Denizli Çardak Airport is positioned not only as a transportation hub but also as a strategic infrastructure element for the economic, touristic, and social development of the region. Established in the Çardak district, which is part of Denizli province, located in the southeast of the Aegean Region in western Türkiye, this airport is a dual-use facility serving both civil and military purposes. Geographically located 63 kilometers from the city center, the airport has gained an identity as an airport open to both domestic and international line flights with its modern infrastructure and developed service capacity.
History and Establishment Process
Initial Setup and Prefabricated Period
The commencement of passenger services at Denizli Çardak Airport dates back to 1991. Initially operating in a prefabricated terminal building of only 250 m², the airport was opened during this period within the framework of the protocol titled “Use of Military Airfields for Civil Aviation Services” signed between DHMİ and the Turkish Air Force.
Expansion and New Terminal
As the existing facility became insufficient due to increasing passenger traffic, a new 2000 m² prefabricated terminal transferred from another airport was put into service in 1998. However, when this capacity also proved insufficient over time, a transition to a larger and more modern structure was made with the new 16,890 m² terminal building, whose foundation was laid in 2001 and which entered service on April 23, 2008.
Status Change and Developments
With the regulations made by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation in 2009, the airport's status was changed from "permitted use" to "free use", allowing private airline companies' aircraft to stay overnight here. This change made the airport more attractive for airline companies.
Physical Infrastructure and Technical Specifications
Runway and Taxiways
One of the most notable infrastructure features of Denizli Çardak Airport is the length and strength of its runway. The runway information is as follows:
- Runway Direction: 05/23
- Length: 3000 meters
- Width: 45 meters
- Pavement Type: Asphalt
- Strength: PCN 70
Furthermore, the airport has very wide taxiways and apron areas. This situation allows large-bodied aircraft to land and take off comfortably.
Terminal Area
The current terminal building has a total size of 16,890 m² and covers domestic, international, and general aviation areas. This size has been planned to correspond to a capacity of 2,200,000 passengers per year.
Apron and Parking
The airport has an apron area measuring 110x204 m with a strength of PCN 110. This apron has a total capacity for 5 aircraft. The parking capacity is 436 vehicles, and **36** of these are reserved for large vehicles.
Transportation and Accessibility
Transportation to the airport, located 63 kilometers from Denizli city center, is provided by various means:
- Taxi
- Bus
- Shuttle services
Furthermore, the airport, which received the “Accessible Airport Establishment” certificate on March 20, 2014, within the scope of the SHGM Accessible Airport Project, has suitable infrastructure for physically disabled individuals.
Social Facilities and Services
Many facilities that passengers may need are provided at the airport terminal:
- VIP Lounge: Available
- Café and Restaurant: Available
- Bank Service: Provided via ATM
- Health Service: Available
These services aim to increase the comfort of both domestic and international passengers.
Location and Codes
Denizli Çardak Airport has the following technical codes:
- ICAO Code: LTAY
- IATA Code: DNZ
- Geographical Coordinates: 37°47′16″N, 29°42′18″E
- Elevation: 852 meters
Strategic Importance and Regional Contribution
Çardak Airport, serving Denizli province, which has great potential for thermal health tourism, culture tourism, sports tourism, and congress tourism, also plays an important role in regional development. Especially due to its proximity to tourist centers such as Pamukkale and Hierapolis, which are on the UNESCO World Heritage list, it is a preferred transportation point for foreign tourists.
Furthermore, in terms of export and import activities, it has gained a structure that supports foreign trade thanks to its declaration as a customs gate.
Denizli Çardak Airport has become an indispensable center for air transportation in the Aegean Region, thanks to the infrastructural transformation it has undergone since its establishment, the modern services it offers, and its strategic location. With the balance it has established between military and civil aviation, its open structure for national and international flights, and its expanded terminal and runway facilities, it stands out as an air transport hub with further growth potential in the future.
