Antalya Airport new international terminal welcomes first passengers

The largest holiday gateway in the Mediterranean, Antalya Airport expanded its terminal and airside capacity, introducing a brand-new passenger experience.

In this first phase, TAV Airports and Fraport have invested EUR 850 million to increase annual capacity to 65 million passengers annually. The gateway to the Turkish Riviera, Antalya Airport welcomed its first passengers in the expanded T2 terminal.

Passengers from SunExpress flight XQ301 from Ercan are greeted with flowers and gifts. TAV Airports and Fraport JV completed the first phase of expansion works in Antalya in less than three years. In the first phase, annual capacity is 65 million passengers and during the concession period the capacity will reach over 80 million passengers. Area of international terminal T2 and domestic terminal almost doubled to 225 000 sqm and 75 000 sqm, respectively. Total commercial area almost tripled and the lounge, F&B and retail offers at T2 are completely redesigned. Additionally, 1.4 million sqm of apron works significantly increased the number of aircraft parking spaces to 202. A multi-story carpark, new taxiways, connecting roads, aircraft maintenance hangars, general aviation terminal and other facilities are completed as part of this first phase of investments. TAV Airports CEO Serkan Kaptan said “We are proud to complete the massive expansion project at Antalya Airport and welcome our first passengers at Türkiye’s second busiest hub in terms of international traffic. This investment will significantly elevate the passenger experience and provide the capacity for further traffic growth. It’s a strategic investment which lays the ground for airlines to base more aircraft in Antalya, and provides the necessary infrastructure to support the region’s long-term development.” Fraport CEO, Dr. Stefan Schulte, said: "The opening of the additional terminal areas is a milestone for us in strengthening Antalya’s position as the leading holiday airport in the Mediterranean region. The new infrastructure enables us to meet the rapidly increasing demand for air travel to the Turkish Riviera. This construction project has been a remarkable success. We have once again demonstrated our ability to implement complex, demanding projects in a very short timeframe." A completely new passenger experience A major focus of the expansion project, the lounge, F&B and shopping experience at Antalya Airport is taken to an entirely new level. The lounge portfolio has diversified and at Premium Lounge, guests are provided completely first-class services. The total commercial area almost tripled to 33 000 sqm. BFA, a partnership between BTA (60%) and Fraport (40%), brought together a varied and distinctive F&B offer at T2. The jewel crown of the F&B offer is a collaboration with the renowned Turkish chef Ömür Akkor, the “Taste of Anatolia”. Designed to reflect the culinary heritage of Anatolia, its offers modernized approach to traditional recipes, with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. In total the F&B offer at T2 includes 28 outlets and a total area of 7 500 sqm. BFA also provides the catering solutions at lounges. ATÜ Duty-Free begins operations in Antalya A leading brand in airport retail, ATÜ Duty-Free -a subsidiary of TAV Airports and Unifree Duty Free/Gebr. Heinemann- opened its flagship main store at T2 extension. In addition to that, a multi-brand fashion and accessories concept welcomes passengers. Its successful Old Bazaar concept is revived here with a wider variety of locally sourced food and souvenirs. ATÜ also has two arrival stores at T2 and stores at the piers will follow. The total duty-free area will eventually reach approximately 12 000 sqm. Two new lounges In T2, with the expansion project now there are three lounges in different tiers: Comfort, Elite and Premium. The Comfort Lounge -1000 sqm- will continue providing services to mainly loyalty program members and airline customers. Elite and Premium lounges -2500 and 500 sqm respectively- will serve passengers mainly in through collaborations with tour operators and hotels. All lounges have easy access to a separate duty-free store. Elite Lounge provides a wide variety of local cuisine featuring including most liked Turkish delicacies like pide, a playroom for kids and extra services including a massage room. Elite and Premium lounges have access to a terrace. At both lounges, guest can benefit from a butler service for their duty-free shopping across the terminal and can order from any F&B point, to be delivered to their table. Premium Lounge boasts a new level of luxury and comfort. A distinctive culinary experience is provided by an in-house chef and a la carte menu, plus a bar with rich options. The lounge has a Playstation gaming corner and a pool table, in addition to a massage room to relax. Premium Lounge has a separate entrance, where all controls can be done in an exclusive and convenient manner in minutes. The experience is complemented by transfers to the aircraft with luxury class vehicles.   Top environmental credentials Antalya Airport’s T2 International Terminal and T4 Domestic Terminal extension projects, will be registered for LEED Gold accreditation -one of the highest international standards in energy efficient buildings. Airport is already accredited at Level 3+ Carbon Neutrality at the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program. In this first phase, a 4-MW solar power plant is installed as part of the expansion works. 38 million passengers in 2024 In 2024, Antalya Airport served a total of 105 airlines flying to 229 destinations -214 international and 15 domestic- in 52 countries. It served 31.7 million international and 6.6 million domestic passengers -the highest in its history. Long-term financing secured TAV Airports and Fraport co-control the airport since 2018. In December 2021, the partnership extended their operation period for another 25 years, until the end of 2051. For the 25-year period beginning December 2026, total concession rent to be paid is 7.25 billion EUR + VAT. A quarter of the total concession fee was paid upfront to the State Airports Authority (DHMI). The first phase of the investment is 850 million EUR. The second phase involving a new international terminal will begin in 2038, and expected to be 165 million EUR. The JV and its lenders have signed the financing agreements for the long-term project finance facility.