Antalya Airport expands to welcome millions more British holidaymakers

Massive £730million upgrade promises more flights and cheaper fares for British tourists

Antalya Airport – one of Europe’s busiest holiday gateways – is undergoing a massive upgrade to cope with millions more tourists flooding into Turkey.

The £730million (€850million) expansion, which began in 2022 and is due to complete by early 2026, will see the airport’s passenger capacity almost double – helping it handle up to 82 million visitors a year.

Fraport AG, which co-operates the airport alongside TAV Airports Holding, says the expansion was crucial to meet soaring demand for Mediterranean holidays, particularly during the scorching summer months.

“Antalya has become one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations,” Fraport AG CEO Dr Stefan Schulte, said.

“With this investment, we are creating the infrastructure for future growth – and strengthening the region’s tourism sector.”

Antalya Airport is already Turkey’s second-busiest airport after Istanbul – and a lifeline for sun-seeking Brits and Germans escaping to the Turquoise Coast. 

In 2023 alone, it handled a staggering 37 million passengers.

The new-look airport will boast a vast expansion to Terminal 2, a completely rebuilt Domestic Terminal, plus new taxiways and aircraft parking areas. 

Once complete, its capacity will rival the biggest European hubs.

“More than ever, holidaymakers want easy access to beautiful destinations – and Antalya delivers,” said TAV Airports CEO Serkan Kaptan.

The project is expected to bring a significant economic boost to the region, generating thousands of construction and airport jobs and helping local businesses capitalise on the extended tourist season.

Officials say the terminal upgrades will include new departure lounges, upgraded security areas, modern baggage systems, and improved transport links for arrivals and departures.

Fraport and TAV are investing £515 million (€600 million) into the expansion as part of the airport’s operating concession, with a further £215 million (€250 million) already paid upfront to the Turkish government.

The joint venture partners will run Antalya Airport until the end of 2051 – a contract that reflects their long-term commitment to Turkey’s booming travel industry.

Dr Schulte said the airport plays a “vital role” in keeping the region connected and competitive, especially as travel demand soars post-pandemic.

Last year, Germany, Russia, and the UK topped the list of countries sending tourists to Antalya – with millions flying in for its sunny beaches, all-inclusive resorts and ancient ruins.

In high season, the airport welcomes over 1,000 aircraft movements per day – a number expected to grow rapidly once the expansion is complete.

“Antalya has the perfect blend of infrastructure and natural beauty,” added Kaptan. “This project ensures the airport keeps pace with demand while offering travellers a world-class experience.”

Fraport and TAV first took over airport operations in 2007. The new concession, awarded in 2021, gave the green light for this latest phase of development.

Construction has continued at full speed, with parts of the expansion already operational and others on track for a 2026 finish.

Schulte says he is proud of the team’s progress – and confident the final result will cement Antalya’s place as “the number-one gateway to the Turkish Riviera.”

With Turkey expecting another record-breaking summer season, the airport is bracing for even more passengers in 2025 – and promising quicker, smoother journeys for all.

“Tourism is vital for Turkey’s economy,” said Kaptan. “This airport is a key driver of that success.”

Antalya’s popularity has soared in recent years thanks to its year-round sunshine, affordable luxury resorts and direct flights from across Europe and beyond.

The airport also serves as a growing hub for domestic travel within Turkey, with better connections set to support regional development.

For now, travellers can expect some construction disruption – but airport bosses say the long-term benefits far outweigh the temporary inconvenience.

Photo: Fraport