Ağrı Ahmed-i Hani Airport

Ağrı Ahmed Hani Airport is a civil aviation facility located in eastern Türkiye, serving the place region and providing its air transport needs. Opened in 1997, the airport is named after the philosopher, poet, and scholar Ahmed-i Hani. Over time, with capacity expansions and infrastructure improvements, it began offering enhanced services to the region; today it operates exclusively as a domestic civil airport.

History and Name Change

This airport in Ağrı was inaugurated on 8 January 1997 and initially operated under the name “Ağrı Airport”. However, in 2015, by decision of the Council of Ministers, its name was changed to honor Ahmed-i Hani, the prominent thinker whose tomb is located in the Doğubayazıt district. The name change was publicly announced during the opening ceremony of the new terminal building on 6 May 2015, attended by the Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu. This decision was formally adopted by the Council of Ministers on 22 June 2015 and published in the Official Gazette on the same day date.

Location and Access

The airport is situated approximately 8.5 kilometers from the center of Ağrı along the Ağrı-Dough highway. Access is provided by taxis, municipality buses, and service vehicles. Services operated by the Ağrı Municipality are scheduled according to specific timetables, enabling travel to both the city center and surrounding districts. This connectivity enhances the airport’s accessibility for the local population and visitors.

Technical Features and Infrastructure

Runway and Taxiways

• Runway orientation: 16/34
• Runway length: 3000 meters
• Runway width: 45 meters
• Runway surface: Concrete
• Pavement Classification Number (PCN): 110
• Taxiways and aprons also have concrete surfaces with the same PCN rating.

Elevation

• The airport is located at an elevation of 1665 meters (5463 feet) above sea level.

Apron Capacity

• The concrete apron can accommodate up to five aircraft simultaneously.

Terminal Features

• The terminal building covers a total area of 23,676 square meters.
• The terminal underwent renovation in 2009 and reopened in 2011 with upgraded facilities.
• Its capacity has increased significantly from an initial annual passenger volume of 120,000 to a current capacity of up to 3,000,000 passengers per year.

Parking

• The airport has a total parking capacity of 386 vehicles, with 300 spaces designated for passenger vehicles and 86 for staff vehicles. The three-level parking building spans a total area of 12,750 square meters.

Traffic and Flights

The airport serves only domestic flights and is operated by Turkish Airlines, Anadolujet, and Pegasus like. It is closed to international flights and is configured to serve regional traffic. Flight operations occur daily, with flight hours ranging from 08:00 to 18:30. Normal operating hours are set from 08:00 to 17:00.

Security and Passenger Information

Comprehensive information on security procedures is provided to passengers. Key points of attention include reporting suspicious behavior, not carrying items belonging to others, and following instructions from security personnel. Security checks using X-ray machines and metal detectors are approved and monitored by the Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEK).

DHMİ and International Standards

The operation of Ağrı Ahmed-i Hani Airport is managed by the Directorate General of Airports (DHMİ). DHMİ is responsible for conducting civil aviation activities and regulating and controlling airspace. Institution is a member of international organizations including ICAO, EUROCONTROL, and ACI, and delivers its services in accordance with international standards.