by phone.
• Passenger Support Service: All general questions can be asked via the main airport information desk phone: +90 (326) 235 13 00.

Hatay Airport (HTY) is the main aerial gateway to the ancient city of Antakya in southern Turkey. It is located approximately 25 kilometers from the center, and there are several ways to reach it. The choice of the best option depends on your budget and preferences, and the trip takes on average from 30 to 45 minutes, excluding traffic.

Public Transport: Havaş Buses
The most economical and popular method is the shuttle service by Havaş. These comfortable buses run regularly between the airport and key points in Antakya. Their schedule is usually coordinated with flight arrivals and departures, which is very convenient for passengers. The fare is low, and tickets can be purchased directly from the driver. It is strongly recommended to check the current schedule on the official Havaş website in advance to avoid long waits.

Taxi and Private Transfer
For travelers with large luggage, families, or those who simply value comfort, a taxi is the ideal solution. Taxi stands are located at the exit of the airport terminal and throughout the city. Before starting the trip, ensure the driver has switched on the taximeter, or agree on a fixed price. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer in advance. This option, although slightly more expensive, guarantees a car at the required time and a trip at a pre-known rate.

Car Rental and Parking
If you plan to actively explore the Hatay region, renting a car will provide you with maximum freedom of movement. There are offices of both international and local rental companies at the airport and in Antakya itself. You can pick up a car in the city and return it at the airport before departure. For those arriving by personal or rented transport, there is paid parking on the airport grounds with zones for short-term and long-term parking.

When planning a trip, it is useful to check flights to other airports in the region as well—sometimes this allows you to find more affordable tickets. In relative proximity to Antakya are Çukurova International Airport (COV) at a distance of about 124 km, Gaziantep Airport (GZT) at 125 km, and Kahramanmaraş Airport (KCM) at 144 km. More distant options are Adıyaman Airport (ADF) and Şanlıurfa GAP Airport (GNY), but the journey from them will take significantly more time.

Hatay Airport (HTY), serving the city of Antakya and the surrounding region, is historically a compact and user-friendly aviation hub. It is important to note that following the earthquake in February 2023, the airport's infrastructure was damaged, and although operations have resumed, some services and processes may differ from standard ones. Always check the latest information with your airline before traveling.

Structure and Purpose of Terminals

Hatay Airport consists of one terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. The terminal building is functionally divided into two main zones:

• Domestic Terminal (İç Hatlar): designed to serve passengers traveling within Turkey.
• International Terminal (Dış Hatlar): serves flights traveling outside the country.

Since both zones are located in the same building, transfers between them are done on foot and take just a few minutes. Navigation inside is simple thanks to signs in Turkish and English.

Departure, Arrival Zones, and Procedures

The terminal layout is quite standard. The check-in area and airline counters are located in the general hall on the ground floor. After check-in, domestic passengers go through security control, while international passengers additionally go through passport control. Departure zones with gates are located in the "airside" area.

Arrival zones are also located on the ground floor. For international flights, there is a passport control and customs inspection area. The baggage claim hall is shared by all arriving passengers.

Recommendations and Timing

Due to its compactness, Hatay Airport usually does not require much time for formalities. Under standard conditions, check-in and security for domestic flights took about 30-40 minutes, and for international flights about 45-60 minutes. However, due to the current situation and possible changes in service operations, it is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance: 1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight and 2.5-3 hours before an international one. Follow the signs and announcements from airport staff carefully.

Hatay Airport (HTY), serving the city of Antakya and the eponymous province, has a relatively short but eventful history. The decision to build it was made to improve transport accessibility in the region, and the airport was officially opened for domestic flights on December 9, 2007. One of the most notable facts about its construction is its location: the air harbor was built on the site of the drained Lake Amik, which subsequently played a role in its fate.

The development of the airport proceeded at a rapid pace. Already in 2008, it received international status, beginning to accept flights from abroad. The growth in passenger traffic required infrastructure expansion, and in 2011, a new, more modern and spacious terminal was opened, capable of serving a larger number of travelers. This allowed the airport to become an important aerial gateway for the southern part of Turkey.

The most tragic and simultaneously heroic moment in the airport's history was the devastating earthquake on February 6, 2023. Due to its location on a geological fault line, the single runway was literally torn apart and rendered completely unusable. Images of the damaged runway circulated around the world, becoming one of the symbols of the scale of the catastrophe.

Nevertheless, the history of Hatay Airport is also a story of incredible resilience. Understanding the critical importance of air transport for delivering humanitarian aid and rescue teams, Turkish authorities and construction companies undertook unprecedented efforts to restore it. The runway was repaired in record time, and within a few days, the airport was able to receive planes again. This rapid reconstruction became a true achievement and a symbol of hope for the entire region.

At Hatay Airport (HTY), passengers will find everything needed for a comfortable wait for their flight. If you are hungry, there are several cafes and snack bars at your service, where you can drink a cup of Turkish coffee, have a sandwich, or order a full meal. Shops are also operating in the terminal, where you can purchase souvenirs, press, travel goods, and Duty Free products to treat yourself and your loved ones.

For those who value enhanced comfort, Hatay Airport has VIP lounges and premium waiting areas. Here you can relax in a quiet atmosphere, enjoying drinks and snacks. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous gadget charging stations will allow you to stay connected at all times.

The airport terminal provides all necessary financial services. You can use ATMs to withdraw cash and visit currency exchange points to prepare for your trip around Turkey. In case of need, passengers can contact the medical center, where first aid will be provided.

Hatay Airport cares about the comfort of all passengers. Special mother and child rooms are equipped for travelers with small children, where you can feed and change your baby in a quiet environment. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with all necessary assistance, and the terminal infrastructure, including ramps and specially equipped restrooms, makes movement as convenient as possible.

Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, there are many accommodation options for every taste and budget in the immediate vicinity, in the city of Antakya and its surroundings. For business travelers who need to work while waiting for a flight, amenities can be provided in the VIP lounges, which are often equipped with everything necessary for handling work matters.

When planning a trip through Hatay Airport (HTY), it is important to consider that following the 2023 earthquake, the region's infrastructure, including the airport, is in a recovery phase. Consequently, the choice of dining establishments at the airport may be very limited, and travelers should be prepared for a basic level of service. It is recommended to check the latest information closer to your travel date, as the situation may change.

Currently, the terminal likely operates one or two small cafes, located primarily in the public area (before passing security control). The assortment in such establishments usually includes standard snacks for Turkey: fresh pastries (simit, börek), sandwiches, as well as hot and cold drinks such as tea, coffee, and water. This is the main option for those who want a snack before departure.

For a quick bite, vending machines with drinks, chips, and chocolate bars may also be available. After passing security control (in the departure zone), the selection is typically even more modest. A small kiosk with drinks and packaged snacks may operate here, but one should not count on a full-service cafe.

Regarding special dietary needs, finding vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free dishes will be extremely difficult. Halal products are the standard. If you follow a strict diet, it is strongly recommended to bring food with you. Prices at the airport, as in most air hubs, may be higher than in the city.

Given the current situation, the best strategy would be to have a full meal in Antakya or another city before traveling to the airport. Most establishments at the airport, if operating, adjust their hours to flight schedules, but it is better not to rely on the possibility of finding an open cafe late at night or early in the morning.

To ensure your journey through Hatay Airport (HTY) is as comfortable as possible, make use of our tips. This is a modern and relatively small airport, which makes navigating it quite simple, but preparation is never redundant.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2.5-3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights—1.5-2 hours. This will give you enough time to go through all procedures without rushing. To save time, complete online check-in if your airline provides this option. Check-in and baggage drop-off counters usually operate efficiently, and the staff speaks English.

Security and Hand Luggage. Security screening rules are standard: be prepared to remove laptops and other large electronics from your hand luggage. Liquids can be carried in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Prepare these items in advance to speed up the process. Remember that sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited in hand luggage.

Seat Selection and Transfers. If you want to enjoy views of the picturesque Hatay region during takeoff or landing, choose a window seat. For greater comfort and the ability to stretch your legs, an aisle seat is better suited. Hatay Airport mainly serves direct flights, but if you have a connection (most often in Istanbul or Ankara), ensure your time is sufficient to transfer between terminals and go through security again, and check if you need to collect your luggage.

Customs Control and Savings. When entering Turkey via an international flight, follow the "Green" channel (if you have nothing to declare) or the "Red" channel. There are restrictions on the import of tobacco, alcohol, and perfume. To save money, exchange currency in the city rather than at the airport—the rate will be more favorable. You can also bring an empty water bottle and fill it at a drinking fountain after passing security.

In Case of Flight Delay. If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline representative for information about the new departure time and possible compensation (water, meals). There are several cafes and shops in the airport where you can spend time. Remain calm and follow updates on the information screens.