Çukurova International Airport

Çukurova International Airport began operations on 10 August 2024 as one of Türkiye’s important infrastructure projects. Located in the Tarsus district of Mersin, the airport serves a wide region including Adana, Mersin, Osmaniye and Hatay, among others.

Infrastructure and Technical Specifications

The airport features a main runway 3,500 metres long and 60 metres wide, constructed to CAT-II standards. This runway is designed to accommodate the largest wide-body passenger aircraft for takeoff and landing opportunity. Additional infrastructure has been completed, including a secondary runway, high-speed taxiways, a passenger apron, a cargo apron and dedicated aircraft parking areas like.

Terminal Capacity and Service Areas

• Passenger Capacity: 9 million annually
• Apron Capacity: 48 aircraft parking positions
• Cargo Apron: 62,000 m², capable of handling four aircraft
• General Aviation Apron: 56,000 m², capable of handling 34 aircraft
• VIP Terminal: 2,960 m² area with two VIP lounges
• Duty-Free Shops: Two located in both departure and arrival passenger areas.

Contribution to the Regional Economy

Çukurova International Airport was designed to promote the growth of regional and international trade. It facilitates air transport of export goods from key economic centres such as the Mersin and Adana Organized Industrial Zones, İskenderun Bay Industrial Facilities and Yumurtalık Free Zone industry.

Employment and Economic Impact

The airport is projected to provide direct and indirect employment for approximately 3,000 people. Additionally, it is planned to generate 297 million 100 thousand euros in revenue over its 25-year lease period.

Connections and Transportation

The airport is a significant project in terms of integration of road, rail and air transport.

Road Connections

• D-400 State Road and motorway connections have been completed.
• A 15.9-kilometre divided highway built to motorway standards has been constructed.
• These connections enable rapid access to the city centres of Mersin and Adana.

Rail Connection

• Integration work with the Mersin-Adana-Osmaniye-Gaziantep High-Speed Railway is ongoing.
• Once completed in 2026, this project will allow travel from Adana and Mersin to the airport in 23 minutes.

Regional and International Significance

The airport is regarded as one of Türkiye’s key gateways to Middle Eastern countries. It is expected to enhance the region’s export capacity by facilitating the logistics of perishable agricultural products.

Air Network and Flights

• Initial flights commenced from Istanbul, İzmir and Moscow.
• Major airlines including THY, Pegasus and Aeroflot have launched operations at Çukurova International Airport.

Adana Şakirpaşa Airport Will Not Be Closed

Contrary to some speculation, the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure has confirmed that Adana Şakirpaşa Airport will not be closed. The new airport was built for joint use by Adana and Mersin and will strengthen the connection between the two cities.

Çukurova International Airport stands out as a significant step toward regional development and a strategic investment supporting the growth of Türkiye’s aviation sector. With its modern infrastructure, extensive flight network and logistical advantages, it is expected to enhance Türkiye’s strength in air transportation.