Kars Airport

Kars Harakani Airport is not just a point on a map, but a true gateway to a winter wonderland and the historical heart of Eastern Turkey. It is from here that adventurers begin their journey to see the legendary ruins of the ancient city of Ani or to conquer the snow-covered slopes of the Sarıkamış ski resort. Despite the harsh climate of the highlands, this compact and modern airport welcomes guests with warmth and comfort, offering breathtaking views of the endless plateaus right upon landing.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

Kars Harakani Airport, named after a renowned Sufi scholar, has undergone extensive reconstruction and today stands as a modern transport hub. The main advantage of the terminal is its compactness and clear navigation: all procedures, from check-in to baggage claim, are completed very quickly, without the long queues typical of metropolitan airports.

The airport's location makes it an ideal starting point for tourism. It takes just 10-15 minutes by taxi or bus to reach the centre of Kars, with its famous fortress and buildings featuring Baltic-style architecture. Furthermore, it is the nearest airport to the popular ski centre of Sarıkamış (only about 50 km away), making it an indispensable hub during the winter season.

Below is the essential contact information for Kars Harakani Airport (KSY). It is recommended to verify the data on official resources before your trip.

• Official Website: www.dhmi.gov.tr/kars (Page on the General Directorate of State Airports Authority of Turkey website)
• Information Desk Phone: +90 474 213 56 67
• Address: Kars Harakani Havalimanı, Merkez, 36000 Kars, Turkey
• Email: infokars@dhmi.gov.tr
• Social Media: The airport does not have dedicated official social media accounts. All official information is published on the DHMİ website.
• Lost & Found: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline representatives directly or the Lost & Found service in the arrivals terminal.
• Passenger Support: For general inquiries and assistance, you can use the main airport information desk phone number.

Kars Harakani Airport (KSY) is located just 6 kilometres from the city centre, so the journey there will not take much time or effort. Travellers can choose the method most convenient for them: public transport, taxi, or car rental. Each option has its advantages depending on your budget and plans for travelling around this amazing corner of Turkey.

The most economical and popular way to get from the city centre of Kars to the airport is via special buses. Turkey has an excellently developed system of Havaş shuttles that run between airports and key city locations. Their schedule is generally synchronised with the arrival and departure of major flights. A trip on such a bus takes about 20-30 minutes and is the most budget-friendly option. Municipal buses may also be available; it is best to check their route and schedule locally.

For those who value comfort and time, a taxi is the ideal choice. A car ride from the city centre to the terminal will take just 10–15 minutes in the absence of traffic. The cost will be higher than the bus but remains quite affordable, especially if you are travelling with family or a large amount of luggage. Taxi stands are located right at the terminal exit; you can also use mobile apps to hail a car or pre-book a private transfer so the driver meets you with a name sign.

If you plan to explore not only Kars itself but also its picturesque surroundings, such as the ancient city of Ani or Lake Çıldır, it is worth considering car rental. Rental company counters are located directly at the airport. This gives you complete freedom of movement and allows you to plan your route at your own discretion. For those arriving at the airport in their own vehicle, convenient parking is available for both short-term and long-term stays.

Kars Harakani Airport (KSY) is a modern and compact aviation hub in eastern Turkey that serves both domestic and international flights. It consists of one terminal, fully reconstructed in 2013. This single building is designed to serve both arriving and departing passengers, making navigation extremely simple and intuitive.

The terminal layout is very logical. On the ground floor, you will find check-in counters, the baggage claim area for arriving passengers, and car rental offices. The departure zone is located on the first floor. After completing check-in on the ground floor, passengers go upstairs, pass through security screening, and enter the waiting lounge with boarding gates. Since there is only one terminal, there are no transfers between zones — everything is within a single building and within walking distance.

Completing all pre-flight procedures at Kars Airport usually takes little time thanks to its small size and moderate passenger flow. Check-in and security screening rarely take more than 30-40 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure, especially if you are travelling with luggage or during the tourist season.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow the signs, which are duplicated in English. It is practically impossible to get lost here. All major services — from check-in counters to cafes and washrooms — are clearly visible. This makes Kars Airport particularly convenient for travellers who value speed and a hassle-free experience.

Kars Harakani Airport (KSY) has a relatively short but rich history, reflecting the development of the eastern region of Turkey. The air harbour was opened in 1988 and originally functioned as a military airfield. The need for civil transport grew, and in 1996, the airport received joint-base status, beginning to serve commercial passenger flights. This step became an important milestone, connecting Kars with other major cities in the country and laying the foundation for future growth.

A key moment in the airport's history was the large-scale modernisation in the 2010s. In 2013, a new, modern terminal was inaugurated, designed in accordance with all international standards. The old building was completely handed over for military needs, while the new terminal complex significantly increased capacity to 2 million passengers per year. This reconstruction not only improved comfort for travellers but also turned the airport into an important transport hub capable of handling a greater number of flights.

An interesting fact is related to the airport's name. In 2011, it was named Harakani in honour of Abu al-Hasan al-Haraqani — a renowned 11th-century Sufi thinker whose mausoleum is located in Kars and is a place of pilgrimage. This decision highlighted the cultural and historical significance of the city. Today, Kars Harakani Airport is not just an air gateway but also a symbol of regional renewal, playing an important role in the development of tourism and the economy of Eastern Anatolia.

Kars Airport (KSY), despite its compact size, offers passengers all the necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. The terminal is designed to ensure quick and simple completion of all pre-flight procedures, as well as to provide basic services for rest and work.

You can grab a bite before departure at a small cafe located in the terminal building. It serves light snacks, sandwiches, pastries, as well as hot and cold beverages. For those wishing to buy souvenirs or travel essentials, there are several shops offering locally produced goods and necessities.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected or attend to work matters. Special stands and sockets are provided in the waiting halls for charging electronic devices. Passengers can use ATMs and currency exchange services. Although there may not be specialised VIP lounges at the airport, the general waiting areas are quite comfortable.

Kars Airport is equipped to serve passengers with special needs: there are ramps and specially equipped washrooms. For travellers with small children, a mother and child room is provided. In case of necessity, one can contact the medical point for first aid.

There are no specialised business centres or conference halls in the airport building, which is typical for regional hubs. Hotels are also absent on the premises; however, many accommodation options can be found in the city of Kars, which is easily accessible by taxi or public transport.

Kars Airport (KSY) is a small regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is limited but sufficient for a snack before departure. The main food outlets are concentrated in the single terminal and serve passengers both before and after security control.

In the general hall (landside), there is usually a main cafe or buffet. Here you can sit comfortably while waiting for your flight. The menu typically features standard snacks for Turkey: fresh pastries (simit, börek, poğaça), sandwiches, toast, and desserts. It is a great place for a quick but filling bite. Sometimes, sandwiches may contain the famous local Kars Kaşar cheese — do not miss the opportunity to try it. Drinks always include traditional Turkish tea, coffee, and soft drinks.

After passing security control in the departure zone (airside), there is usually a small kiosk or cafeteria. The assortment here is more modest and designed for those who want to grab something to take on the plane: water, juices, chocolate, or packaged snacks. A full hot meal is unlikely to be available here, but there are enough options for a light snack.

Regarding special dietary needs, all food products at the airport, as generally in the country, are Halal. Vegetarians will be able to find pastries with cheese or vegetables. However, specialised vegan or gluten-free dishes are unlikely to be available. Prices at the airport are moderate, slightly higher than in the city, but not excessive. Opening hours of establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule, so they are open to serve all departing and arriving passengers.

To ensure your journey through Kars Airport goes as smoothly as possible, take note of these tips. Although the airport is not as large as the Istanbul giants, proper preparation will help save time and reduce stress.

Arrival time at the airport. For domestic flights within Turkey, it is recommended to arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure. If you have an international flight, allow at least 3 hours. Kars Airport is small, and queues here are usually shorter, but during the peak tourist season or in case of unforeseen circumstances, extra time is always beneficial.

Check-in and security control. The easiest way to save time is to complete 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 checkpoint. The security control procedure is standard: be prepared to place laptops, tablets, and liquids from your carry-on luggage into a separate tray.

Seat selection on the plane. The terrain around Kars is very picturesque, especially in winter. If you want to enjoy views of the snow-covered landscapes of Eastern Anatolia, choose a window seat. If freedom of movement and easy access to the aisle are more important to you, your choice is an aisle seat.

Carry-on luggage rules. Standards are universal: liquids (gels, creams, pastes) can be carried in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in a single transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited in the cabin. External batteries (power banks) are usually only permitted in carry-on luggage.

Passengers with transfers. Kars Airport is rarely used as a major transit hub. Most likely, your transfer will be in one of the major cities, such as Istanbul or Ankara. When planning such a route, ensure you have enough time between flights at the transfer airport, especially if a change of terminal is required.

Customs control. For flights within the country, there is no customs control. If you arrive on an international flight, you will need to pass through the "Green" channel (if you have nothing to declare) or the "Red" channel (if you have goods subject to declaration). We recommend familiarising yourself with Turkey's customs regulations in advance to avoid misunderstandings.

Saving time and money. Pre-book a transfer from the airport to the city to avoid overpaying taxi drivers on the spot. Bring an empty water bottle, which can be filled at a drinking fountain after passing security. Prices for food and drinks in airports are always higher, so bringing a light snack with you will also help save money.

In case of flight delay. First, contact your airline representative for information about the flight status and your rights (drinks, meals, or hotel accommodation depending on the length of the delay). The airport is small, and leisure options here are limited, but there is a cafe where you can wait. Remain calm and monitor announcements and the departure boards.