Getting to Turkey: resort airports, Istanbul and charter flights

Which airport to pick for a resort, how Istanbul's two airports differ and how to compare prices on seasonal flights.

For a beach holiday people usually fly straight to the resort: Antalya (AYT), Dalaman (DLM), Bodrum (BJV), Izmir (ADB). In summer there are many direct and charter flights there from neighbouring countries, and noticeably fewer outside the season. Istanbul has two major airports: Istanbul Airport (IST), a large connecting hub, and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side, which low-cost carriers use more often. The travel time to the centre differs, so take it into account.

Direct flight or via Istanbul

A direct flight to the resort saves time but may not operate in the shoulder season. Istanbul is a convenient connection to many destinations in Europe, Asia and Africa, and a ticket with a connection is sometimes cheaper than a direct one. If the legs are bought separately and the first flight is late, the second airline owes you nothing, so allow a time margin or buy a single ticket.

How to compare prices

Compare the final price with baggage, not the fare. In high season tickets and accommodation are noticeably dearer, and even a shift of a few days sometimes lowers the price. Charters sell seats in packages with accommodation, so check exactly what is included.

Before you buy

Entry rules depend on citizenship: check the visa or electronic permit you need on official government sites, not through intermediaries. Below is a partner flight card (advertising), and our converter makes it easy to work out the total costs.