Elazig Airport

Elazig Airport (EZS) is not merely an air gateway to the city of the same name, but one of the oldest operating aviation hubs in Turkey, originally opened back in 1940. Combining rich history with modernity, the airport welcomes travelers with a new terminal built in 2012 and a renovated runway. Located in the picturesque region of Eastern Anatolia, it serves as a vital transport hub for both domestic and international flights, opening the path to the historical and cultural treasures of this part of the country.

Despite its relatively small size, Elazig Airport offers passengers all the necessary amenities for a comfortable journey. Several car rental company offices operate within the terminal building, making it easy to organize further travel around the region. For those who value time and comfort, Fast Track services and VIP assistance are available. Thanks to its convenient location—just 12 kilometers from the city center—getting to your hotel is quick and hassle-free using Havaş shuttle buses or taxis that await passengers at the terminal exit.

• Official Website: www.dhmi.gov.tr
• Help Desk Phone: +90 (424) 255 14 10
• Airport Address: Yeşilyurt, Elazığ Havaalanı Yolu, 23000 Akçakiraz/Elazığ Merkez/Elazığ, Turkey
• Email: infoelazig@dhmi.gov.tr
• Social Media: Elazig Airport does not have separate official social media pages. It is recommended to track current information on the centralized resources of the airport operator of Turkey, DHMİ.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, you should first contact your airline's representative or the ground handling service (Havaş, Çelebi, TGS). To clarify information about items left in the terminal, you can contact the airport information desk.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance and inquiries, you may contact the general airport help desk phone number.

Getting to Elazig Airport (EZS) from the city center is quite simple, as it is located just 12 kilometers southeast of Elazig. Travelers have access to several convenient transport options suitable for any budget and travel style.

The most economical and popular method is taking the Havaş shuttle bus. These buses operate on a route connecting the airport with key points in the city center, and their schedule is usually coordinated with flight arrival and departure times. A trip on such a shuttle takes approximately 30 minutes, and the ticket cost is usually around 50-70 Turkish Lira (TRY). This is an excellent choice for solo travelers and those looking to save money. We recommend checking the current schedule and fares on the carrier's official website.

For maximum comfort and speed, especially if you are traveling with family or have a lot of luggage, a taxi or a pre-booked transfer is the ideal option. A car ride from the city center to the airport will take just 15–20 minutes, and the cost typically ranges between 250–350 Turkish Lira (TRY) depending on traffic. Official taxi stands are located right at the terminal exit. Booking a transfer online allows you to know the exact cost in advance and be assured that a driver will meet you at the appointed time.

If you plan to explore the surroundings of Elazig and other regions of eastern Turkey, it is worth considering car rental. Several international and local rental agency counters are located within the airport building. To get the best rates and guarantee the availability of a car in your desired class, it is better to book it in advance online. For those arriving at the airport in their own car, a convenient parking lot with zones for short-term and long-term parking is provided.

Elazig Airport (EZS) is a modern and compact aviation hub that services all flights within a single terminal. The building is designed for maximum passenger convenience, making it very easy to navigate. The terminal handles both domestic flights within Turkey and select international flights, serving as a key air gateway for the region.

The airport layout is intuitive, as all functional zones are located in one building. The Arrivals Zone is located on the ground floor and includes baggage claim belts, customs control, car rental counters, and exits to transport. The Departures Zone is located on the second floor: here you will find check-in counters, after which passengers proceed to the security screening area, and then to the waiting lounge with boarding gates.

Since there is only one terminal, transfers between different buildings are not required. All procedures, from check-in to boarding, take place within a unified space. The check-in and screening process usually takes little time thanks to moderate passenger traffic. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight departure to go through all formalities calmly and without rushing.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow the numerous signs, which are duplicated in English. The compact size of the airport is its great advantage—it is practically impossible to get lost here. All major services and zones are located close to each other, making your stay at Elazig Airport comfortable and predictable.

The history of Elazig Airport (EZS) begins in 1940, when it was established as a military airfield. For two decades, it served exclusively military purposes, playing an important role in ensuring the region's defense capabilities. The transition to civil aviation took place in 1960, when the airport began accepting its first passenger flights. This moment became the starting point for its development as a major transport hub in Eastern Anatolia.

A key stage in the airport's modern history was a massive reconstruction. On October 20, 2012, the grand opening of a new terminal and runway took place. This project radically transformed the airport: the new terminal building was designed to serve up to 2 million passengers per year. Modernization allowed the airport to meet modern international standards and significantly improve the quality of passenger service.

One of the main achievements associated with the 2012 modernization was the installation of the CAT-II ILS instrument landing system. This made Elazig Airport the seventh in Turkey equipped with such advanced technology, allowing aircraft to land even in very poor visibility conditions. Furthermore, for its environmental policy and implementation of energy-saving technologies, the airport was awarded the "Green Airport" (Yeşil Havaalanı) certificate, highlighting its commitment to sustainable development.

Although early attempts to establish international connections were made previously, it was after the opening of the new terminal in 2012 that the airport resumed international flights, the first of which was a flight to Germany. Today, Elazig Airport is not just the city's air gateway, but a modern and high-tech complex that has come an impressive way from a humble military airfield to a significant regional aviation center.

Elazig Airport (EZS) provides passengers with all necessary services for a comfortable wait before their flight. In the terminal, you will find several cafes and snack bars where you can drink traditional Turkish tea or coffee and have a snack with fresh pastries or sandwiches. For those wishing to buy something for the road or souvenirs, a small shop is available. Passengers have access to free Wi-Fi, and charging stations for electronic devices are installed in the waiting areas.

Comfortable waiting lounges are equipped for passenger convenience. Travelers preferring enhanced comfort can use the services of the CIP Lounge, where beverages, snacks, and a quieter atmosphere are offered (this service may be paid or available for business class passengers). Families with small children will appreciate the availability of mother and child rooms equipped with changing tables. The airport is also fully equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility: ramps, special restrooms, and escort services are provided upon prior request to the airline.

Some financial matters can be handled within the airport grounds. Passengers have access to several ATMs from various banks in Turkey where cash can be withdrawn. However, please note that there is no currency exchange office at the airport, so you should take care of exchanging money in advance. In case of illness or need for emergency assistance, a medical point is available in the terminal, ready to provide first aid.

It is worth noting that there are no hotels directly inside the airport building. The nearest hotels are located in the city of Elazig, which is about 12 kilometers away. Specialized conference rooms or business centers are also not provided at the airport. For business meetings or events, it is better to utilize the conference facilities of city hotels.

Elazig Airport (EZS), being a compact regional hub, offers passengers several convenient options for a snack or a full meal. The main dining points are concentrated in the single terminal, so finding them will not be difficult. Cafes and snack bars are available both in the public zone before security control (landside) and in the secure departures hall (airside).

For a quick snack before a flight, classic Turkish treats are perfect: fresh simit (sesame bagel), poğaça, or börek (layered pastry with cheese or other fillings) paired with aromatic Turkish tea or coffee. If you have more time, you can order a more substantial dish. Typically, the menu includes sandwiches, salads, and several hot options, such as pide (Turkish "boat" pizza) or doner kebab.

While you are unlikely to find gourmet local cuisine here, you can enjoy the standard flavors of Turkish gastronomy. An important point for many travelers: practically all food in airports in Turkey is halal by default. For vegetarians, salads and meat-free pastries are usually available. However, choices for vegans or people with gluten intolerance may be limited, so it is better to clarify ingredients with staff or bring suitable snacks with you.

Prices at the airport, as everywhere, are noticeably higher than in the city. The main cafeterias operate according to the flight schedule, opening early in the morning and closing after the departure of the last flight. Thus, you will always be able to have a coffee or a snack regardless of your flight time.

To ensure your journey through the airport of Elazig goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of our tips. This is a small and convenient airport, but knowing some nuances will help save time and reduce stress. Most flights from here are domestic, which simplifies many procedures.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For domestic flights within Turkey, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure. If you have an international flight, it is better to allocate 2.5-3 hours. To save time, complete online check-in on your airline's website and save the boarding pass on your phone. If traveling only with hand luggage, this allows you to proceed directly to security screening.

Security Screening. Prepare your documents in advance. During screening, be ready to remove laptops and other large electronics from your hand luggage. Remember the rules for carrying liquids: all containers must be no more than 100 ml in volume and packed in a single transparent bag. You can take an empty water bottle with you and fill it after the screening.

Hand Luggage. Besides liquids, it is forbidden to carry sharp, piercing, and cutting objects, weapons, and flammable substances in hand luggage. Be sure to check the weight and size limits for hand luggage on your airline's website, as they may differ.

Seat Selection and Transfers. If the airline allows, choose a seat during online check-in: by the window for beautiful views during takeoff and landing, or by the aisle if you want more legroom. If you have a connecting flight, clarify at check-in whether your luggage will be transferred automatically or if you need to collect and re-check it.

Customs Control. When entering Turkey from another country, follow the "Green Channel" if you have no goods to declare. There is no customs control for domestic flights.

In Case of Flight Delay. In the event of a long delay, the airline is obliged to provide passengers with drinks, meals, and sometimes hotel accommodation. Stay calm, monitor the information on the display boards, and contact airline representatives. Having an external battery (power bank) for your phone, a book, or a downloaded movie will help pass the waiting time.