Rize-Artvin Airport

Rize-Artvin Airport is not merely an air gateway to the tea capital of Turkey, but a true engineering marvel. Opened in 2022, it became the country's second airport built on an artificial island in the Black Sea, making landing and taking off particularly spectacular. Located between the two provinces of Rize and Artvin, it grants travelers access to some of the country's most picturesque and pristine corners — from emerald tea plantations to the majestic Kaçkar Mountains. You will feel the unique atmosphere of this region the moment you land.

The main feature of the airport is its unique architecture, inspired by local culture. The air traffic control tower is designed in the shape of a traditional Turkish tea glass, while the main entrance resembles a tea leaf, immediately immersing guests in the region's atmosphere. As a modern transport hub, the airport is equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable journey: there are cafes, shops, car rental desks, and comfortable waiting lounges. Its strategic location makes it the ideal starting point for exploring the eastern coast of the Black Sea, including the famous high-altitude Ayder Plateau, the Fırtına Valley, and the numerous tea gardens for which Rize is famous.

Below you will find contact information for Rize-Artvin Airport (RZV), which will help you plan your trip and resolve any potential inquiries.

• Official Website: Up-to-date information on flights, services, and regulations can be found on the official portal of the General Directorate of State Airports Authority (DHMİ) on the page dedicated to the airport: www.dhmi.gov.tr/rizeartvin.
• Help Desk Phone: For information regarding schedules, service operations, and other questions, you can call: +90 (464) 500 00 53.
• Airport Address: Rize-Artvin Havalimanı, Yeşilköy Mahallesi, Pazar / Rize, Türkiye.
• Email: For written inquiries, you can use the address: inforizeartvin@dhmi.gov.tr.
• Airport Social Media: The airport does not have separate official pages on social media. News and updates are published on the general DHMİ accounts.
• Lost Luggage Information: If you have lost luggage or personal items, you should first contact the Lost and Found service of your airline or the ground handling representatives at the airport.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general support and consultations, please use the help desk phone number or the airport's email address.

Reaching Rize-Artvin Airport, conveniently located between the cities of Rize and Artvin, is possible in several ways. The air hub is well integrated into the region's transport system, offering options for every budget and preference, from public transport to private transfers.

The most popular and economical way to get to the airport is to use the HAVAŞ shuttle buses. These comfortable buses operate on routes connecting the airport with the center of Rize, as well as with the cities of Artvin, Hopa, and Ardeşen. The shuttle schedule is generally coordinated with flight arrival and departure times. The trip to the center of Rize takes approximately 40-50 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This is an excellent choice for those traveling without a large amount of luggage and looking to save money.

For maximum comfort and speed, you can use taxi services or book a private transfer. Taxi stands are located at the exit of the arrival terminal and are available 24/7. The trip to the center of Rize will take about 30-40 minutes. Although this is a more expensive option, it is ideal for travelers with bulky luggage, families with children, or those arriving late at night. It is recommended to check the cost of the trip in advance, especially if you are heading to remote areas or the city of Artvin. Booking a transfer online in advance often helps to fix the price and avoid unnecessary hassle.

If you plan to actively explore the picturesque Black Sea coast of Turkey, the best solution would be car rental. Offices of several international and local rental companies are present at Rize-Artvin Airport. Having your own vehicle will give you complete freedom of movement through mountain valleys and coastal towns. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the peak tourist season, to guarantee the availability of the desired car class at a favorable price.

For those traveling to the airport in their own or rented vehicle, convenient parking is provided. The territory features zones for both short-term and long-term parking, allowing you to leave the car for the duration of your trip. The airport also serves as a convenient transfer hub for trips to neighboring major cities, such as Trabzon and even Batumi.

The Rize-Artvin Airport (RZV) is a modern and well-thought-out terminal complex distinguished by its convenience and ease of navigation. The airport operates one passenger terminal serving both domestic and international flights. Thanks to this, passengers do not need to worry about complex transfers or searching for the right building — all services and zones are located under one roof.

The terminal layout is intuitive and designed for maximum traveler comfort. Typically, the building has two main levels: the arrivals zone is located on the ground floor, and the departures zone is on the upper floor. Signs are in Turkish and English, which significantly facilitates orientation. Due to the airport's compact size, moving between key points, such as check-in counters, security checkpoints, and boarding gates, does not take much time.

In the arrivals zone, you will find baggage claim belts, customs control counters for international flights, and the exit to the main hall. Offices of car rental companies, currency exchange points, and taxi stands are also located here. The departures zone includes a spacious hall with check-in counters, after which passengers proceed to pre-flight security screening. In the "airside" area, guests have access to several shops, cafes, and comfortable waiting lounges with views of the runway and the Black Sea.

Completing all formalities at Rize-Artvin Airport usually takes less time than in major metropolitan hubs. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure, and for international flights — 2–3 hours. This time is generally sufficient for a calm check-in, baggage drop, and security screening. During the peak tourist season, small queues are possible, so it is worth allowing some extra time.

Rize-Artvin Airport (RZV) is one of the youngest and most technologically advanced aviation hubs in Turkey, with a history that exemplifies modern engineering achievements. The official opening of the airport took place on May 14, 2022, making it a landmark 21st-century project for the region.

The history of the airport began with the laying of the foundation in 2017. The main feature of the project is its location. The airport was built on an artificial island created by filling a part of the Black Sea. This required about 100 million tons of stone, making it the country's second offshore airport after Ordu-Giresun. This ambitious project was implemented to solve the problem of a lack of suitable flat land in the region's mountainous landscape.

The architecture of the airport is deeply symbolic and pays tribute to local culture. The main terminal building is designed in the shape of a tea leaf, as Rize is the tea capital of Turkey. The control tower, in turn, resembles a traditional Turkish tea glass — "ince belli". These details make the airport not just a transport hub, but a true landmark.

Since its opening, Rize-Artvin Airport has played a key role in the development of tourism and the economy of the eastern Black Sea coast. It has significantly reduced travel time to hard-to-reach places such as Artvin province and opened the region to a greater number of travelers wishing to experience its unique nature, tea plantations, and rich culture.

Rize-Artvin Airport (RZV), being one of the modern transport hubs of Turkey, provides passengers with all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the terminal, you will find various cafes and restaurants where you can have a quick snack or a full meal, enjoying dishes of local and international cuisine. For shopping enthusiasts, there are shops, including Duty Free, where you can purchase souvenirs, the famous tea from Rize, as well as travel essentials.

For the convenience of passengers, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and numerous charging stations for gadgets will allow you to stay connected at all times. If you value enhanced comfort, the CIP Lounge (VIP lounge) is at your service with a more private atmosphere, snacks, and beverages. Standard waiting lounges are also equipped with everything necessary for a pleasant pastime.

It is easy to handle financial matters at Rize-Artvin Airport: there are bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points. In case of necessity, passengers can contact the 24-hour medical point for first aid.

For travelers with children, mother and baby rooms are provided, where you can take care of your little one in a quiet environment. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on comprehensive support: the airport is equipped with ramps and special restrooms. It is recommended to notify the airline in advance about the need for assistance so that airport staff are ready to help upon arrival.

Although there are no hotels or large conference centers within the airport building itself, many accommodation options are located in the immediate vicinity and nearby cities. They can be reached by taxi or transfer. For business travelers who need to work, the CIP lounge offers a quiet and convenient environment.

At Rize-Artvin Airport (RZV), passengers can find several excellent options for a snack or a full meal. All establishments are conveniently located within the single terminal building, both in the public area before security check and in the secure departures area.

For a quick and authentic bite, Turkish chain cafes are ideal. Look out for Simit Sarayı, where you can buy fresh pastries: the famous simit (sesame bagel), poğaça, or börek with various fillings (cheese, potato, spinach). Of course, being in Rize — the tea capital of Turkey — you must visit the cafe by the main tea producer Çaykur. Here you can enjoy a cup of aromatic black tea, brewed according to all the rules, and try traditional desserts.

If you have time for a more substantial lunch, some cafes also offer hot dishes. You can usually find classics of Turkish cuisine on the menu, such as hearty lentil soup (mercimek çorbası), chicken shish kebab (tavuk şiş), or doner in lavash bread. Prices at the airport are expectedly higher than in the city but remain moderate compared to major international airports. Most establishments operate according to the flight schedule, opening early in the morning and closing after the departure of the last aircraft.

Regarding dietary restrictions, almost all food here is halal by default. Vegetarians will easily find suitable options, including pastries with vegetable and cheese fillings or fresh salads. Vegan and gluten-free dishes might be more challenging to find — the choice will likely be limited to salads, fruits, or nuts. Passengers with strict dietary rules are recommended to carry familiar snacks with them.

To ensure your journey through Rize-Artvin Airport goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of our tips. The airport is located in a picturesque region of Turkey, near the city of Rize, and knowing some nuances will help save time and reduce stress. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one. This time will be sufficient to complete all formalities without rushing, especially during the peak tourist season.

To save time, use online check-in, which is offered by most airlines. This will allow you to proceed directly to the baggage drop-off counter or, if you are traveling light, straight to security screening. During screening, be ready to present electronic devices separately and pack all liquids up to 100 ml in a transparent bag in advance.

When choosing a seat on the plane, keep in mind that the windows offer stunning views of the Black Sea coast. Window seats (A or F) will give you unforgettable impressions during takeoff and landing. If comfort and legroom are more important to you, choose aisle seats or seats in the emergency exit row (for an additional fee).

It is forbidden to carry sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances in hand luggage. Liquids can be carried in containers of no more than 100 ml each, packed in a single transparent resealable bag with a volume of no more than 1 liter. Power banks and other lithium batteries are generally allowed only in hand luggage, so do not check them in.

If you have a layover at Rize-Artvin Airport, check with the airline whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Since this is a relatively new and compact airport, navigation should not cause difficulties. Arriving in Turkey on an international flight, you will have to pass through customs control. Remember the allowances for tobacco and alcohol imports and declare expensive goods if necessary.

To save money, research airport transfer options in advance. Often, a pre-booked transfer or public transport (Havaş) works out cheaper than a taxi taken on the spot. Also, remember that prices for food and drinks at the airport are higher, so you can bring an empty water bottle and fill it after passing security.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline's counter for information and instructions. Depending on the duration of the delay, you may be provided with drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts for expenses incurred due to the delay — they may be needed to claim compensation from the airline or through travel insurance.