Hatay Airport

Hatay Airport is located within the boundaries of Hatay Province, at the southernmost tip of Türkiye place. The airport is 27 km from Hatay’s Antakya district and 30 km from İskenderun. Hatay Airport first opened for service on 9 December 2007 and is operational for both domestic and international flights, with the following international aviation codes:

• ICAO Code: LTDA
• IATA Code: HTY.

The airport has a single runway measuring 3000 metres in length and 45 metres in width. On 8 March 2011, new terminal buildings for domestic and international flights were put into service. The total area of the terminal buildings is 46,826 m².

Hatay Airport plays a critical role in the transportation infrastructure of Hatay, one of Türkiye’s important industry and trade centres. The opening of international flights at the airport holds significant importance for the development of its industrial, commercial, agricultural and tourism like sectors.

In 2008, Hatay Airport was declared a temporary border crossing point and opened to international flights. On 20 June 2008, a decision by the Ministry of Interior officially designated it as an authorized border crossing facility.

The airport’s international status has significantly contributed to Hatay’s economic potential by providing global access to businesses demonstrating growth in agriculture, industry and trade activity. It has also enhanced Hatay’s historical, cultural and religious tourism potential.

The earthquakes centred in Kahramanmaraş on 6 February 2023 caused extensive damage to Hatay Airport. Following the earthquake, cracks and fractures appeared on the runway, the terminal building suffered harm, and the airport was temporarily closed.

During this period, a specific section of the runway was temporarily repaired and remained in use for evacuation flights and humanitarian aid operations. However, a comprehensive rehabilitation process was initiated to restore the airport’s full operational capacity.

As part of the renewal and strengthening works carried out at Hatay Airport after Earthquake:

• The runway’s load-bearing capacity was increased and constructed on a waterproof fill base.
• Works were conducted to reinforce the terminal building, renew mechanical systems, and enhance environmental safety measures.
• A 14-kilometre perimeter security wall was rebuilt to protect the airport against potential flooding.

In addition, plans have been made for the construction of a new 3,000-metre runway, a parallel taxiway 2,720 metres in length, two rapid-exit taxiways, and four connecting taxiways. The works are targeted for completion in the first quarter of 2026.

As of 29 March 2024, commercial flights have resumed at Hatay Airport. Following the runway reinforcement and repair works after the earthquake, passenger flights in both departure and arrival directions have been reinstated. During the first nine days, 16 flights were operated, transporting a total of 4,349 passengers.

During this period, airlines including Pegasus, Turkish Airlines and Ajet began limited operations from Hatay Airport. However, full capacity operations cannot be achieved until ongoing construction and strengthening works are completed.

A budget of 13 billion Turkish Lira has been allocated to complete the renewal process for Hatay Airport. Upon completion of the works, together:

• The airport will be equipped with an entirely new infrastructure,
• It will be made resilient to natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods,
• It will begin operating at a capacity capable of handling high passenger volumes.

Since its opening in 2007, Hatay Airport has served as a regional air transport hub. Due to severe damage sustained in the 2023 earthquake, it was unable to operate for an extended period, but it resumed flights as of 2024. A renewal process extending until 2026 has been planned to restore full-capacity operations. Upon completion, Hatay Airport will have a modern infrastructure designed to withstand floods and earthquakes.