Samsun-Çarşamba Airport

Samsun-Çarşamba Airport (SZF) is a modern and convenient air gateway on the Black Sea coast of Turkey. Opened in 1998, it has become a key transport hub for the city of Samsun and the entire region, connecting it with major Turkish metropolises and several international destinations. The airport plays a vital role in the development of tourism and business activity, offering travellers a comfortable starting point for exploring this picturesque corner of the country.

Samsun-Çarşamba Airport consists of a single passenger terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. Despite its relatively small size, it is well-organised and offers everything necessary for a comfortable wait before departure. Passengers have access to several cafes for a quick bite, shops, and car rental offices. You can reach the centre of Samsun via special Havaş shuttle buses, with a journey time of approximately 30–45 minutes, or by taxis which are available 24/7 at the terminal exit.

For your convenience, we have compiled the essential contact information for Samsun-Çarşamba Airport (SZF):

• Official Website: www.dhmi.gov.tr/samsun-carsamba
• Information Desk Phone: +90 (362) 844 88 30
• Address: Çınarlık, Havaalanı Cd., 55506 Çarşamba/Samsun, Türkiye
• Email: infosamsun@dhmi.gov.tr
• Lost and Found (items lost within the terminal): +90 (362) 844 88 30 (extension: 1192). Please note: for luggage lost on board the aircraft, you must contact your airline directly.
• Passenger Support: For general enquiries and assistance, you may use the information desk phone number or send a request to the airport's official email address.

Samsun-Çarşamba Airport (SZF) is located approximately 25 kilometres east of the city centre of Samsun. You can get to or from the airport using several convenient methods suitable for different budgets and preferences. On average, the journey from the city centre takes about 30-45 minutes depending on the chosen transport and traffic conditions.

Public Transport: Shuttle Buses

The most popular and economical way to reach the airport is by using the shuttle bus services provided by Havaş and Bafaş. These buses operate between the airport and key points in Samsun city centre, including the bus terminal (otogar). Their schedule is generally coordinated with the arrival and departure times of domestic and international flights, making them a very convenient option. This is an excellent choice for solo travellers and those wishing to save money without sacrificing comfort.

Taxi and Private Transfer

For maximum convenience, especially if you are travelling with family, a large amount of luggage, or simply prefer a "door-to-door" service, a taxi is the ideal choice. Official taxi ranks are located directly outside the arrivals terminal exit. The trip will cost significantly more than the shuttle, but it ensures a higher level of comfort. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer online in advance — in this case, a driver will meet you with a name sign, and the cost of the trip will be fixed.

Car Rental and Parking

If you plan to actively explore the Black Sea coast of Turkey, renting a car is the best solution. Several international and local car rental companies have offices at Samsun-Çarşamba Airport. You can pick up a car immediately upon arrival and return it before departure. For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented vehicle, there is a paid car park on the premises offering both short-term and long-term parking options.

Samsun-Çarşamba Airport (SZF) is a modern and compact aviation hub characterised by a structure that is simple and easy for passengers to navigate. It consists of one passenger terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. This significantly simplifies navigation and eliminates the need for long transfers.

The terminal layout is logical and intuitive. The main entrance leads to the general hall where check-in counters are located. After receiving a boarding pass and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to pre-flight security screening. The space is clearly divided into a Domestic Departures zone (iç hatlar) and an International Departures zone (dış hatlar). Information boards and signs in Turkish and English will help you easily orient yourself and find the correct boarding gate.

The arrivals area is also organised for maximum convenience. After disembarking, international passengers first go through passport control, and then join domestic passengers in the baggage claim hall. Customs control is located directly before the exit to the general waiting hall, where you can meet family or find taxi stands and car rental desks.

Thanks to the compact size of the terminal, completing all pre-flight formalities usually does not take much time. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance: approximately 1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight and 2-3 hours before an international flight. This time will be sufficient to leisurely go through check-in, security screening, and passport control (for international destinations).

The history of Samsun-Çarşamba Airport (SZF) is relatively short but quite significant in terms of the region's infrastructure development. The decision to build it was made to replace the old Samsun airport, which could no longer cope with the growing passenger traffic and could not accommodate modern large aircraft. The new airport was grandly opened for flights in 1998, becoming an important transport hub on the Black Sea coast of Turkey.

From the very beginning, the airport was designed with the future in mind. Its location on the Çarşamba plain allowed for the construction of a long runway and a spacious terminal capable of serving both domestic and international flights. This provided a powerful boost to the development of tourism and business activity throughout the Samsun province, simplifying logistics and making the region more accessible to guests from all over the world.

A key stage in the airport's recent history was a large-scale reconstruction in 2017. The airport was temporarily closed for several months to carry out renovation work on the runway and taxiways, and to modernise the terminal. This bold step allowed the infrastructure to be brought in line with the highest international standards of safety and comfort, significantly increasing its capacity and the quality of passenger service.

One interesting fact is related to the airport's name: it is double-barrelled to reflect its location. It is named after the city of Samsun, the administrative centre of the province, and the district of Çarşamba, where it is physically located. Today, Samsun-Çarşamba is a modern and efficiently operating airport that continues to play a strategic role in the economic and social life of northern Turkey.

The Samsun-Çarşamba (SZF) airport is a modern and convenient terminal offering passengers a full range of services for a comfortable journey. Before departure, you can have a snack in one of the cafes or restaurants serving both local cuisine and familiar international snacks. Shops operate in the departure zone, including duty-free, where you can purchase souvenirs, Turkish delight, perfumes, and other goods.

There are several lounges in the airport for a comfortable wait. Passengers who value privacy and a high level of service can use the CIP Lounge (VIP lounge). Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected. If your gadgets run out of power, you will easily find charging stations.

Samsun-Çarşamba Airport features all necessary financial services. Here you will find ATMs, currency exchange points, and bank offices. In case of unforeseen health issues, a medical point operates within the terminal to provide first aid.

The airport is well-equipped for passengers with children — mother and child rooms are provided for them. Conditions have also been created for the comfortable stay of people with reduced mobility: the terminal is equipped with ramps, lifts, and special restrooms. If necessary, you can request an assistance service from your airline representative.

Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, travellers can easily find suitable accommodation options in the nearby city of Samsun. For business trips, business centre services or conference rooms may be available at the airport, allowing you to hold a meeting or work while waiting for a flight.

Samsun-Çarşamba Airport offers passengers several basic but convenient options for a snack or while waiting for a flight. Food and beverage outlets are located both in the public area and in the departure lounge after security control, allowing you to refresh yourself at any stage of your journey.

In the public area (landside), located before the security checkpoints, there is usually a cafe where you can drink coffee, tea, or soft drinks. This is a great place for those seeing off passengers or arriving at the airport early. Here you can find fresh pastries, sandwiches, and light snacks. It is a convenient option for a leisurely wait before check-in.

After passing passport and customs control in the departure zone (airside), the choice is slightly wider. Cafeterias catering to passengers waiting for boarding are also located here. The assortment includes sandwiches, salads, hot and cold beverages, as well as confectionery. This is the main place where you can have a snack directly before your flight.

Although it is difficult to find complex regional dishes at the airport, you will be able to try classic Turkish snacks. Look out for simit (crunchy sesame bagels) or börek (layered pastries with cheese or meat), which pair perfectly with traditional Turkish tea or coffee. To experience the gastronomic variety of Samsun, such as the famous Samsun pide, it is better to set aside time to visit a restaurant in the city itself.

Regarding special dietary needs, the choice may be limited. Most meat dishes in Turkey are Halal by default. Vegetarians will be able to find salads or pastries with cheese. Specialised vegan or gluten-free dishes are harder to find, so it is better to carry suitable snacks with you. Prices at the airport are generally higher than the city average. Establishments usually operate according to the flight schedule, opening a few hours before the first departure and closing after the last one.

For a quick bite, a coffee with a simit or croissant in any of the cafes is ideal. If you are looking for something more substantial, choose a hot sandwich or a packaged salad in a cafe in the departure zone. There is no full-service restaurant with an à la carte menu at the airport, so for a substantial lunch or dinner, it is better to plan a visit to one of the establishments in the city.

To ensure your journey through Samsun airport goes as smoothly as possible, make use of our tips. These recommendations will help save time, stress, and money, making your flight more comfortable.

Arrival time at the airport. When planning your departure, arrive at Samsun-Çarşamba Airport well in advance. For international flights, we advise arriving 2.5-3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights within Turkey, 1.5-2 hours will be sufficient. This will allow you to go through check-in, drop off luggage, and pass security control without rushing.

Check-in and Security Control. To avoid queues, use online check-in for your flight if your airline provides such a service. This can be done 24 hours before departure. At the security checkpoint, be ready to present your boarding pass and passport, as well as remove laptops, tablets, and liquid containers from your hand luggage.

Seat Selection. When choosing a seat, consider your preferences. Seats by the window (A, F) are ideal for those who love to admire the views during take-off and landing. Seats by the aisle (C, D) are convenient if it is important for you to be able to stand up freely and stretch your legs during the flight without disturbing neighbours.

Hand Luggage Rules. Remember the general restrictions: liquids can be carried in containers of no more than 100 ml each, packed in a single transparent bag. Any sharp or cutting objects are prohibited in the cabin. Power banks and electronic cigarettes are permitted to be carried only in hand luggage.

Connecting Passengers. If you have a connecting flight, clarify with the airline in advance whether your luggage will be transferred automatically or if you need to collect it and check it in again. At the airport, follow the "Connecting Flights" signs to quickly find the necessary boarding gate.

Customs Control. When leaving or entering the country, familiarise yourself with current customs regulations. This concerns duty-free allowances for restricted goods, tobacco products, and cash. Declare valuable items to avoid potential issues at the border.

Saving Time and Money. To save money, consider getting to or from the airport on Havaş shuttles — this is significantly cheaper than a taxi. Prices for food and drinks in the terminal are higher than in the city, so you can bring an empty bottle and fill it with water after passing security control at special water fountains.

In Case of Flight Delay. If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline representative. Depending on the duration of the delay, you have the right to drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts and your boarding pass — they may be needed to claim compensation.