Şanlıurfa GAP Airport – GNY
Şanlıurfa GAP Airport is a public airport that serves the city of Urfa, also known as Şanlıurfa, Turkey. It is located about 21.1 miles northeast of the city center. Opened in 2007, this airport replaced the old Şanlıurfa Airport (GNY) found in another location. It is part of the Southeastern Anatolia Project or GAP, which gave it its local moniker, the GAP Airport. A number of airlines serve the airport including Turkish Airlines, AnadoluJet, Onur Air, and Pegasus Airlines, which fly to various Turkish cities Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. Seasonal flights to Saudi Arabia are also available. The Şanlıurfa GAP Airport is operated by the General Directorate of State Airports Authority.
Best Time to Visit
Şanlıurfa GAP Airport boasts the longest runway in the country with the asphalt surface extending 13,084 feet long. It is set at an elevation of 2,700 feet above mean sea level. While the airport is equipped with many facilities, including a café, the staff are only present when there are flights scheduled. In 2011, traffic at GAP Airport reached a total of 242,778 passengers, marking a 10% increase from the previous year.
What to Do & Area Attractions
There are many good value Şanlıurfa accommodations found throughout the city. However, the best hotels are found at least half an hour away from the Şanlıurfa GAP Airport, including the posh Hilton Garden Inn Şanlıurfa and the 5-star accommodations of Dedeman Şanlıurfa. If close proximity to the airport is crucial to a tourist, a good option is Harran Otel, which is only 15 minutes away by car.