Adana Şakirpaşa Airport

Welcome

Adana Şakirpaşa Airport, once the bustling hub for southern Turkey, is now a haven for aviation enthusiasts and private flyers. Located just 5 kilometers west of Adana city center, Şakirpaşa lost all commercial services when Çukurova International Airport opened in August 2024. Travelers arriving here will find the airport shifted to servicing general aviation, pilot training, and air sports. This might be surprising for those who still remember its quick check-in and convenient proximity to downtown, but it's now mostly patronized by aviation fans and locals for its historical value.

At a glance

Adana Şakirpaşa Airport reflects its mid-20th-century roots with a single Main Terminal. Its annual passenger stats previously reached .82 million, but today it's predominantly the domain of general aviation and training flights, offering a quieter, more personalized experience compared to Turkey's larger transport hubs.

Terminals & layout

The airport is straightforward with its Main Terminal serving all current operations, now mostly limited to FBO-style services for private and charter flights. Back when Şakirpaşa handled commercial flights, airlines like AnadoluJet, Pegasus, and SunExpress used to operate here. While the physical structure remains, amenities aimed at mass travelers are largely vestigial.

Getting to and from the city

Reachable within 20 to 30 minutes by taxi or rideshare for around 100-150 TRY, Şakirpaşa Airport retains its famed proximity to downtown Adana. Public buses and airport shuttles also make the commute, taking 30 to 40 minutes at a cost of approximately 30 TRY and 50 TRY, respectively. However, these services primarily assist those accessing the GA terminal rather than commercial passengers.

Traveller essentials

Whether you're parking or charging an EV, Şakirpaşa's remains are minimal yet functional. Long Stay Parking is your best bet at 15.00 TRY/day, while Short Stay and Valet options cost 20.00 TRY and 30.00 TRY per day respectively. Remote parking offers a budget-friendly choice at 10.00 TRY/day, but the previously bustling parking lots now largely cater to staff and crew associated with private operations.

Dining & shopping highlights

The Main Terminal hosts five eateries, from Café 1 and Restaurant 2 to Snack Bar 4. However, these facilities should not be counted on for a full meal, given the shift from commercial traffic. Shopping facilities, including Duty Free, Electronics Store, and Fashion Boutique, have shifted focus, serving more as remnants of a busier era.

Lounges

Two lounges remain on site—the Adana Airport Lounge and Turkish Airlines Lounge, both in the Main Terminal. While the lounges' former appeal for business travelers has diminished, they offer an exclusive refuge at around $30 for those frequenting the airfield under its new function.

Insider tips

• Insider: Double-check your destination: all commercial flights shifted to Çukurova International (COV) as of August 2024, despite some online listings to the contrary.
• Quiet: Şakirpaşa's calm, quieter nature now makes it perfect for aviation spotting with fewer crowds to navigate.
• Local: The airport's proximity to central Adana still makes it a convenient point for meeting or orienting yourself, particularly for GA flight enthusiasts.
• Avoid: Outdated procession expectations: previous commercial facilities and lounges now primarily serve private travelers or are almost obsolete.
• Money: Opt for Remote Parking at 10 TRY if value is your concern, although parking needs are greatly reduced.
• Time: Traffic congestion is less concerning now, but public transport frequency may vary, so plan arrival accordingly.
• Insider: Aviation historians will appreciate Şakirpaşa as a rare glimpse into mid-century airport design, mostly unexpanded since its commissioning in 1937.