Bingöl Airport (BGG)

Bingöl Airport (IATA: BGG, ICAO: LTCU) is a modern domestic airport serving the city and province of Bingöl in Turkey's Eastern Anatolia region. It functions as a crucial transportation hub, connecting this relatively remote area with the country's major metropolitan centers and facilitating regional economic and social development. The airport provides essential air travel services for residents, business travelers, and visitors exploring the region's natural landscapes.

Opened to air traffic in July 2013, the current airport replaced an older, smaller airfield that had ceased operations in 1996. The construction of this new facility was a significant infrastructure investment for the province, designed to modern standards with a capacity to handle 500,000 passengers annually. Its establishment greatly improved accessibility to Bingöl, reducing travel times that were previously reliant on long-distance road transport.

The airport is conveniently situated approximately 20 kilometers southeast of Bingöl's city center, adjacent to the D-950 highway connecting Bingöl to Diyarbakır. This location makes it easily accessible by road. Travelers typically reach the airport via taxi or dedicated HAVAŞ airport shuttle buses. The shuttle services are synchronized with the flight schedules of major airlines, offering a reliable and cost-effective transfer option between the airport and various points within the city.

Operations at Bingöl Airport are exclusively domestic. The primary carriers are Turkish Airlines (and its brand AJet) and Pegasus Airlines, which provide regular, direct flights to major Turkish hubs, including Istanbul Airport (IST), Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) in Istanbul, and Esenboğa Airport (ESB) in Ankara. These routes allow for seamless connections to international destinations. The airport handles a significant volume of traffic for its size, serving over 160,000 passengers in 2023.

The facility consists of a single, clean, and functional terminal building. Amenities for passengers include check-in counters, a basic departures lounge, a small café offering snacks and beverages, and car rental desks operated by local and national agencies. The terminal is equipped to accommodate passengers with reduced mobility. As a small regional airport, the range of shops and dining options is limited.

For a smooth travel experience, passengers are advised to arrive at least 90 minutes before their scheduled departure. Navigating the compact terminal is straightforward, with check-in and security procedures being generally efficient. It is recommended to verify HAVAŞ shuttle schedules online in advance, as timetables are directly tied to flight arrivals and departures. Taxis are readily available outside the terminal for on-demand transport.