Ankara Esenboğa International Airport (ESB)
Ankara Esenboğa International Airport (ESB)
Ankara Esenboğa International Airport (ESB) – The Gateway to Turkey’s Capital
Overview of Esenboğa International Airport (ESB)
Ankara Esenboğa International Airport (ESB) is the main airport of Turkey’s capital, Ankara, serving as a key domestic and international gateway. Located 28 km northeast of Ankara city center, Esenboğa Airport has been operational since 1955 and is one of Turkey’s busiest airports.
Managed by TAV Airports, Esenboğa Airport offers modern facilities, efficient passenger services, and a strategic location connecting Turkey’s political and administrative center to the world. The airport has received awards for environmental sustainability and provides a seamless travel experience for both business and leisure travelers.
Key features of Esenboğa Airport (ESB):
- Two terminals (domestic & international) under one roof
- Direct connections to major Turkish and international cities
- Fast and efficient check-in, security, and immigration procedures
- Luxury shopping, duty-free stores, restaurants, and business lounges
- Easy transport options, including buses, taxis, and rental cars
Ankara Esenboğa Airport is an essential travel hub, offering a comfortable and well-connected airport experience for millions of passengers annually.
Flights from Esenboğa Airport (ESB) to Ercan International Airport (ECN) in Northern Cyprus
Ercan International Airport (ECN), located near Nicosia (Lefkoşa), is the main airport of Northern Cyprus. Due to international travel restrictions, all flights to Ercan must first land in Turkey, making Esenboğa Airport (ESB) a key transit point for travelers to Northern Cyprus.
Direct Flight Restrictions
- No direct international flights to Ercan (ECN) from outside Turkey.
- All flights must first land in a Turkish airport, such as Ankara, Istanbul, or Izmir.
Airlines Operating ESB – ECN Flights
Several airlines operate daily direct flights from Esenboğa Airport to Ercan Airport:
- Turkish Airlines – Full-service flights with premium comfort.
- Pegasus Airlines – A low-cost carrier offering multiple daily flights.
- AnadoluJet – A budget-friendly option operated by Turkish Airlines.
Flight Duration
- ESB to ECN: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
- Layovers: If coming from an international destination, a short stopover in Ankara may be required.
Baggage Policies & Visa Requirements
- No visa required for Turkish and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) citizens.
- Foreign nationals should check TRNC visa policies before booking flights.
- Baggage allowances vary by airline, so it’s advisable to check before departure.
Esenboğa Airport provides frequent and affordable flight options for those traveling to Northern Cyprus, making it an ideal departure point.
Flights from Esenboğa Airport (ESB) to Southern Cyprus Airports (Larnaca & Paphos)
Southern Cyprus has two main international airports:
- Larnaca International Airport (LCA) – The busiest airport, near Larnaca city.
- Paphos International Airport (PFO) – A smaller airport catering mainly to tourists and leisure travelers.
Flight Restrictions and Travel Considerations
- There are no direct flights from Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB) to Larnaca (LCA) or Paphos (PFO) due to Turkey’s non-recognition of the Republic of Cyprus.
- Passengers must transit via another country (e.g., Greece, the UK, or Germany) to reach Southern Cyprus.
- Turkish passport holders require a visa to enter the Republic of Cyprus.
Popular Transit Routes from ESB to LCA or PFO
Since direct flights are unavailable, passengers must transit through a third country such as:
- Athens, Greece (ATH) – A frequent stopover option with direct flights to Cyprus.
- London, UK (LHR, LGW, STN) – Various airlines offer ESB–London–LCA/PFO routes.
- Frankfurt, Germany (FRA) – A major hub with connections to Cyprus.
- Rome, Italy (FCO) – Another common transit city.
Airlines Offering ESB to LCA/PFO via Transit Cities
- Aegean Airlines (via Athens)
- Lufthansa (via Frankfurt)
- British Airways (via London)
- Turkish Airlines & Partner Airlines (via Schengen zone countries)
Travel Time and Costs
- Total journey time: 5-10 hours, depending on layovers.
- Ticket prices vary but tend to be higher than flights to Ercan (ECN) due to limited flight options.
Baggage & Visa Requirements
- EU citizens can enter Cyprus visa-free.
- Turkish citizens require a Cyprus visa, subject to approval.
- Baggage policies depend on the airline and transit route.
Since direct travel from Ankara to Southern Cyprus is not possible, passengers must carefully plan their transit routes when booking flights.
Comparison: Esenboğa to Northern vs. Southern Cyprus Flights
Feature ESB → Ercan (ECN) ESB → Larnaca (LCA) / Paphos (PFO)
Direct Flights ✅ Yes (via Turkey only) ❌ No (requires transit)
Airlines Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, AnadoluJet Aegean, British Airways, Lufthansa (via transit)
Flight Time ~1.5 hours 5-10 hours (with layover)
Visa for Turkish Citizens ❌ No visa required ✅ Visa required
Entry Restrictions Must transit via Turkey Requires EU/Schengen transit
Cost More affordable Generally higher
For travelers looking for direct and convenient flights, Esenboğa Airport (ESB) is the best option for reaching Northern Cyprus (Ercan Airport - ECN). However, those traveling to Southern Cyprus (Larnaca or Paphos) will require a transit stop and the appropriate visa arrangements.
Choosing the Best Flight Route from Esenboğa Airport (ESB) to Cyprus
Esenboğa International Airport (ESB) serves as an important gateway for travelers heading to Cyprus, offering different flight options based on their destination:
- For Northern Cyprus (Ercan Airport – ECN):
- Direct flights available (via Turkey).
- No visa required for Turkish citizens.
- Fast and affordable travel options.
- For Southern Cyprus (Larnaca & Paphos):
- No direct flights – requires transit via a third country.
- Visa required for Turkish passport holders.
- Longer and potentially costlier travel.
Travelers can choose their ideal route based on their travel needs, budget, and visa requirements. With its strategic location and modern facilities, Esenboğa Airport provides smooth and efficient connectivity for passengers traveling to Cyprus.
