Lilshira
Preparatory works start on new Trabzon Airport in Turkey
Turkey has launched preparatory works for a new airport in Trabzon, with construction starting on 26 October 2026. The development targets up to ten million annual passengers and will benefit tourists from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Britain and Europe.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Preparatory works have begun on a new Trabzon Airport
- Timing
- Works started on 26 October 2026
- Who is affected
- International tourists visiting the Black Sea region
The details
- Announced by
- Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure
- Takes effect
- 26th October 2026
Project launch and scope
The Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure confirmed that preparatory works for a new airport in Trabzon began on 26 October 2026. The airport is planned on reclaimed land near the existing facility and will become Turkey’s third sea‑based airport after Ordu‑Giresun and Rize‑Artvin.
- The new terminal will cover 110,000 sq m and aim for ten million passengers per year
- A 3,000 m runway and parallel taxiway are included to accommodate wide‑body aircraft
Expected benefits for tourism
The expanded capacity is intended to meet growing demand from the Black Sea region and to support tourism from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, the United Kingdom and mainland Europe. Wider‑body aircraft could enable longer international services, potentially improving access to mountain resorts and cultural sites such as Uzungöl and Sümela Monastery.
- Higher passenger capacity may encourage airlines to consider new routes
- Improved infrastructure could facilitate larger visitor flows during peak seasons
Current operational status and next steps
While construction has started, the airport is not yet operational and no airlines have confirmed future routes. Travelers should continue using the existing Trabzon Airport (code TZX) for all flights. The timeline for opening remains unspecified in the official announcement.
- No opening date has been announced
- Existing flight services remain unchanged
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers can still book flights to the existing Trabzon Airport (TZX) as usual
- No current changes to flight schedules or connections are expected
Cost and documents
- No new fees or visa requirements are introduced by the airport project
- Existing visa‑free entry rules for eligible passport holders remain in force
What you need to do
- Monitor airline announcements for any future direct services from Gulf or European hubs
- Check the Turkish Ministry of Transport updates for the airport’s opening timeline
Who this affects
-
Saudi Arabian tourists
The new airport could provide more convenient connections for Saudi families and leisure groups
-
UAE passport holders
Expanded capacity may enable additional flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other emirates
-
UK and European travellers
A modern Black Sea gateway could become an alternative to traditional Mediterranean holiday routes
-
Existing Trabzon Airport passengers
Current services continue while the new facility is under construction
-
Airlines considering new routes
The longer runway and larger apron are designed for wide‑body aircraft and longer international services
Frequently asked questions
When did construction start on the new Trabzon Airport?
Preparatory works began on 26 October 2026, as announced by Turkey’s Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure.
Will the new Trabzon Airport be open for flights soon?
No opening date has been provided; the airport is still in the preparatory phase and not yet operational.
Can I book tickets to the new Trabzon Airport now?
No separate ticketing system exists yet; travelers must continue using the existing Trabzon Airport (code TZX) for all bookings.
Will the new airport lower airfares to Trabzon?
Airfare reductions have not been confirmed; larger capacity may eventually increase competition, but no price changes are announced.
Which nationalities will benefit most from the new airport?
Tourists from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, the United Kingdom and mainland Europe are highlighted as potential beneficiaries of improved connectivity.
Do visa rules change with the new airport?
Visa‑free entry for eligible passport holders remains unchanged; the airport project does not alter existing immigration policies.
