Adana Airport (ADA), Turkey

For nearly nine decades, Adana Sakirpasa Airport served as the gateway to Turkey’s fertile Cukurova region. As the oldest public airport in Turkey, it witnessed the evolution of aviation from propeller planes to modern jets. However, in a significant shift for regional travel, this historic hub has now transitioned to a new role.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the former Adana Airport, its facilities, its operational history, and its replacement by the state-of-the-art Cukurova International Airport .

Key Facts About Adana Sakirpasa Airport

Before its closure to commercial traffic, Adana Sakirpasa Airport (IATA: ADA, ICAO: LTAF) was a bustling hub. Here are the essential statistics from its final years of full operation:

A Rich History: The Oldest Airport in Turkey

Adana Airport holds a unique place in Turkish aviation history. Built on farmland, it was originally opened in 1937 as a joint civil-military facility . It remained the only airport in the region for decades, officially transitioning to a fully civilian airport in 1956.

For many years, it was known for being exceptionally close to the city center – just 3.5 to 4 km away – making it one of the most accessible airports in Turkey for travelers heading to downtown Adana. Passenger traffic steadily grew over the years, hitting a record high of 5.63 million passengers in 2018 .

The Transition: “Ceased Operations” Explained

This is the most critical update for travelers to know: As of 10 August 2024, Adana Sakirpasa Airport officially ceased handling commercial airline flights .

All scheduled passenger services – including Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, and AJet (formerly AnadoluJet) – have been relocated to the newly constructed Cukurova International Airport (COV). The final commercial passenger flight departed from the old airport shortly after midnight on 11 August 2024 .

What is happening at the old site now?

While it no longer serves tourists flying in for vacation, the site is not abandoned. Adana Sakirpasa Airport has been repurposed into a General Aviation Airport .

• Private Jets & Business Aviation: The facilities remain open for private travel.

• Pilot Training: The runway is used by flight schools for training purposes.

• Air Sports: The airfield supports hobbyist aviation activities.

Airlines and Destinations (Historical Context)

Before its closure, Adana Airport was a vital hub connecting Southern Turkey to the world. At its peak, it offered nearly 300 weekly departures .

• Domestic Hubs: The busiest routes were to Istanbul (both IST and SAW airports) and Ankara, with nearly half of all flights heading to these two cities .

• International Links: Due to the large Turkish diaspora in Europe, key international destinations included Cologne, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, and London .

• Regional: Frequent flights connected Adana to Northern Cyprus (Ercan) and Beirut, Lebanon .

Note: If you hold a ticket with “ADA” as the arrival airport, you must now go to the new Cukurova Airport (COV). Always check your ticket for the updated airport code.

Ground Transportation (Historical)

For those curious about the old airport’s accessibility (or if you are visiting the general aviation area):

• Location: It was located in the Seyhan district, very close to the D400 state road .

• Buses: Local municipality buses #135 and #159 served the terminal, connecting to the city center and the Central Railway Station .

• Rail: Sakirpasa railway station was approximately a 20-minute walk from the terminal, offering regional train services .

The Future: Cukurova International Airport

With the shift of commercial traffic, the new Cukurova International Airport (COV) is now the primary entry point for the region. Located further outside the city center (near the Tarsus border), it was built to accommodate higher capacity and modern international standards, replacing the constrained, 87-year-old infrastructure of the Şakirpaşa site.

Adana Sakirpasa Airport served as a loyal workhorse for Turkey’s Mediterranean region for over 80 years. While it is no longer an option for commercial flyers, its legacy as the “oldest airport in Turkey” remains secure. Travelers heading to Adana should now look for flights landing at the brand-new Cukurova Airport (COV) , leaving the historic ADA site to the quiet hum of private planes and student pilots