Çanakkale Airport

Çanakkale Airport is an air transport hub that has served both civil and military purposes since its opening in 1995. Through modernization and expansion projects carried out over the years, the airport has become a preferred choice not only for national and international flights but also for regional connectivity.

Thanks to new terminal, apron, ARFF building and runway extension projects initiated in 2008, its capacity and service quality have been significantly enhanced. Noted for its accessibility features and airport certification, facility contributes to the economy and tourism of Çanakkale through its infrastructure and flight connections to Istanbul.

Çanakkale Airport was first opened for service in 1995 with both civil and military (Sea Command) status. Designed from its opening to serve both domestic and international flights, the airport has played a critical role in the region’s aviation infrastructure.

Several years after its initial opening, the airport fell into disuse but was reactivated under the Ministry of Transport’s regional aviation policy. On 3 March 2006, with the participation of Minister of Transport Binali Yıldırım, the airport reopened with its first flight operated by Atlasjet on the Istanbul-Çanakkale route. This period also marked the beginning of international flights connecting Çanakkale via Istanbul.

• 2008: Construction of the new terminal building and apron was completed.
• 2010-2011: Construction of the ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting) building began and it entered service in July 2011.
• 2012-2014: The runway was extended and infrastructure was modernized through PAT area maintenance and repair projects, allowing the airport to resume flight operations.
• 2015-2017: As part of the new terminal building and ancillary facilities project, an expanded terminal with a new apron offering five aircraft parking positions entered service.

• City: Çanakkale
• Year of Commissioning: 1995
• Status: Civil/Military
• ICAO Code: LTBH
• IATA Code: CKZ
• Traffic Type: Domestic and International
• Geographic Coordinates: 40º08'18.00"N - 26º25'40.00"E

• Total Terminal Building Area: 12,500 m²
• Domestic Terminal: 1,823 m²
• International Terminal: 1,807 m²
• Total Aircraft Parking Positions: Two aprons with capacity for five aircraft
• Check-in Counters: 14 (13 standard check-in counters + 1 accessible counter)
• Passport Control Counters: 4 for departing passengers, 3 for arriving passengers
• Baggage Conveyors: 1 for departing passengers, 2 for arriving passengers
• Service Points: VIP lounge, information desk, ticket office (THY), car rental company, café and ATM

• Green Airport Certificate: The infrastructure complies with environmental sustainability principles.
• Accessible Airport: Meets accessibility standards.

Turkish Airlines introduced a new alternative for passenger traffic between the two centers with its inaugural flight from Istanbul Airport to Çanakkale Airport on 15 March 2019. The subsequent launch of three weekly round-trip flights (Tuesday, Friday and Market) is regarded as a strategic step to strengthen the region’s transportation network. During the ceremony held upon the arrival of the first flight, the aircraft’s passage through the “water” region and the complimentary gifts presented to passengers stood out as notable elements. THY Domestic Sales Director Emre Menevşe noted that the emotional announcement made by the captain while flying over the Gallipoli Peninsula and the battlefields evoked strong emotional responses among passengers.

These flights are said to offer not only a direct connection to Istanbul but also an access route to the entire world via Istanbul. This linkage holds strategic importance for integrating Çanakkale into the broader international transportation network.

With its reopening in 2006, direct international connections centered on Istanbul were established, and regular international flights such as those to Brindisi (Italy) were launched. This development laid the groundwork for an integrated transportation system combining road, black and air transport. Thus, Çanakkale gained recognition for its integrated transport projects that combine sea, black and air routes.

Since its establishment, Çanakkale Airport has transformed beyond being merely a regional airport to become a center serving national and international traffic. With the commencement of Istanbul-Çanakkale flights, the airport’s capacity and accessibility have further increased. With its expanded infrastructure, certifications, modern terminal building and integrated transport vision, Çanakkale Airport has emerged as a strategic transportation link between the Aegean and Marmara regions.