Erzurum Airport

Erzurum Airport (Erzurum Havalimanı) is the aerial gateway to the city of the same name in eastern Turkey, situated at an altitude of over 1,750 metres above sea level. Opened in 1966, it serves as a vital transport hub for both civil and military aviation. The airport plays a key role for tourists heading to popular ski resorts such as Palandöken. Its convenient location and developing infrastructure make it a starting point for exploring the region's rich history and picturesque nature.

Features and Advantages

Erzurum Airport serves both domestic and international flights, connecting the region with Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and other major cities. For passenger convenience, the terminal offers all necessary services: information desks, cafes, shops, and car rental offices. One of the key features of the airport is its proximity to the Palandöken ski resort, making it particularly popular during the winter season. You can reach the city centre by public transport — municipal buses stop right outside the terminal exit — as well as by taxi. The airport is equipped with one of the longest runways in Turkey, allowing it to accommodate various types of aircraft.

Below is the essential contact information for Erzurum Airport (ERZ) to help you plan your trip and resolve any queries.

• Official Website: You can always find up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations on the official airport page on the General Directorate of State Airports Authority (DHMI) website: www.dhmi.gov.tr/erzurum
• Information Desk Phone: For immediate assistance, you can call: +90 442 327 28 35.
• Airport Address: Erzurum Havalimanı, 25050, Erzurum, Turkey.
• Email: For written enquiries, you can use the address: infoerzurum@dhmi.gov.tr.
• Social Media: Erzurum Airport does not have separate official social media pages. It is recommended to follow news on the general DHMI resources.
• Lost and Found: If your luggage is lost, please contact your airline's representative at the airport first. For items left in the terminal building, you can contact the Lost Property Office (Kayıp Eşya) via the information desk phone.
• Passenger Support: For most flight-related questions (check-in, baggage allowance, special services), please contact your airline directly. General questions about airport operations can be asked via the information desk phone.

You can get to Erzurum Airport (ERZ) from the city centre in several ways, choosing the one that best suits your comfort and budget. The airport is located just 11–13 km from the centre of Erzurum, so the journey by car usually takes no more than 20–30 minutes, although this time may increase slightly during peak hours.

Public Transport offers two main options. The most budget-friendly is the municipal buses running between the city and the airport. The fare here is nominal. A more comfortable option popular among tourists is the Havaş shuttles. They depart from the city centre and adjust their schedule to match arriving and departing flights. A trip on the shuttle will cost more than the city bus but significantly less than a taxi. We recommend checking the current schedule and fares on the carrier's official website.

Taxi or Private Transfer is the fastest and most convenient way to reach the terminal, especially if you are travelling with a lot of luggage or with family. Cars can be found at designated stands in the city, ordered by phone, or via a mobile app. The approximate cost of a trip from the centre of Erzurum to the airport is around 200–300 Turkish Lira. It is always better to agree on the price in advance or ensure the driver turns on the meter. For maximum convenience, you can book a transfer online in advance.

Car Rental is an excellent solution for those planning to actively explore not only the city but also its picturesque surroundings. Offices of both local and international rental companies are located at Erzurum Airport. You can pick up a car immediately upon arrival or, conversely, drop it off right before departure, which is very convenient for trips across Turkey.

If you are travelling to the airport in your own or a rented vehicle, parking is at your service. It is located next to the terminal and offers both short-term (hourly) and long-term rates for those leaving their car for several days.

Erzurum Airport (ERZ) is a modern and compact aviation hub characterised by a simple and clear structure. There is one passenger terminal in operation here, which serves both domestic flights within Turkey and international ones, primarily seasonal and charter destinations. Thanks to this, you won't have to worry about transferring between different buildings — all procedures take place in one location.

The terminal layout is intuitively clear. Arrivals and departures zones are distinctly separated. Upon entering the building, you find yourself in the general hall where the check-in counters and the main entrance to the security screening area are located. After passing through security control, passengers enter the secure area (airside) — the departure lounge with boarding gates. Small cafes and shops are also located here. The arrivals area is separate and includes passport control for international flights, baggage claim belts, and the exit to the city, where you can find taxis or car rental desks.

Completing pre-flight formalities at Erzurum Airport usually takes little time. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive 1.5 hours before departure, and for international flights — 2-2.5 hours prior. Generally, queues for check-in and security screening here are significantly shorter than in the major airports of Istanbul or Antalya, making the journey more comfortable.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow the signs, which are duplicated in English. Key words you will find useful: Gidiş (Departures) and Geliş (Arrivals). Due to its small size and logical layout, it is practically impossible to get lost in the airport, even if you are here for the first time.

The history of Erzurum Airport (ERZ) begins in 1966, when it was opened as a military airfield. For many years, it played an important strategic role for the Turkish Air Force. Later, with the development of the region and the growing need for passenger transport, the airfield was opened to civil aviation as well, receiving dual-use status.

A significant step in the modernisation of the air harbour was the construction of a new terminal. In 2005, a modern passenger terminal with an area of 13,250 square metres was put into operation, capable of serving up to 2 million passengers per year. This large-scale reconstruction allowed service quality to be raised to a new level and meet international standards.

One of the airport's key achievements is its technical equipment. It possesses one of the longest runways in Turkey — its length is 3,810 metres. Furthermore, the airport is equipped with an advanced ILS CAT II landing system, which is crucial for ensuring regular and safe flights in complex meteorological conditions typical of the mountainous climate of Erzurum, especially during the winter period.

Among interesting facts, it is worth noting that Erzurum Airport is one of the highest airports in the country, located at an altitude of about 1,757 metres above sea level. Its development is inextricably linked with the growing popularity of the Palandöken ski resort, for which it serves as the main aerial gateway. Today, the airport continues to play a key role in the economic and tourism development of the entire Eastern Anatolia region.

Erzurum Airport (ERZ) 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 have a bite, drink Turkish tea or coffee, and purchase drinks and snacks for the journey. For those wishing to shop, small stores are available, including a Duty Free zone for international flight passengers, where perfumes, alcoholic beverages, and souvenirs can be purchased.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and special sockets and charging stations are provided for charging mobile phones and other gadgets. For financial matters, ATMs and a currency exchange office are at passengers' disposal. In case of feeling unwell, you can visit the 24-hour medical post, where first aid will be provided.

For the comfort of families with children, the terminal is equipped with mother and child rooms. The airport is also adapted for passengers with reduced mobility — there are ramps and special restrooms, and staff are ready to provide assistance (it is recommended to notify the airline in advance). Business class passengers and loyalty program members can use the services of the CIP Lounge, where snacks and drinks are offered in a quiet atmosphere. It is important to note that there are no specialised conference halls or a business centre at the airport. There are no hotels within the complex itself, but the nearest hotels are located in the city, which can be reached by taxi or bus in 15–20 minutes.

Erzurum Airport (ERZ), being an important regional transport hub, offers passengers several convenient options for a snack or a full meal while waiting for a flight. Although the selection here is not as wide as in giant international hubs, you certainly won't go hungry.

The majority of catering establishments are concentrated in the main terminal. Both in the public zone (before security check) and in the departure lounge (airside), you will find cafes where you can relax before your flight. This is an ideal place for a quick snack: you will be offered fresh pastries, sandwiches, desserts, as well as hot and cold drinks. Be sure to try traditional Turkish tea (çay) or strong Turkish coffee to energise yourself.

For those looking for a more substantial lunch, some cafes offer an expanded menu including simple hot dishes, salads, and soups. Regarding dietary preferences, almost all food in Turkey is Halal by default. Vegetarians will be able to find pastries with cheese or vegetables (for example, `börek`), as well as salads. For vegan and gluten-free dishes, the choice may be limited, so passengers with strict dietary requirements are recommended to carry suitable snacks with them.

Prices in the airport establishments are moderate by airport standards, but slightly higher than in the city of Erzurum itself. Most cafes and restaurants operate in accordance with the flight schedule, opening a few hours before the first departure and closing after the last one. This ensures that passengers always have the opportunity to refresh themselves, regardless of the time of day.

Travelling through the airport of Erzurum can be a comfortable start or end to your adventure in Turkey if you prepare in advance. To avoid unnecessary rush, arrive at the airport early: 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one. This time is usually sufficient to complete all formalities without stress.

To save time, use online check-in for your flight if your airline provides this option. This will allow you to head straight to baggage drop or, if you are travelling light, to the security check zone. Be prepared for the standard security screening procedure: you will need to remove all metal objects from your pockets, take off your outer clothing and belt, and remove laptops and other large gadgets from your hand luggage.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: a window seat will offer you beautiful views during takeoff and landing, especially if you are flying over picturesque mountain regions, while an aisle seat provides more legroom and the freedom to stand up easily. Regarding hand luggage, remember the restrictions on carrying liquids — they must all be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag. Sharp objects, such as knives and scissors, are prohibited in the cabin.

If you have a connecting flight, clarify in advance whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage in Erzurum. When passing through customs control, be ready to present your passport and boarding pass. Usually, the procedure is quick, but it is worth remembering the rules for importing and exporting currency and goods to avoid misunderstandings.

A few tips for saving money: bring an empty water bottle that can be filled after passing security, and a light snack to avoid spending money at high prices in airport cafes. Also, research transfer options to the city or hotel in advance — often pre-booking is more cost-effective than finding a taxi on the spot.

In case of a flight delay, first find the information board or contact your airline's counter for up-to-date information. Depending on the length of the delay, the airline may be obliged to provide you with drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. Use this time to rest, read a book, or explore the shops and cafes in the terminal.