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Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport

About the Airport

Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars

Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) is not merely the air gateway to Izmir and the picturesque Aegean coast, but a modern and welcoming transport hub of Turkey. Named after the country's former prime minister, this airport combines award-winning design with high functionality. It is one of the busiest in the country and serves as a key point for travellers, opening the way to the region's ancient treasures and azure beaches. Modern terminals and well-thought-out infrastructure make spending time here a comfortable start to any journey.

IATA Code ADB
ICAO Code LTBJ
City Izmir
Distance to centre 18 km
Status International
Passengers per year Over 11.5 million (2024)
Popular Airlines SunExpress, Pegasus Airlines, Turkish Airlines
Schedule online flight board "Adnan Menderes Airport"

One of the key features of the airport is its sophisticated logistics and transport accessibility. It is directly connected to the city and surrounding areas by the modern IZBAN commuter train line, the station of which is integrated with the terminals. This allows passengers to reach the centre of Izmir quickly and without traffic jams. The airport complex consists of two modern terminals — the international one, built in 2006, and the domestic one, opened in 2014. Both terminals are connected by a convenient pedestrian walkway and offer travellers a wide range of services: from numerous shops and cafes to the TAV Airport Hotel located right on the premises.

Contact Information

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Adnan Menderes Airport in Izmir. We recommend checking the official website for the most up-to-date data before your trip.

  • Official Website: Here you will find the most complete and current information, including flight schedules, terminal maps, and news. The site is available at adnanmenderes.tav.aero.
  • Information Service Phone: For immediate information, you can call the unified call centre at +90 444 9 828 (TAV Airports Call Center).
  • Airport Address: Dokuz Eylül Mahallesi, 35410 Gaziemir/İzmir, Türkiye. This will help you when planning your route in a navigator or ordering a taxi.
  • Email: For general inquiries, you can use the address info.izmir@tav.aero, however, for a quick response, it is recommended to use the feedback form on the official website.
  • Social Media: Follow the airport's news and updates on official pages in popular social networks such as Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram.
  • Lost & Found: If you have lost your belongings in the terminal, contact the "Lost and Found Office". If the problem concerns checked luggage, you should contact the representative of your airline or the ground handling service (Havaş, TGS, Çelebi). Contacts are usually available on the airport website.
  • Passenger Support Service: In addition to the call centre phone, information desks are located in the airport terminals, where staff are ready to assist you with any questions.

How to Get to the Airport

Getting to Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) from the city of Izmir and its surroundings is possible via several convenient methods suitable for any budget and travel style. The airport is located approximately 18 km south of the city centre, and the journey usually takes between 30 to 60 minutes depending on the chosen transport and traffic conditions in Turkey.

Public Transport

This is the most economical and popular way to get to the airport. Options include:

  • İZBAN Commuter Train: Arguably the fastest and most reliable option to avoid traffic. The İZBAN line has a station right at the airport, which is connected by a covered walkway to the domestic terminal (it is a few minutes' walk to the international terminal). Trains run from early morning until late at night at short intervals. You will need an Izmirim Kart transport card for payment.
  • ESHOT Municipal Buses: Several 24-hour routes connect the airport with different districts of the city. The main lines are No. 202 (from Cumhuriyet Square in the Alsancak district), No. 204 (from Bornova Metro bus station), and No. 206 (from Şirinyer district). This is the most budget-friendly way, but the trip may take longer due to stops.
  • HAVAŞ / HAVABUS Shuttles: Comfortable shuttle buses run between the airport, Izmir centre (Alsancak, Karşıyaka districts), and popular resorts such as Çeşme, Alaçatı, and Kuşadası. The cost is higher than city buses, but they offer more comfort and space for luggage.

Taxi and Private Transfer

A taxi ride from the centre of Izmir to the airport will cost more but ensures maximum comfort and "door-to-door" delivery. Cars are equipped with meters, and you can always find them at designated stands throughout the city and at the terminal exits. For even greater convenience, especially if you are travelling with family or a large amount of luggage, you can pre-book a private transfer. This guarantees a fixed price and a meeting with the driver at a specified location.

Car Rental and Parking

If you plan to actively travel along the Aegean coast, renting a car will be an excellent solution. Offices of both international and local rental companies operate at Adnan Menderes Airport. You can book a car in advance online or rent one upon arrival. For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented car, a large multi-level car park is provided with zones for short-term and long-term parking.

Terminals and Map

Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) in Izmir consists of two main passenger terminals: International (Dış Hatlar Terminali) and Domestic (İç Hatlar Terminali). Both terminals are modern, well-equipped buildings designed for the comfortable service of passengers. They are located in close proximity to each other, which significantly simplifies navigation and transfers.

Movement between terminals is organised very conveniently. They are connected by a covered walkway with travelators (moving walkways), so moving from one building to another takes only a few minutes and does not require going outside. This is particularly convenient for passengers transiting from an international flight to a domestic one or vice versa.

The structure of both terminals is intuitive. Typically, departure zones with check-in counters and security checkpoints are located on the upper floors, while arrival zones with baggage claim belts and customs control are on the lower floors. Navigation inside the buildings is simplified thanks to clear signs in Turkish and English, as well as numerous information screens.

The International Terminal is noticeably larger and offers a wider range of services. Here you will find a large Duty-Free zone, various shops, restaurants of global and local chains, cafes, business lounges, and currency exchange points. It is designed to handle a large flow of tourists from different countries.

The Domestic Terminal, in turn, is more compact and oriented towards the rapid service of passengers travelling within Turkey. Despite its smaller size, it is also equipped with everything necessary: there are cosy waiting lounges, several cafes, shops, and car rental counters.

Processing times at Adnan Menderes Airport usually do not take long thanks to its thoughtful organisation. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive 2-3 hours before an international flight and 1.5-2 hours before a domestic one. During the peak tourist season or on public holidays, waiting times at check-in and security may increase, so it is worth allowing extra time.

For quick navigation, always pay attention to the signs and your gate number indicated on your boarding pass. If you have any questions, airport staff at the information desks are always ready to help.

Airport History

Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) in Izmir was opened for passenger traffic in 1987. Its creation was a key event for the development of the Aegean region, as it replaced the outdated Çiğli Air Base, which could no longer cope with the growing volumes of civil aviation. The airport was named after Adnan Menderes, a former Prime Minister of Turkey and a native of the neighbouring province of Aydın, which immediately gave the facility historical significance.

The main phase of the airport's growth began in the 2000s when the tourist flow to the region increased significantly. To meet international standards and accommodate a larger number of travellers, a new international terminal was built and put into operation in 2006. This step radically changed the airport's capabilities, turning it into a modern and convenient hub for tourists from all over the world heading to the resorts of the Aegean Sea.

Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars

The next milestone in development was the large-scale modernisation of infrastructure for domestic flights. In 2014, a new terminal for domestic airlines was opened, which is considered one of the most advanced in Turkey in terms of architecture and environmental friendliness. It received several awards for innovative design and energy-efficient solutions. This reconstruction allowed the airport to consolidate its status as one of the country's leading aviation hubs.

Among interesting facts, it can be noted that after the opening of the new international terminal in 2006, the old building was used for servicing domestic flights for some time, and was then completely demolished to make room for the construction of an even more modern domestic terminal. Today, Adnan Menderes Airport regularly ranks among the top five busiest in Turkey and is a crucial engine of the economy and tourism for the entire western coast of the country.

Services and Amenities

Adnan Menderes Airport offers passengers a wide range of services to make waiting for a flight as comfortable as possible. The terminals house numerous cafes and restaurants for every taste — from fast food outlets to establishments offering Turkish and international cuisine. For shopping enthusiasts, shops are open, including a large Duty-Free zone where you can purchase perfumes, alcoholic beverages, souvenirs, and goods from famous brands.

For a comfortable rest before departure, the airport provides VIP lounges (CIP Lounges), available for business class passengers or for an additional fee. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminals, and numerous charging stations for gadgets allow you to stay connected at all times. Financial matters are easily resolved with ATMs and currency exchange offices located in the arrivals and departures halls.

The airport is well-equipped for passengers with special needs. There are mother and child rooms for travellers with children. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with necessary assistance, and the terminal infrastructure includes ramps, lifts, and specially equipped restrooms. In case of need, you can visit the 24-hour medical point.

For business travellers, conference rooms and business services are available. If you have a long layover or an early flight, the Orty Airport Hotel operates right on the airport premises, and there are several other hotels nearby offering transfers. This allows you to rest in comfort without leaving the airport grounds.

Where to Eat

Adnan Menderes Airport in Izmir offers passengers a wide selection of establishments where you can have a snack or a full meal before departure. Food outlets are located in both the international and domestic terminals, in zones before and after passport control, allowing you to find a suitable option in any situation.

In the International Terminal, especially in the departure zone (airside), the majority of restaurants and cafes are concentrated. Here you can find both world-famous chains, such as Starbucks or Burger King, and cafes with local flair. Many of them operate 24 hours a day to serve passengers on night flights. For a full lunch or dinner, you can visit one of the à la carte restaurants offering Turkish and European cuisine.

In the Domestic Terminal and public zones (landside), the choice is also quite extensive. Coffee shops, small snack bars, and bakeries are located here. This is an ideal place to drink a cup of Turkish coffee with fresh pastries, for example, with simit (a sesame bagel) or börek (layered pastry with filling), while seeing off or meeting loved ones.

For travellers wishing to enjoy the tastes of Turkey one last time, the airport offers an excellent opportunity. Pay attention to places serving gözleme (thin flatbreads with cheese or meat) or traditional kebab. Regarding special dietary needs, vegetarian options such as salads or vegetable dishes are available in most cafes. Halal food is the standard for meat dishes. Finding gluten-free options may be more difficult, but in full-service restaurants, staff are usually ready to accommodate requests.

The price range at the airport is generally higher than in the city. For a quick and budget-friendly snack, fast food outlets or self-service cafes are suitable. If you have time and wish to spend it comfortably, restaurants in the departure zone will offer a calmer atmosphere and a varied menu, albeit at a higher price.

Tips for Travellers

To ensure your journey through Adnan Menderes Airport goes smoothly, make use of these tips. We recommend arriving at the airport well in advance: allow 2.5-3 hours before departure for international flights, and about 2 hours for domestic flights within Turkey. Queues are possible during the peak tourist season, so extra time will help avoid unnecessary stress.

To save time, complete online check-in for your flight if your airline provides such a service. This will allow you to head straight to the baggage drop-off counter or, if you are travelling light, to the security check zone. Security control here is standard, but be prepared in advance to remove laptops, tablets, and liquid containers (up to 100 ml each, packed in a transparent bag) from your hand luggage.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences. Window seats on flights from/to Izmir often offer stunning views of the Aegean coast. If freedom of movement and the ability to stretch your legs are more important to you, choose an aisle seat. Always check the hand luggage and baggage allowance with your carrier, as rules may differ.

Passengers with a transfer at Adnan Menderes Airport will find it convenient to move between the international and domestic terminals, as they are within walking distance of each other. Clarify whether you need to collect your luggage and pass through passport control during transit. Customs control is standard: proceed through the "Green Channel" if you have nothing to declare, and through the "Red Channel" if you are carrying goods subject to declaration.

To save money, use public transport. The İZBAN train is an inexpensive and fast way to get from the airport to the centre of Izmir and back, bypassing traffic jams. Prices for food and drinks in the terminal are quite high, so you can bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it at drinking fountains after the security checkpoint.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first of all, monitor the information on the departure boards and in your airline's app. Do not hesitate to contact the airline counter for information about your rights, including the provision of drinks, meals, or hotel accommodation during long waits. The airport has enough cafes, shops, and comfortable rest zones to brighten up the wait.

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