Erzincan Airport

Erzincan Yıldırım Akbulut Airport is a modern and compact aerial gateway to the province of the same name in eastern Turkey. Located amidst a picturesque mountain valley, it serves as a starting point for travellers wishing to explore the rich history and natural beauty of this Anatolian region. Despite its modest size, the airport offers passengers a comfortable and peaceful atmosphere, making it a convenient start or end to a trip to Erzincan. Its modern terminal was opened in 2011, ensuring a high standard of service.

The airport's main advantage is its proximity to the city — a trip to the centre takes just 10-15 minutes by taxi or shuttle. The airport has one passenger terminal and one runway 3,000 metres long, capable of accommodating various types of aircraft. Inside the terminal, passengers will find all necessary amenities: check-in counters, a cafe, a small shop, and car rental services. The airport mainly serves flights to major Turkish cities such as Istanbul and Ankara, providing convenient connections for further travel across the country and beyond.

• Official Website: Like many regional airports in Turkey, it is managed by DHMİ (General Directorate of State Airports Authority). Current information can be found at: www.dhmi.gov.tr/erzincan
• Information Desk Phone: +90 (446) 226 21 55
• Address: Bayrak, Erzincan Havalimanı, 24000 Yoğurtlu/Erzincan Merkez/Erzincan, Turkey
• Email: erzincan.basmudurluk@dhmi.gov.tr
• Social Media: Dedicated accounts for the airport may not exist. It is recommended to follow news on the official DHMİ website.
• Lost and Found Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact the Lost and Found service of your airline or their ground handling agent directly at the airport.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For inquiries, you may use the general information desk phone or speak to staff at the information counters directly within the airport terminal.

Erzincan Airport (ERC) is located just 7-9 kilometres southeast of the city centre, making the journey fast and convenient. Regardless of your budget and preferences, you will easily find a suitable way to reach the terminal — from public transport to a comfortable taxi. The trip generally does not take much time.

The most economical way to get from the city centre of Erzincan to the airport is to use special shuttle buses (often Havaş services or similar municipal routes). Their schedule is usually coordinated with the departure and arrival times of domestic and international flights. The journey takes about 20-30 minutes and is an excellent choice for budget travellers. Please check the route and current schedule in advance.

For those who value comfort and privacy, a taxi is the ideal option. Cars are available 24/7 both in the city and outside the arrivals terminal. The trip to the centre will take just 10-15 minutes. The cost will be higher than the bus, but you get quick and direct "door-to-door" service. You can also book a private transfer in advance, which is particularly convenient if you are travelling with large luggage or family.

If you plan to actively explore the picturesque surroundings and other regions of Turkey, consider renting a car. There are several car rental company representatives at Erzincan Airport. This offers complete freedom of movement and allows you not to depend on public transport schedules. For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicle, there is paid parking in front of the terminal where you can leave your car for a short or long period.

Erzincan Airport (ERC) is a small and modern regional air hub distinguished by a simple and clear structure. This makes it very convenient for passengers, allowing them to avoid the stress and bustle typical of large aviation hubs.

Structure and Navigation

The airport consists of one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international (mainly seasonal and charter) flights. Thanks to its compact size, navigation is intuitively clear. All key zones — check-in, security, departures, and arrivals — are located in one building, eliminating the need for long walks or shuttles.

Departure and Arrival Zones

The terminal layout is standard for small airports. At the entrance to the building, there are check-in counters and baggage drop-off points. After check-in, passengers proceed to the security screening area, after which they enter the airside zone — a small waiting hall with several boarding gates. The arrivals area is in another part of the terminal and includes a baggage claim belt and customs control for international flights. The exit to the city is located immediately after the baggage claim area.

Processing Time

One of the main advantages of Erzincan Airport is the speed of completing all formalities. Check-in and security usually take no more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport as standard: 1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight departure to go through all procedures without rushing.

Navigation Tips

Getting lost in Erzincan Airport is practically impossible. All signs are in Turkish and English. The staff are generally helpful and ready to assist. Simply follow the "Departures" or "Arrivals" signs, and you will easily find the zone you need. All infrastructure, including cafes, restrooms, and car rental desks, is located within walking distance.

The history of Erzincan Airport (ERC) is closely tied to key events in the life of the region. The airport was originally built as a military airfield and opened in 1958. For many years, it primarily served the needs of the Turkish armed forces, but over time its role expanded, and it began accepting civilian flights, becoming an important transport hub for Eastern Anatolia.

One of the most tragic and pivotal moments in the airport's history was the devastating earthquake of 1992, which caused serious damage to the city and its infrastructure. The old terminal building and other structures were severely damaged, requiring virtually a complete reconstruction of the air harbour. This event triggered a large-scale modernisation and the creation of a new complex more resistant to seismic activity.

The most significant stage in the airport's modern history began in the 2000s. As part of a programme to develop regional aviation, a decision was made to build a new terminal. The work was completed, and in 2011, a new modern passenger terminal was inaugurated. Its area is about 34,000 square metres, with a capacity of up to 3 million passengers per year. This significantly improved the quality of service and increased the number of flights.

Today, Erzincan Airport, named after Prime Minister Yıldırım Akbulut, is an example of successful modernisation. It not only ensures reliable air connections with major cities like Istanbul and Ankara but also plays a key role in the economic and tourism development of the province. Its history is a story of resilience and revival, reflecting the spirit of the city itself, which has been rebuilt multiple times after natural disasters.

Erzincan Airport (ERC) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its compact size, the terminal is designed to ensure convenience for both domestic and international travellers. Inside, you will find cosy seating areas and clear navigation.

For those wishing to have a snack before flying, the airport has several cafes and snack bars where you can order hot and cold drinks, fresh pastries, and light meals. There are also small shops where you can purchase travel essentials, souvenirs, and local products. For financial transactions, ATMs and a currency exchange point are installed in the terminal.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, allowing passengers to stay connected or work while waiting for departure. Special charging stations are provided for electronic devices. Passengers travelling with children have access to mother and child rooms. For passengers with reduced mobility, a barrier-free environment has been created, including ramps and specially equipped restrooms, and assistance services can be requested.

In case of emergency, a first aid station operates 24/7 at the airport. Although there are no hotels directly on the terminal premises, many accommodation options can be found in the city of Erzincan, located just a few kilometres away. There are no specialised conference halls at the airport, but the basic infrastructure allows for a comfortable time before a business trip across Turkey.

Erzincan Airport (ERC) is a compact regional air hub, so the choice of dining establishments is appropriate to its size. Nevertheless, passengers can find everything they need for a comfortable snack before departure or upon arrival.

The main dining infrastructure usually consists of one or two cafes located both in the public area before security (landside) and in the sterile departures hall (airside). The menu typically includes classic options for satisfying hunger quickly: fresh sandwiches, traditional Turkish pastries (simit, börek, poğaça), packaged salads, desserts, as well as a wide selection of hot and cold drinks.

Although there are no full-service restaurants here, this is a good opportunity to taste the simple yet popular flavours of Turkey. Be sure to order a cup of aromatic Turkish tea (çay) or strong coffee. Sometimes, local sandwiches feature the famous Erzincan tulum peyniri cheese — do not miss the chance to try this local product.

Passengers with special dietary preferences should be prepared for a limited selection. Almost all meat products here are Halal, which is the standard for the country. Vegetarians will easily find pastries with cheese or vegetable sandwiches. However, finding certified vegan or gluten-free dishes may be extremely difficult, so if you are on a strict diet, it is recommended to bring snacks with you.

For a quick snack, fresh pastries or a ready-made sandwich are perfect. If you have more time, you can choose a more substantial option — for example, a large baguette or salad. Prices in the cafes are moderate by airport standards, and opening hours are directly linked to the flight schedule: establishments open before the first departure and close after the last one leaves.

To ensure your journey through Erzincan Airport goes as smoothly as possible, it is worth considering a few useful tips. Planning ahead will help avoid unnecessary stress and make the start or end of your trip across Turkey more comfortable. This is a small and relatively quiet airport, which is its great advantage.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure, and for international ones (if scheduled) — 2-3 hours prior. To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides this option. This will allow you to proceed immediately to baggage drop or, if travelling light, to the security checkpoint.

Security Control and Hand Luggage. Security procedures here are standard. Remember the restrictions on carrying liquids in hand luggage: all containers must be no more than 100 ml and packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects and other dangerous items are prohibited. When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: a window seat offers beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat offers more legroom and the ability to stand up without disturbing neighbours.

Transfers and Customs Control. If you have a connecting flight, check in advance whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage in Erzincan. When passing through customs (relevant for international flights), the "Green" and "Red" channel system applies. If you have no goods to declare, proceed confidently through the Green Channel.

Saving Money and Unforeseen Situations. To save money, you can bring an empty water bottle and fill it at drinking fountains after the security zone. Prices for food and drinks at airports are often inflated. In case of a flight delay, first and foremost, keep an eye on the departure boards and announcements. Contact your airline representative for clarification on your rights, including the possible provision of drinks, meals, or hotel accommodation depending on the length of the delay.