Hasan Polatkan Airport

Overview

Hasan Polatkan Airport (also known as Eskişehir Airport) serves the city of Eskişehir and the surrounding northwestern region of Turkey. Named after a former Turkish Minister of Labor, the airport is a dual-use facility: it handles limited commercial passenger flights, primarily domestic services connecting Eskişehir with Istanbul and Ankara, and also supports general aviation and flight training activities operated by Eskişehir Technical University. The terminal building is compact, reflecting the airport’s role as a secondary regional hub rather than a major international gateway. Passengers using Hasan Polatkan Airport are typically business travellers visiting Eskişehir’s industrial and educational institutions, students from the city’s several universities, and tourists exploring the region’s cultural and natural attractions.

Location & Access

Hasan Polatkan Airport is situated in the Tepebaşı district, approximately 12 kilometres east of Eskişehir city centre. Its location on the south side of the Eskişehir–Ankara highway (D200) makes it easily accessible by road. From downtown Eskişehir, travellers can reach the airport in about 20 minutes by car or taxi. There is no direct rail link, but municipal buses operate services connecting the airport to key points in the city, including the main bus terminal and the historic Odunpazarı district. For those driving, the airport is well signposted from the city centre and from the Eskişehir–Ankara highway. Parking is available immediately in front of the terminal, with dedicated spaces for disabled passengers. The airport lies roughly 230 kilometres west of Ankara and 330 kilometres southeast of Istanbul, making it a convenient alternative to the larger hubs for travellers heading to central or western Anatolia.

Facilities

Hasan Polatkan Airport provides essential amenities for passengers, though its small scale means facilities are limited compared to major international airports. The terminal is designed with accessibility in mind: the car park features designated wheelchair-accessible spaces, and the entrance is step-free. Inside, there are wheelchair-accessible toilets along with standard restrooms. Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal at no charge, allowing travellers to stay connected while waiting. Beyond these core amenities, the airport offers a small snack bar and a waiting lounge with seating. There are no duty-free shops, currency exchange counters, or airline lounges, so passengers should plan accordingly. The airport’s compact nature means that all facilities are within easy walking distance of the check-in area.

About the Region

Eskişehir is a dynamic city straddling the Porsuk River, known for its youthful energy driven by a large student population. The city is home to three major universities—Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Anadolu University, and Eskişehir Technical University—which give it a lively cultural and academic atmosphere. Historically, Eskişehir was an important Phrygian and Roman settlement; the nearby ruins of Dorylaeum (Şarhöyük) and the Odunpazarı district with its restored Ottoman houses are key tourist draws. The region is famous for meerschaum (sepiolite), a soft white mineral carved into intricate pipes and ornaments, which has been mined locally for centuries. Visitors also come to enjoy the city’s parks, riverside cafés, and modern museums such as the Eskişehir Museum of Modern Art. The surrounding countryside offers hiking, thermal springs, and the scenic Sündiken Mountains. Hasan Polatkan Airport is the primary air gateway for accessing these attractions, especially for travellers arriving from Istanbul or Ankara on the short domestic flights.

Practical Information

The airport is not open 24 hours a day; hours of operation correspond to scheduled flight times. Travellers are advised to check the official website or contact the airport directly for current information on flight schedules and terminal opening hours. The contact phone number is +90 222 321 35 50, and the official website is https://hph.eskisehir.edu.tr/. The website provides details on flights, transport options, and services. As a smaller facility, security and check-in processes are generally fast, but passengers should still arrive at least 90 minutes before domestic departures. There is no on-site hotel, but accommodation is readily available in the city centre, a short drive away.