Flights to Turkey from Europe
An overview of the best tools and major airlines to help you find flights from anywhere in Europe to Turkey's key destinations.
Best Tools for Finding Flights
Instead of checking individual airline sites, use a flight aggregator to compare prices, routes, and dates across multiple carriers at once.
Major Airlines Flying to Turkey
Turkish National & Major Carriers
Popular Holiday & Low-Cost Airlines
Major European Airlines
Other national carriers like KLM, Air France, and British Airways also offer regular flights, primarily to Istanbul (IST).
Main International Airports in Turkey
When searching for flights, consider these major gateways:
- Istanbul Airport (IST) - The main global hub, offering connections worldwide.
- Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) - Istanbul's second airport, a major base for low-cost carriers.
- Antalya Airport (AYT) - The primary airport for the Turkish Riviera (Alanya, Side, Belek, Kemer).
- Alanya-Gazipaşa Airport (GZP) - A smaller, convenient airport much closer to Alanya and surrounding areas.
- Dalaman Airport (DLM) - Serves popular resorts like Marmaris, Fethiye, and Dalyan.
- Milas-Bodrum Airport (BJV) - The gateway to the Bodrum peninsula and nearby resorts.
- Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) - The main airport for Izmir and resorts like Kuşadası and Çeşme.
Carry-On Baggage Rules: What Can You Bring on a Plane?
A comprehensive guide to carry-on rules based on international standards and the specific procedures at Turkish airports. Packing correctly saves you time, stress, and money.
The Golden Rule: Liquids up to 100 ml (3.4 oz)
This is the most critical rule at every airport worldwide. All liquids, gels, creams, and aerosols must be in containers of 100 ml or less. All these containers must fit into a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag with a capacity of up to 1 liter (approx. 20x20 cm or 8x8 inches). Only one such bag is allowed per passenger.
Primary List of Allowed & Prohibited Items
What you CAN bring in your carry-on
Medication: Prescription and essential over-the-counter medicines. If a liquid medicine exceeds 100 ml, be prepared to present a doctor's note or prescription.
Electronics: Laptops, tablets, phones, cameras, e-cigarettes (vapes), and power banks. Power banks are ONLY allowed in carry-on luggage and are strictly forbidden in checked baggage.
Baby food: Milk, formula, and purées in quantities sufficient for the duration of the flight. You may be asked to open the container and taste the contents at security.
Solid food: Sandwiches, cookies, fruits, nuts, cheese. Note that customs regulations in your destination country may restrict the import of certain foods (e.g., meat and dairy from outside the EU).
Valuables: Always keep your documents, money, jewelry, and other valuable items with you in your carry-on bag.
Duty-Free purchases: Must be sealed in a special security bag (STEB) with the receipt visible inside. Do not open the bag until you reach your final destination.
What you CANNOT bring in your carry-on
Liquids over 100 ml: Water bottles, juices, alcohol, shampoos, etc. Anything in a larger container will be confiscated at security.
Sharp objects: Knives (including souvenir knives), scissors with blades longer than 6 cm (4 inches from the pivot), corkscrews, and metal nail files.
Weapons and imitations: Firearms, pepper spray, tasers, and even realistic-looking toy guns are strictly prohibited.
Flammable items: Aerosols not for personal hygiene, lighter fluid, fireworks, and flammable liquids are forbidden.
Sporting goods: Baseball bats, golf clubs, ski poles, and hiking sticks must be checked in.
Exceptions & Frequently Questioned Items
Razors, Tweezers, Nail Clippers
Disposable razors (with cartridges) are generally allowed. Straight razors and loose blades are prohibited. Tweezers and nail clippers are typically permitted, but the final decision always rests with the security officer.
E-Cigarettes (Vapes) & Lighters
E-cigarettes and vapes must be transported in your carry-on only. Their use is forbidden on board the aircraft. One standard lighter per person is usually allowed, but it must be kept on your person (e.g., in a pocket), not in your bag. Torch lighters (with a blue flame) are prohibited.
Drones
Drones are typically transported in carry-on luggage. It's crucial to remember that the drone's lithium-ion batteries must be in your carry-on, not in checked baggage. Before traveling, familiarize yourself with Turkey's drone import and usage regulations, as they can be very strict.
Special Consideration for Turkish Airports: Two Security Checks
This is the most important nuance to know when flying out of Turkey. Unlike most European airports, you will face two full security screenings:
- The first check is upon entering the airport terminal. Here, both you and all your luggage will pass through scanners before you even reach the check-in desks.
- The second check is just before the departure gates. This is another comprehensive screening, identical to the first.
What's the main "trap"?
Any beverages (water, juice, coffee) purchased in the Duty-Free area or cafes AFTER the first security check will be confiscated at the second check if they are over 100 ml. This rule confuses many tourists.
Our advice: Do not buy any drinks at the airport until after you have passed the second security screening. If you are thirsty, finish your drink before heading to the gate area or look for vending machines located inside the sterile "gate zone" itself.