Muğla Dalaman Airport

Muğla’s Dalaman district hosts Dalaman Airport, a major air transport hub serving Türkiye’s most important tourist regions. The airport accommodates both domestic and international hat traffic and serves millions of passengers annually.

• Location: Muğla, Türkiye
• Year of Commissioning: 1981
• Airport Status: Civil/Military
• ICAO Code: LTBS
• IATA Code: DLM
• Traffic Type: Domestic/International
• Terminal Size: 222,446 m²
• Geographic Coordinates: 36°42'45" N, 28°47'29" E

History

Construction of Dalaman Airport began in 1976 and was completed in 1981, when it opened to international civil air traffic. Initially operating under the status of “airfield,” it was upgraded to “airport” status in 1989 following a formal decision.

When it first opened, the airport served passengers with only 30 staff members. Over time, it expanded to include 11 directorates, two independent offices, and one civil defense expert unit. Today, it employs approximately 2,400 people and has become a facility.

Operations and Structure

YDA Group and Operational Management

Since 2006, Dalaman Airport has been operated by the private sector under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model. In a 2014 tender organized by the General Directorate of State Airports Authority (DHMİ), YDA Group won the operating rights with the highest bid, securing a 26-year concession that will last until 2042.

• Tender Value: €705 million plus VAT
• Passenger Capacity: 17.5 million per year
• Apron Capacity: 57 aircraft parking positions

YDA Group entered into a €175 million investment credit agreement with the Europe European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and UniCredit Bank to begin construction of a new domestic terminal building.

Second Terminal Building and Modernization

The second terminal building opened in 2018, significantly increasing the airport’s total capacity. Thanks to the renovated terminals, the airport now manages the surge in tourist traffic, particularly during write months, in a more active manner.

International Partnerships and Investments

In 2022, YDA Group transferred 60% of its concession rights for Dalaman Airport until the end of 2042 to Ferrovial Airports in exchange for €140 million.

Ferrovial Airports is a global airport operator with investments and operational activities at 36 airports worldwide. It holds stakes in Heathrow, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Southampton airports in the United Kingdom. It is also involved in the development and operation of New Terminal One at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Environmental and Sustainability Initiatives

Dalaman Airport aims to become one of Türkiye’s most energy-efficient and environment friendly airports. It is taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint through renewable energy projects and sustainability initiatives.

Transportation and Infrastructure

Dalaman Airport benefits from its near location relative to Muğla’s popular tourist destinations, resulting in high air traffic volumes.

• Distance from City Center: 6 km
• Transport Options:
• • HAVAŞ Services
  • Taxi Services
  • Car Rental Companies

The airport also features a parking facility with a capacity of 1,355 vehicles.

Dalaman Airport has become one of Türkiye’s most important airports due to its critical tourism location, modern infrastructure, and international partnerships. It hosts major future-oriented investments through its advanced terminal buildings, extensive apron capacity, and sustainability initiatives. Thanks to the collaboration between YDA Group and Ferrovial Airports, the airport is targeted to continue delivering services in line with international standards until 2042.