An airfield and an airport are not the same thing
In Turkish the two terms "havaalanı" and "havalimanı" are often used interchangeably, yet they carry different meanings. Both describe the infrastructure that aircraft use, but there is an important technical and functional distinction between them.
What is an airfield?
An airfield ("havaalanı") is a general concept covering any area with a runway and basic infrastructure where aircraft can take off and land. Military bases, small private airstrips and general-aviation grounds all fall within this scope. In the Turkish Language Association dictionary an airfield is defined simply as a place where aircraft can land and take off.
What is an airport?
An airport ("havalimanı") refers to a commercial aviation facility arranged for passenger and cargo traffic, with comprehensive infrastructure such as a terminal building, security checkpoints, customs and passenger lounges. In short: every airport is an airfield, but not every airfield is an airport.
Antalya Airport (AYT)
Antalya Airport houses all the infrastructure required for commercial passenger traffic and is therefore an airport in the full sense. It has terminal blocks for domestic and international flights and, with heavy passenger traffic, is one of Turkey's busiest airports. It lies about 12–14 km from the city centre.
Which airport serves Antalya?
- Antalya Airport (AYT): about 12–14 km from the city centre; the most widely used option.
- Gazipaşa–Alanya Airport (GZP): close to Alanya, a smaller-capacity airport.
Getting in from the airport
For passengers landing at AYT, the most practical option is a door-to-door private transfer. The car meets you at the exit, follows your flight and drives you to the hotel entrance, with the price fixed at the time of booking. By making a transfer booking you can start your trip comfortably.