Dalaman Airport

Dalaman Airport is not just a transit hub, but a true sunny gateway to the treasures of Turkey's Turquoise Coast. Located at the junction of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas, it immerses travellers in the atmosphere of a long-awaited holiday from the very first minutes, thanks to its bright, spacious halls and views of green hills. The modern architecture of the terminal and intuitive navigation make the journey from the aircraft steps to the beaches of Marmaris, Fethiye, or Dalyan as quick and comfortable as possible.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

The main pride of the air hub is the new international terminal, designed with a focus on eco-friendliness and comfort. The building is constructed to maximise the use of natural light, creating a sense of lightness and space even during peak hours. The airport operates around the clock, receiving both scheduled and charter flights from all over the world.

Key advantages of the complex include:

• Strategic Location: The airport is located in the centre of the tourist region: just 45 km from picturesque Fethiye and approximately 90 km from popular Marmaris.
• Comfortable Waiting: Passengers have access to modern CIP lounges, relaxation zones, and a rich selection of Duty Free shops featuring local souvenirs and global brands.
• Convenient Transfers: A developed transport network allows you to easily reach any resort via HAVAŞ buses, taxis, or a rental car directly from the terminal parking lot.

Below you will find useful contact details for Dalaman Airport, which may be helpful when planning your trip or in case any questions arise during your journey.

• Official Website: yda.aero
• Information Desk Phone: +90 252 792 55 55
• Address: Ege Mahallesi, Dalaman Havaalanı, 48770, Dalaman, Muğla Province, Turkey
• Email: info@yda.aero
• Social Media: The airport maintains active pages on popular social networks where you can follow news and updates.
• Lost Luggage Information: If you do not find your luggage upon arrival, please contact the Lost & Found service corresponding to your airline. Counters are located in the arrival hall.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general enquiries and assistance, you can contact the main airport information desk phone number.

Reaching Dalaman Airport, which serves the popular resorts of Muğla province, can be done in several convenient ways. The choice depends on your budget, destination, and personal preferences. The airport is conveniently located relative to major tourist centres, so the journey will not take much time.

Public Transport is the most economical option. Buses from Havaş and MUTTAŞ companies depart regularly from the airport terminal. They operate on main routes, connecting the airport with cities such as Fethiye, Marmaris, Göcek, and Datça. The schedule is usually coordinated with the arrival and departure of domestic and international flights, but it is always better to check in advance on the carriers' websites. A bus trip to Fethiye will take about one hour, and to Marmaris — approximately 1.5 hours.

Taxis and Private Transfers offer greater comfort and convenience. The official taxi rank is located right at the exit of the arrival terminal and is available 24/7. This is a good option if you are travelling with a lot of luggage or simply want to get to your hotel without transfers. The cost of a taxi ride will be significantly higher than a bus. An alternative is a pre-booked transfer — it can be booked online, the price will be fixed, and the driver will meet you with a name sign in the arrival hall. This is especially convenient for families and large groups.

Car Rental is an ideal choice for those planning to actively explore the coast of Turkey. Offices of both international and local rental companies are located at Dalaman Airport. You can pick up a car immediately upon arrival and return it here before departure. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the peak tourist season (June to September), to guarantee the availability of the desired model and get a better price.

For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented car, convenient parking is provided. The territory has zones for both short-term and long-term parking, located within walking distance of the terminals.

Although Dalaman Airport is the main one for this region, depending on your route, you can also consider alternative options. For example, for a trip to Bodrum, Milas-Bodrum Airport would be more convenient. Also nearby, although requiring a ferry crossing, are Greek airports such as Rhodes Airport or Kos Airport.

Dalaman Airport (DLM) consists of two main terminals that serve different types of flights. Orienting yourself here is quite simple, but knowing the structure will help you save time and avoid unnecessary stress, especially during the peak tourist season.

The main and largest one is the new international terminal. It serves all flights arriving from abroad and departing outside of Turkey. The building is modern and spacious, built to handle a large flow of tourists. The Departures zone is located on the upper floor, and the Arrivals zone is on the lower floor. Here you will find numerous check-in counters, Duty Free shops, cafes, and restaurants. The second terminal is the old, or Domestic terminal. It is significantly smaller and serves flights within the country, for example, to Istanbul or Ankara. It is located in a separate building.

Moving between terminals is effortless — they are located a few minutes' walk from each other. Special transport is not required; simply follow the signs. Inside each terminal, navigation is intuitive, and all signs are duplicated in English. The layout is standard: after entering the departure terminal building, you enter the check-in area, then go through passport control and security screening, after which you find yourself in the "airside" zone with shops and boarding gates.

The time required to complete all formalities depends heavily on the season and time of day. In the summer months (June to September), the airport operates at maximum capacity. It is recommended to arrive for an international flight at least 3 hours before departure. In the off-season, procedures are faster, but a buffer of 2-2.5 hours is still advisable. For domestic flights, 1.5-2 hours is usually sufficient.

The main advice for navigation is to watch the departure boards carefully and follow the signs. Ensure you are heading to the correct terminal — international or domestic — as they are two different buildings. Otherwise, Dalaman Airport is well-organised for a comfortable start and end to your journey.

The history of Dalaman Airport (DLM) is a story of rapid growth, inextricably linked to the transformation of the southwestern coast of Turkey into one of the most popular tourist regions in the world. Construction of the airfield began in 1976, and by 1981 it was opened for flights. Initially, it was a rather modest facility, but with the growing popularity of resorts like Marmaris and Fethiye, it became clear that the region needed a modern and large aviation hub.

A key stage in development was 2006, when the new international terminal was opened. This event radically changed the status of the airport. The project, implemented in record time, allowed capacity to increase to 10 million passengers per year and turned Dalaman into one of the most modern airports in the country at that time. The terminal was the third largest in Turkey and was renowned for its thoughtful architecture and spacious passenger zones.

The newest chapter in the airport's history began in 2018 with the commissioning of yet another new terminal, which replaced the old domestic one and took over some international flights. This modernisation, costing hundreds of millions of euros, once again brought the infrastructure to a cutting-edge level. Thanks to this, Dalaman Airport is today capable of comfortably serving a constantly growing flow of tourists, offering them the most modern services and amenities.

An interesting fact: throughout its history, Dalaman Airport has never stopped developing. Each stage of reconstruction was a response to the rapid growth of tourist interest in this region. From a small airfield to one of the main transport hubs on the coast — its path is a vivid reflection of the success of the Turkish tourism industry.

Dalaman Airport (DLM) offers passengers a developed infrastructure and all necessary services for a comfortable stay. While waiting for your flight, you can visit numerous cafes and restaurants offering both international cuisine and local Turkish delicacies. The shopping area includes a large Duty Free store with a traditional selection of perfumes, cosmetics, beverages, and sweets, as well as boutiques with clothing, accessories, and souvenirs.

For those who prefer to wait for their flight in a quieter atmosphere, comfortable VIP lounges (CIP Lounge) are available. Guests of the lounges are provided with snacks and beverages, fresh press, and comfortable places to rest. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminals, and numerous sockets and gadget charging stations are equipped to keep your devices charged.

In the airport building, you will easily find ATMs and currency exchange points, which is especially convenient for tourists who have just arrived in the country. In case of illness or injury, medical personnel are on duty around the clock at the first aid station. Families with small children can use specially equipped baby care rooms, where all conditions for caring for little ones are created.

The airport is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, elevators, special restrooms, and an assistance service, which is recommended to be booked in advance through your airline. Although there are no hotels directly within the terminal building, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity, reachable within minutes. For business travellers, basic business services such as workspaces and meeting rooms are generally available in the VIP lounges.

Dalaman Airport offers passengers diverse dining options capable of satisfying any taste and budget, from a quick snack to a full lunch or dinner. Most establishments are located in the new international terminal, but you won't go hungry in the domestic terminal either.

In the departure zone of the international terminal, after passing passport control (airside), you will find the main food court. Here are popular fast-food chains such as Burger King and Popeyes, which are ideal for those with limited time. Coffee shops are also operating here, where you can order sandwiches, pastries, and, of course, aromatic coffee. For those wishing to relax before their flight, establishments like The Beer Port are open, offering a selection of beverages and snacks.

If you want to try local cuisine, look for restaurants offering Turkish specialities. Although the selection may not be as wide as in the city, you can find classic döner kebab, pide (Turkish pizza), or traditional meze appetisers. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the flavours of Turkey one last time before departure. Simit (sesame bagels) and börek (layered pastries with filling), which are often sold in local cafes, are excellent for a light snack.

Options are also available for passengers with special dietary needs. Many establishments offer vegetarian dishes, for example, salads, vegetable appetisers, or meat-free sandwiches. It is best to check the availability of gluten-free or vegan items directly with the cafe or restaurant staff. Almost all meat dishes at the airport comply with Halal standards.

It should be noted that prices for food and drinks at Dalaman Airport are significantly higher than in the city. The cost of dishes is often listed in Euros, and even when paying in Liras, the exchange rate may not be the most favourable. Most establishments in the international terminal operate 24/7 or until the last flight, which is very convenient for passengers on night and early morning flights.

To ensure your journey through Dalaman Airport, located in Muğla province, goes smoothly, it is worth preparing in advance. Generally, it is recommended to arrive for international flights from Turkey 2.5–3 hours before departure, and for domestic ones — 1.5–2 hours. During the peak tourist season (June to September), it is better to allow extra time, as queues for check-in and security may be longer than usual.

At Dalaman Airport, you will have to undergo several stages of security control: the first at the entrance to the terminal building and the main one after passport control. To save time, check in for your flight online if your airline provides this option. This will allow you to go straight to baggage drop (if you have any) or to security screening.

Pay careful attention to packing your hand luggage. All liquids (shampoos, creams, perfumes) must be in containers with a volume of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag. It is forbidden to carry sharp objects and flammable substances in the cabin. Be sure to put documents, money, medicines you might need, and a portable charger in your hand luggage.

When choosing a seat on the plane, think about your priorities. Window seats (A, F) offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing. Aisle seats (C, D) are convenient if you plan to get up during the flight. For those who value legroom, seats at emergency exits are ideal, but they are often provided for an additional fee.

If you have a connecting flight, check in advance whether your luggage will be checked through to the final destination. If not, you will have to collect it in Dalaman, pass through customs control, and check in again for the next flight. In the airport, follow the signs for "Transit" or "Connecting Flights" to quickly find the necessary gate or counter for transit passengers.

When passing through customs, standard rules for "green" and "red" channels apply. If you do not have goods to declare, proceed through the "green" channel. You should head to the "red" channel if you are carrying amounts exceeding the established limit or goods subject to restrictions. Remember the limits on the import and export of restricted items.

To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it at drinking fountains after passing security control — prices for drinks in the "airside" zone are quite high. Also, a pre-booked transfer to the hotel often costs less than a taxi taken on the spot. Time savings are achieved through online check-in and having all documents ready when passing control.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first find a representative of your airline — their counter is usually located in the departure zone. Monitor information on the boards and remain calm. Depending on the length of the delay, the air carrier is obliged to provide passengers with drinks, meals, and for long waits — hotel accommodation. Having travel insurance covering such cases can significantly ease the situation.