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Flights to Turkey from the UK serve several main airports, each linked to particular resorts: Antalya for the Turkish Riviera, Dalaman for Marmaris, Fethiye and Oludeniz, Bodrum for the Bodrum peninsula, Izmir for Kusadasi and Cesme, and Istanbul for the city. Several airlines operate direct routes, but routes and schedules change by season, so check current timetables before you plan. Prices tend to be lower outside school holidays, and booking flexibly can help. This guide explains how to choose an airport, which airlines to compare, when fares are often cheaper and what to check about entry rules.
Which airports serve which resorts?
Turkey is large, and the airport you choose affects your transfer time more than almost anything else. Always check the transfer time to your specific resort, as distances can be longer than they look on a map.
Antalya (AYT)
Antalya is the busiest airport for UK holidaymakers and serves the Turkish Riviera. It is used for Antalya city, Lara, Kundu, Belek, Side, Kemer and, with a longer transfer, Alanya. Our guide to the best time to visit Antalya covers weather and seasons.
Dalaman (DLM)
Dalaman is the usual gateway for Marmaris, Icmeler, Fethiye, Oludeniz, Calis, Dalyan and Gocek. Transfers to some resorts are around an hour or more, so check before you book.
Bodrum (BJV)
Milas-Bodrum airport serves the Bodrum peninsula, including Bodrum town, Gumbet, Bitez, Turgutreis, Yalikavak and Gumusluk.
Izmir (ADB)
Izmir is used for the Aegean coast, including Kusadasi, Cesme, Alacati and Izmir itself. It is also a useful base for visiting Ephesus and other ancient sites.
Istanbul (IST and SAW)
Istanbul has two main airports, Istanbul Airport on the European side and Sabiha Gokcen on the Asian side. Make sure you know which one your flight uses and how far it is from your hotel, as cross-city transfers can take a long time in traffic.
Other airports
Smaller airports and seasonal routes exist, and operators change their programmes. Check what is currently offered from your UK departure airport.
Which airlines fly direct?
A mix of scheduled airlines, low cost carriers and holiday airlines have flown between the UK and Turkey. Which of them serve your route depends on the season and your departure airport, so check current schedules rather than relying on this list.
Scheduled and flag carriers
Turkish Airlines connects the UK with Istanbul and onward to Turkish cities, and British Airways has also served Istanbul. These can be useful for city breaks and for destinations that need a connection.
Low cost airlines
Pegasus Airlines and easyJet have both operated routes between UK airports and Turkish destinations. Low cost fares usually exclude hold bags, seat selection and meals, so add up the total cost before comparing.
Holiday and charter style airlines
Jet2 and TUI operate flights as part of package holidays and, in some cases, as flight-only seats. Check whether flight-only seats are offered on your route and what baggage is included.
How to compare
- Check the total price including bags, seats and card fees.
- Look at departure airport convenience and arrival times, as late arrivals can add taxi costs.
- Compare direct flights with connections, but allow for the risk of missed connections.
- Read the baggage rules carefully. Our guide to cheap flights with Skyscanner explains how to use a comparison site.
Flying from Gatwick and the south east
If you live in Sussex, check which Turkish destinations are currently served from Gatwick, as well as Heathrow, Luton and Stansted. Our guide to holidays from Gatwick has more on departures from the area.
When is the cheapest time to fly?
Fares usually follow demand. School holidays, bank holiday weekends and peak summer dates tend to be the most expensive, while term time travel is often cheaper. There is no guarantee, so compare prices across dates rather than assuming.
Shoulder seasons
Spring and autumn are popular with travellers who want warm weather without peak heat and prices. Weather and sea temperature vary by region, so check a current weather guide for your resort and dates.
Winter
Winter is generally the quietest period for beach resorts, and many hotels and venues reduce services or close. City breaks to Istanbul and cultural trips can still be good value. Our winter sun destinations guide compares warmer options.
Peak summer
July and August are busiest, with high demand from UK families. Book early if you must travel in school holidays.
Tips for finding cheaper flights
- Use flexible date search or a calendar view on comparison sites.
- Be willing to fly midweek or at unsociable times.
- Check nearby UK departure airports and weigh up the cost of getting there.
- Set price alerts and compare against package prices.
- Look at last minute deals, though these are never guaranteed. See our last minute holidays page.
Flight only or package?
A package holiday can bundle flights, transfers and accommodation and may offer protection if the operator fails or your travel is disrupted. Booking flights separately gives flexibility and choice but leaves you to arrange the rest. Compare the total price of both before you commit. Our guide to cheap package holidays abroad and the all inclusive holidays page can help you weigh up value.
Choosing a resort area by airport
If you want a big resort with lots of choice
The Antalya region has a large number of hotels, from budget to luxury, and a wide choice of all inclusive options. It is a common starting point for first-time visitors and families who want plenty of facilities and short transfers to the beach.
If you want pine-covered hills and bays
The Dalaman area is known for green hills, lagoons and coves. Resorts such as Marmaris, Icmeler and Fethiye suit people who like a mix of beach, boat trips and local towns. Check the transfer time, as some resorts are a longer drive from the airport.
If you want nightlife and a lively harbour
The Bodrum peninsula has a mix of lively towns, quieter beach villages and upmarket marinas. Choose the area carefully to match your pace.
If you want history and culture
The Aegean coast combines beaches with ancient sites, and Istanbul offers one of the richest city break experiences in the region. Combine a city stay with a beach week if you have time, and compare open-jaw flights.
Hand luggage, hold bags and extras
Baggage rules differ sharply between airlines. Some fares include only a small under seat bag, while others include a cabin bag or a hold bag. Before you compare fares, decide what you actually need to take, then add the cost of bags, seat selection and any airport check-in fees to the headline price. Keep a note of the weight and size limits and check them again before you travel, as airlines can update their rules.
Do I need a visa?
Entry requirements for British passport holders can change, and they depend on your passport, the purpose of your trip and how long you stay. Do not rely on this page. Check the official GOV.UK foreign travel advice for Turkey and the Turkish government sources for current entry requirements, passport validity rules and any health or customs requirements before you book and again before you travel. If you need to renew your passport, allow plenty of time.
Because rules on border systems in Europe and elsewhere are also changing, see our guide to ETIAS and EES for UK travellers for general context, and always confirm with official sources.
Before you fly: a quick checklist
- Check passport validity and entry rules on GOV.UK.
- Arrange travel insurance. See our travel insurance guide.
- Check baggage allowances and hand luggage sizes with your airline.
- Plan your airport transfer and compare it with the cost of a hire car. See our car hire guide.
- Look at foreign exchange options. Our travel money comparison may help.
- Keep digital and paper copies of your booking details.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from the UK to Turkey?
Flight times depend on the departure airport and destination. They are typically several hours, so check the schedule on your booking.
Which airport is best for first-time visitors?
It depends on the resort. Antalya, Dalaman and Bodrum are common choices for beach holidays, while Istanbul suits city breaks.
Is it cheaper to fly into one airport and out of another?
Sometimes. Open-jaw tickets can suit multi centre trips, but check the total cost and transfer times.
Can I fly to Turkey from Gatwick?
Routes vary by season and airline, so search for your dates to see what is currently available.
Are flights cheaper if I book early?
Often, but not always. Compare prices regularly and consider flexible fares if your plans might change.
What happens if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
Your rights depend on the airline, where you fly from and the cause of disruption. Check the airline and official guidance, and keep receipts and records.
Is it better to book direct or through a comparison site?
A comparison site is useful for finding options, but check the final price and terms on the booking page.
Final thoughts
Choosing the right airport matters as much as finding a cheap fare, so check your transfer time as well as the price. Compare airlines on total cost, be flexible on dates where you can and check entry requirements with official sources before you book. We have not checked every current route, and schedules, prices and rules change, so confirm details with the airline and official sources before you buy. For more inspiration, see our cheap holidays and city breaks guides.