Yuksekova

Hakkari-Yüksekova Selahaddin Eyyubi Airport (Hakkari-Yüksekova Selahaddin Eyyubi Havalimanı) is a modern aerial gateway to one of the most picturesque and remote provinces of Turkey. Opened in 2015, it has become a key transport hub that has significantly reduced travel time to this mountainous region. The airport plays an important role in the development of tourism and business ties, offering passengers a fast and convenient way to reach the amazing nature and culture of Southeastern Anatolia. Located near the town of Yüksekova, it serves the entire province of Hakkari.

Despite its relatively small size, Yüksekova Airport is designed to handle up to one million passengers per year and is equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable journey. It features a modern terminal covering 6,600 m² and a runway capable of accommodating various types of aircraft. The airport has significantly simplified access to unique natural attractions, such as the Cilo and Sat mountains, glacial lakes, and authentic mountain villages, making the Hakkari region more accessible for explorers and outdoor enthusiasts.

If you need to contact Yüksekova Airport (YKO), please use the following contact information. Please note that some details, such as phone numbers, may change over time, so it is recommended to verify them on official resources whenever possible.

• Official Website: You can find up-to-date information on flights, services, and contacts on the official portal of the General Directorate of State Airports Authority of Turkey (DHMI). Airport page: www.hakkari.dhmi.gov.tr.
• Information Desk Phone: For general information, you can call: +90 438 212 12 10.
• Airport Address: Hakkâri Yüksekova Selahaddin Eyyubi Havalimanı, 30300, Karlı Köyü Mevkii, Yüksekova / Hakkâri, Türkiye.
• Email: The official email address for inquiries is: infohakkari@dhmi.gov.tr. You can also use the feedback form on the website.
• Social Media: The airport does not have separate official pages. News and updates are published on the general accounts of the General Directorate of State Airports Authority (DHMI).
• Lost and Found Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline's representative at the airport first. The air carrier is responsible for checked baggage.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions and consultations, use the main airport information desk phone number.

There are several ways to get to Yüksekova Selahaddin Eyyubi Airport (YKO), which serves the province of Hakkari in Turkey. The airport is located approximately 5 km from the centre of Yüksekova and 65 km from the city of Hakkari, so it is important to plan your route in advance.

Public Transport

The most budget-friendly way to get to or from the airport is to use shuttle bus services. Typically, these are routes operated by private companies or municipal buses, with schedules coordinated with flight arrivals and departures. Shuttles run between the airport, Yüksekova city centre, and the provincial administrative centre — the city of Hakkari. The trip to Yüksekova takes about 10-15 minutes, and to Hakkari — approximately 1.5 hours. This is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers.

Taxi and Private Transfer

For greater comfort, you can take a taxi; the rank is located right outside the terminal exit. This is a convenient and fast option, especially if you are travelling with heavy luggage or in a group. The trip to Yüksekova will be short and inexpensive, while a transfer to Hakkari will cost significantly more due to the distance. It is recommended to agree on the price with the driver in advance or ensure the taximeter is switched on. You can also book a private transfer online in advance, which guarantees a fixed price and a meet-and-greet service in the arrivals hall.

Car Rental

If you plan to actively explore the picturesque but mountainous Hakkari region, renting a car is the best solution. It offers complete freedom of movement and allows you not to depend on public transport schedules. Several local and international rental company counters are available at Yüksekova Airport. It is highly recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the tourist season, to ensure the best choice and price.

Airport Parking

Parking is available for those arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicles. You can leave your car here for both short and long periods. This is a convenient option if you are seeing someone off or going on a short trip.

When planning your journey, you may also consider flying into neighbouring airports. For example, a major hub is located in Van, approximately 130 km away. International alternatives include the airport in Erbil (Iraq), as well as in the Iranian cities of Urmia and Tabriz, although travelling from these airports will require crossing a border.

Yüksekova Selahaddin Eyyubi Airport (YKO) is a modern and compact aviation hub consisting of one passenger terminal. It serves all domestic flights, and its structure is extremely simple and clear for travellers, making orientation within the building intuitively easy.

The terminal is a single building where all necessary zones are logically grouped, so getting lost here is practically impossible. The flows of departing and arriving passengers are well separated. For departing passengers, the journey begins at the check-in counters in the main hall. Immediately after them is the pre-flight security screening zone, leading to a comfortable waiting lounge with boarding gates. Arriving passengers enter the baggage claim hall, equipped with one carousel, from where they exit to the city. All signs are in Turkish and English, which facilitates navigation.

Due to the compactness of the terminal and relatively low passenger traffic, all pre-flight formalities usually proceed very quickly. Check-in and security screening rarely take much time. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance — approximately 1.5 hours before a domestic flight departure, to check in luggage and pass through controls without rushing.

The main advantage of Yüksekova Airport is its simplicity. There is no need for complex maps or long walks between zones. All essential services, including a small cafe and car rental counters, are accessible in the main hall of the terminal. Simply follow the standard signs, and you will find everything you need without difficulty.

Yüksekova Selahaddin Eyyubi Airport (YKO) is one of the newest and most strategically important transport hubs in eastern Turkey. Its history does not span decades, but it reflects the drive for development and integration of the country's hard-to-reach regions. This modern airport serves the province of Hakkari, known for its impressive mountain landscapes.

Construction of the airport began with the laying of the foundation stone on April 18, 2010. The project was ambitious, given the difficult mountainous terrain of the area. The official opening took place on May 26, 2015, in the presence of senior state officials. From that moment, residents of the region gained the opportunity for rapid air travel to major cities such as Istanbul and Ankara, reducing travel time from over 20 hours by bus to just a few hours by plane.

The main goal of creating the airport was to stimulate economic growth, tourism, and social life in the Hakkari province. The airport is equipped with a modern runway 3,200 metres long and a passenger terminal capable of serving hundreds of thousands of passengers per year. Throughout its history, the airport has temporarily suspended operations several times for security reasons, but today it plays a key role in the region's transport infrastructure.

One interesting fact is related to its name. The airport is named in honour of Selahaddin Eyyubi (Saladin) — a distinguished Muslim commander and sultan of Kurdish origin, which is a tribute to the historical heritage of these lands. Additionally, Yüksekova Airport is one of the highest-altitude airports in Turkey, making every takeoff and landing here a particularly picturesque event.

Yüksekova Selahaddin Eyyubi Airport (YKO), despite its compact size, offers passengers all basic amenities for a comfortable wait before departure. The modern and functional terminal is designed to make your stay here as convenient as possible.

Inside the terminal, you will find a cafe-buffet where you can order hot and cold drinks, fresh pastries, and light snacks. It is a great place to have a bite before your flight. For those looking for press or souvenirs, a small kiosk is available. For a more comfortable wait, you can use the services of the CIP Lounge, which offers a private atmosphere and additional services.

To stay connected, passengers can connect to the Wi-Fi network available within the terminal. Also, power outlets for charging mobile phones and other gadgets are provided in the waiting areas. ATMs of several Turkish banks are installed in the terminal building, however, there are no currency exchange offices, so it is worth taking care of money exchange in advance.

The airport is well-equipped for passengers with special needs. The terminal is adapted for wheelchair movement, and specially equipped restrooms are available. Passengers can request assistance from airport staff. A mother and child room is provided for travellers with small children. In case of need, a medical point is available at the airport, ready to provide first aid.

There are no hotels or conference halls directly on the territory of Yüksekova Airport. The nearest hotels and business services can be found in the town of Yüksekova, located approximately 5 kilometres from the airport.

When planning a flight through Yüksekova – Selahaddin Eyyubi Airport (YKO), it is important to consider that this is a small regional airport, and dining options here are quite limited. Unlike major international hubs, you will not find a wide variety of restaurants and bars here, but basic facilities for a pre-flight snack are available.

The main place to eat is a small cafe or buffet located in the general hall of the single terminal. It is accessible to both departing and meeting passengers before the security control zone. The assortment generally includes standard options for a quick snack: sandwiches, Turkish pastries (simit, börek), packaged snacks, chocolate, as well as hot and cold drinks — tea, coffee, and sparkling water.

For those wishing to try something local, it is worth looking for traditional pastries if they are available. However, finding full meals of Turkey's national cuisine directly at the airport is unlikely. Passengers with strict dietary requirements (vegan, gluten-free) are strongly advised to bring food with them, as specialized offerings will likely not be available. Halal products are the standard, but the selection will be limited.

Prices at the airport are usually higher than in the city, and the cafe's opening hours are tied to the flight schedule. If you are counting on a full lunch or dinner, the best decision would be to eat at one of the establishments in the city of Hakkari or Yüksekova before travelling to the airport. The airport cafe is ideal for having a cup of tea or coffee and a light snack while waiting for your flight.

When planning a departure from Yüksekova Airport, which serves the city of Hakkari, consider a few points for a comfortable journey. Since most flights from this airport are domestic within Turkey, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time will be sufficient to complete all pre-flight formalities without haste, especially during the peak tourist season or on holidays.

To save time, take advantage of the online check-in option offered by most airlines. This will allow you to proceed directly to baggage drop-off (if you have any) or to the security checkpoint. Be prepared to present your boarding pass and identification at security control. Electronic devices (laptops, tablets) and liquids must be placed in a separate tray from your carry-on luggage.

The Hakkari region is famous for its breathtaking mountain landscapes. To enjoy them during takeoff and landing, try to select a window seat during check-in. If comfort and the ability to stand up freely during the flight are more important to you, choose an aisle seat. Seats in the front of the cabin usually allow for a quicker exit from the aircraft upon arrival.

Carefully review your airline's hand luggage rules, as they may vary. Standard international norms limit the carriage of liquids: they must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag. It is prohibited to take sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances into the cabin. Always keep valuables, documents, and necessary electronics with you in your hand luggage.

Yüksekova Airport is small and primarily serves domestic flights. If you have a connection in another city in Turkey (for example, in Istanbul or Ankara), check at the registration desk whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage at the transit airport. There is no customs control for domestic flights. You will only need to pass through standard security screening.

To save money, book flight tickets and transfers to/from the airport in advance. Taxi prices directly at the airport may be higher. You can also bring a light snack and an empty reusable water bottle, which can be filled after passing security. Travelling light, with only hand luggage, will save you both time waiting for baggage and money on baggage fees.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline's representative at the airport. They will provide current information and explain your rights regarding refreshments, meals, or hotel accommodation depending on the duration of the delay. It is recommended to check your flight status on the airline or airport website even before travelling to the airport.