Antalya International Airport (AYT)
Antalya International Airport (AYT)
Antalya International Airport (AYT) – The Gateway to Turkey’s Mediterranean Coast
Overview of Antalya International Airport (AYT)
Antalya International Airport (AYT) is one of Turkey’s busiest airports, located 13 km northeast of Antalya city center. It serves as the main gateway to Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, welcoming millions of tourists each year. The airport is a crucial hub for both domestic and international flights, especially during the peak summer season.
With three terminals (Domestic Terminal, Terminal 1, and Terminal 2), Antalya Airport handles flights from over 120 countries, connecting travelers to major European, Middle Eastern, and Asian destinations. It is a key base for Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, SunExpress, and numerous charter airlines.
Key highlights of Antalya Airport (AYT):
- Three modern terminals offering world-class facilities
- Direct flights to major European and Middle Eastern cities
- Efficient check-in, security, and immigration processes
- Luxury shopping, duty-free stores, and international dining
- Easy transportation options, including taxis, buses, and car rentals
Antalya Airport is a top choice for holidaymakers heading to Turkey’s famous resorts in Antalya, Belek, Side, Alanya, and Kemer.
Flights from Antalya Airport (AYT) to Ercan International Airport (ECN) in Northern Cyprus
Ercan International Airport (ECN) is the main airport in Northern Cyprus, located near Nicosia (Lefkoşa). Due to political restrictions, all flights to Ercan must transit through Turkey, making Antalya a key transit hub for travelers heading to Northern Cyprus.
Direct Flight Restrictions
- No direct international flights to Ercan (ECN).
- All flights must first land in a Turkish airport before continuing to Ercan.
Airlines Operating AYT – ECN Flights
Several airlines operate daily direct flights from Antalya to Ercan:
- Turkish Airlines – Premium service with multiple daily flights.
- Pegasus Airlines – Budget-friendly flights with frequent schedules.
- AnadoluJet – Turkish Airlines’ low-cost subsidiary.
Flight Duration
- AYT to ECN: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
- Layovers: If coming from an international destination, a short stopover in Antalya may be required.
Baggage Policies & Visa Requirements
- No visa required for Turkish and TRNC citizens.
- Foreign travelers should check the TRNC entry policies before booking flights.
- Baggage allowances vary by airline, so checking in advance is recommended.
Antalya Airport provides frequent and affordable flight options for those traveling to Northern Cyprus, making it an ideal departure point.
Flights from Antalya Airport (AYT) to Southern Cyprus Airports (Larnaca & Paphos)
Southern Cyprus has two main international airports:
- Larnaca International Airport (LCA) – The largest airport, near Larnaca city.
- Paphos International Airport (PFO) – A smaller airport catering mainly to tourists.
Flight Restrictions and Travel Considerations
- There are no direct flights from Antalya (AYT) to Larnaca (LCA) or Paphos (PFO) due to the political situation 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 AYT 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 AYT–London–LCA/PFO routes.
- Frankfurt, Germany (FRA) – A major hub with connections to Cyprus.
- Rome, Italy (FCO) – Another common transit city.
Airlines Offering AYT 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 Antalya to Southern Cyprus is not possible, passengers must carefully plan their transit routes when booking flights.
Comparison: Antalya to Northern vs. Southern Cyprus Flights
Feature AYT → Ercan (ECN) AYT → 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, Antalya Airport (AYT) 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 Antalya Airport (AYT) to Cyprus
Antalya International Airport (AYT) 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, Antalya Airport provides smooth and efficient connectivity for passengers traveling to Cyprus.
For UK travelers, direct flights to Southern Cyprus (LCA/PFO) offer the best travel experience, while those heading to Northern Cyprus (ECN) must plan for a stopover in Turkey.
