Çorlu

Çorlu Atatürk Airport (IATA: TEQ, ICAO: LTBU) serves as the air gateway to the Tekirdağ province and the entire Eastern Thrace region, the European part of Turkey. Opened for civil aviation in 1998, this joint-use airport handles both commercial and military flights, playing a vital role in the regional transport network. In addition to scheduled and charter flights, it serves as a key training base for Turkish Airlines pilots, highlighting its high technical standards and significance in Turkish aviation.

Despite relatively low passenger traffic, Çorlu Airport boasts modern infrastructure. Its runway, 3,000 metres in length, is equipped with an Instrument Landing System (ILS), allowing it to accommodate various types of aircraft under different weather conditions. The passenger terminal, covering over 6,500 m², is designed to handle up to 600,000 people per year, ensuring a comfortable experience for passengers. The airport is also actively used for cargo, private, and charter flights, serving as a convenient alternative to the busy Istanbul airports for travel within the European part of Turkey.

Below is the essential contact information for Çorlu Atatürk Airport (TEQ), which serves the city of Tekirdağ and its surrounding areas.

• Official Website: Current information on flights, services, and airport regulations can be found on the official page of the General Directorate of State Airports Authority of Turkey (DHMİ): www.dhmi.gov.tr.
• Information Desk Phone: For general inquiries, you can call: +90 282 682 40 36.
• Airport Address: Tekirdağ Çorlu Atatürk Havalimanı, 59850, Çorlu/Tekirdağ, Türkiye.
• Email: For written inquiries and requests, you may use the official email: infocorlu@dhmi.gov.tr.
• Social Media: The airport does not have separate verified social media pages. All official information is published on the centralized DHMİ resources.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of lost checked baggage, you must first contact the Lost & Found service of your airline. If items were lost within the terminal building, please contact the airport's Lost & Found office via the main phone number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For consultations and passenger assistance, it is recommended to use the airport's main telephone number or email address.

Çorlu Airport (TEQ) is located in the province of Tekirdağ, serving both the eponymous city and the industrial hub of Çorlu. There are several ways to reach the terminal, depending on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. Despite its compact size compared to giants like Istanbul Airport, it acts as a convenient gateway to the European part of Turkey.

The most budget-friendly option is public transport. Dedicated shuttle buses and city minibuses (dolmuş) operate between the airport, Çorlu city centre, and Tekirdağ. The journey from Çorlu centre takes approximately 20–30 minutes. It is recommended to check the current schedule in advance, especially if your flight is early in the morning or late at night. This method is ideal for those travelling light.

For those who value comfort and time, taxis or private transfers are the optimal choice. Official taxis are stationed directly outside the arrivals area. A trip to Çorlu centre takes about 15-20 minutes, and to Tekirdağ about 45-60 minutes. The cost will be higher than the bus, but it is the fastest and most convenient way to get to your hotel, especially with heavy luggage or young children.

If you plan to actively explore the region, consider renting a car. Several car rental desks operate at the airport, allowing you to book a vehicle for the duration of your trip. This provides complete freedom of movement. For those arriving at the airport in their own vehicle, a guarded car park is available with zones for both short-term and long-term parking.

Çorlu Atatürk Airport (TEQ) is a compact and functional aviation hub featuring one passenger terminal. This building serves both domestic and international flights, significantly simplifying navigation for travellers.

The airport layout is extremely simple. The terminal is a single-story building where all key zones are within walking distance of each other. Immediately upon entry, you will find the check-in counters, followed by the security screening area. Thanks to its small size and clear layout, getting lost here is practically impossible, even if you are visiting for the first time.

Since the airport has only one terminal, there is no need for transfers between buildings. All procedures—from check-in to boarding—take place within a single complex.

Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated but located nearby. The departure hall includes several check-in counters, customs and passport control points, and a small waiting area with boarding gates. The arrival zone is located in another part of the building and is equipped with a baggage claim belt and an exit to the city, where taxis and buses await passengers.

A distinctive feature of the terminal is its compactness and focus on rapid passenger flow. There are no huge shopping galleries or myriad restaurants here as found in the Istanbul giants. However, for a comfortable wait, basic amenities are provided: a few cafes, a small Duty Free shop for international passengers, and car rental desks.

Check-in and security screening at Çorlu Airport usually take significantly less time than in major hubs. On average, all formalities can be settled in 30–60 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive in advance, especially during peak seasons or for international flights, following the advice of your airline.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow the signs, which are in Turkish and English. Due to the simple layout, the best advice is to simply move from the entrance to the check-in counters, then to the security zone, and finally to the boarding gate. The entire path is intuitive and will not cause any difficulties.

Çorlu Atatürk Airport, located in the city of Tekirdağ, began its history as a military airfield. A significant milestone in its development was its opening to civil aviation in 1998. Since then, it has served both domestic and international flights, becoming a significant transport hub for the Thrace region and an important auxiliary air harbour for Istanbul.

The primary goal of creating the civil terminal was to reduce the load on Istanbul's congested airports and develop transport infrastructure in the European part of Turkey. Since its opening, the terminal has been modernized several times to meet modern standards of passenger and airline service. Çorlu Airport quickly became popular among charter and budget carriers, and also carved out a niche in air cargo transport thanks to its convenient location near major industrial zones.

One interesting fact in the airport's history is its dual purpose: it is still used as both a military airbase and a civilian airport. Its runway is long enough to accommodate almost all types of modern aircraft, including wide-body jets. During periods of adverse weather conditions in Istanbul, Çorlu Airport often serves as a primary diversion airfield, accepting flights redirected from the metropolis, which underscores its strategic importance in the national aviation system.

Çorlu Airport (TEQ) is a compact and functional terminal providing passengers with all essential services for a comfortable journey. Before departure or after arrival, you can relax in one of the cafes serving drinks, fresh pastries, and light snacks. For those looking for souvenirs or travel essentials, small shops are available. International passengers can utilize the Duty Free shop.

For a more comfortable wait, a CIP lounge may be available at the airport. It is recommended to check access conditions with your airline representatives or at the information desk. Wireless internet access (Wi-Fi) is available throughout the terminal, and charging stations for electronic devices are installed in the waiting halls to ensure you stay connected.

ATMs and currency exchange points are located within the terminal building. In case of unforeseen situations or feeling unwell, a medical point is available at the airport, ready to provide first aid. For passengers travelling with small children, mother and child rooms (baby care rooms) are equipped with changing tables and everything necessary for baby care.

Çorlu Airport is fully adapted to serve passengers with reduced mobility. For their convenience, ramps, special restrooms, and an escort service are provided; the latter should be booked in advance through the airline. There are no hotels within the terminal itself, but a wide selection of hotels is available in the city of Çorlu and nearby Tekirdağ, which can be easily reached by taxi or transfer.

Specialized business centres or conference halls are absent on the airport premises. Business travellers needing to hold meetings or work events are advised to use the facilities of numerous hotels in Çorlu, which offer well-equipped spaces for these purposes.

Çorlu Airport (TEQ) is a small regional airport, so the selection of dining establishments here is quite modest and designed primarily for passengers waiting for their flights. One should not expect the variety found in major international hubs, but grabbing a snack or a coffee before departure is certainly possible.

Location and Types of Establishments

The main food outlets are concentrated in the airport's single terminal. Typically, they are small cafes or buffets rather than full-service restaurants.

• Landside (Public Area): Before passing through passport control and security, a small cafe is usually available. Both departing passengers and those seeing them off can have a snack here. The assortment includes drinks (tea, coffee, water, juices), sandwiches, pastries, and light snacks.
• Airside (Departure Area): After passing security control, in the secure area, there is also at least one food outlet. The selection here may be even more limited, but everything necessary for a light snack before boarding is available.

What to Try

The assortment is mostly standard for airports. For a quick snack, sandwiches, toast, or traditional Turkish pastries such as simit (sesame bagel) or börek (layered pastry with cheese or meat) are excellent choices. For a full meal, options are unlikely to be found, so it is better to eat in the city beforehand.

Special Dietary Preferences

Options for passengers with special dietary needs are limited. All meat products are Halal by default. Vegetarians will be able to find options with cheese, such as sandwiches or börek. However, finding certified vegan or gluten-free dishes will be extremely difficult. If you have strict dietary restrictions, it is recommended to bring food with you.

Prices and Opening Hours

Prices at Çorlu Airport, like most airports worldwide, are higher than the city average. Cafe opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule and may change depending on the season and airport traffic. At night, if there are no flights, establishments may be closed.

To ensure your journey through Çorlu Airport in Tekirdağ goes smoothly, use these tips. Çorlu Airport is relatively small, so processes here often move faster than in major hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive 2–2.5 hours before international flights and 1.5–2 hours before domestic ones. This will give you sufficient time in case of unforeseen queues, especially during the peak tourist season.

To save time, use online check-in if your airline offers this option. This will allow you to avoid queues at the check-in counters. When passing through security control, have your documents ready in advance, and remove laptops and other large gadgets from your carry-on luggage. Liquids up to 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag. Remember that carry-on luggage rules may differ between airlines, so always check the current requirements on their official website.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: a window seat offers beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat provides more legroom and the freedom to stand up easily. Seats by emergency exits are usually the most spacious, but their allocation may incur a fee and comes with specific passenger requirements. To save money, bring an empty water bottle that can be filled after passing security, and light snacks that are permitted on board.

Çorlu Airport mainly serves direct flights, so long layovers are rare here. If you do have a connection planned, check if you need to collect your luggage and check in again. When arriving in Turkey from another country, you will undergo customs control. If you have no goods to declare, proceed through the "Green Channel". Otherwise, you must use the "Red Channel".

In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information and instructions. Monitor the departure boards for updates. Depending on the length of the delay, the carrier is obliged to provide drinks, meals, and for long waits, hotel accommodation. Be sure to keep all receipts for expenses incurred due to the delay for potential future compensation.