Elazığ Airport

Elazığ Airport is one of the components of the aviation infrastructure that has developed since the early years of the Republic. Originally activated in 1940 for military purposes, the airport was later opened to civil aviation and, thanks to investment projects and increasing passenger demand, has become a significant hub in national and international aviation.

The foundations of Elazığ Airport were laid in 1938, when construction of the main runway and a backup runway began in the same year. The first runway was completed in 1940 and opened for military use. The second runway was commissioned in 1942.

By 1960, rising demands for civil aviation led to the allowance of civilian flights alongside military operations. However, the existing terminal building at the time had been designed exclusively for military use and proved inadequate to meet civil needs. This limitation resulted in the airport being transferred to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DHMİ).

In 1996, runway lighting was installed, enabling night operations. Rehabilitation work on the runway, which began in 2006, was completed in 2009, bringing the runway into compliance with international standards. In the same year, Elazığ Airport was granted the status of International Air Border Gate.

Due to increasing passenger demand from 2009 onward, new arrangements were made for both domestic and international flights. Construction of a new terminal building began on 29 August 2010 and was inaugurated on 22 October 2012.

Before the renovation works, Elazığ Airport had an annual passenger capacity of approximately 150,000. With the completion of the new terminal building in 2012, this capacity was increased to 2 million passengers per year. The old terminal covered an area of 1,416 square meters, while the new terminal was constructed over an area of 16,400 square meters.

The introduction of the new terminal led to a dramatic increase in passenger numbers. For example:

• In 2002, annual passenger traffic was around 50,000,
• By 2016, this figure had reached one million.

According to statements by Murat Zorluoğlu, Elazığ Airport was built to serve two million passengers, and one million passengers represent only "half the journey."

• Area: 16,400 m²
• Passenger Capacity: 1,250,000 passengers per year
• Check-in Counters: 18 (one designated for persons with disabilities)
• Security Equipment: 6 X-ray machines, 4 metal detectors
• Commercial Areas:
• • 2 cafes
  • 1 bar & restaurant
  • 3 kiosks
  • 3 car rental points
• Other Services:
• • Health unit
  • Police station
  • Weapons surrender point
  • Baby care room
  • Mosque
  • Elevator for persons with disabilities

The international departure area operates integrated with the domestic terminal, using the same terminal building.

• Passport Counters: 8
• Visa Counters: 8
• Customs Counters: 2
• Security Equipment: 6 X-ray machines, 5 metal detectors
• All other services and facilities are shared with the domestic terminal.

• Year of Opening: 1940
• Location: 11 km from the center of Elazığ city
• ICAO Code: LTCA
• IATA Code: EZS
• Traffic Type: Domestic and international
• Terminal Size: 16,400 m²
• Coordinates: 38°35′52″N – 39°16′53″E

Elazığ Airport is not merely a transportation hub but also a key structure contributing to the socio-economic development of the region. Its importance has grown further due to the increasing popularity of Elazığ’s natural and cultural tourism, as well as the widespread adoption of activities such as skiing, paragliding, and hiking like.

In addition, by obtaining the Accessible Airport Certification in 2015, the airport demonstrated its commitment to accessibility for passengers with disabilities importance.