Hakkari Yüksekova Airport

Hakkari Yuksekova Selahaddin Eyyubi Havalimani sits on a high plateau near the Turkish-Iranian border, 15 kilometres from the town of Yuksekova. The airport opened in 2015 to improve access to one of Turkey's most remote and mountainous provinces, replacing the earlier Hakkari Yüksekova Airport with a modern terminal. It handles domestic flights, primarily from Ankara and Istanbul operated by Turkish Airlines and Pegasus. The single-runway facility is small by national standards, but it has become a crucial link for a region where road journeys to the nearest major cities take five hours or more.

Getting There

The airport is located about 15 kilometres west of Yuksekova town centre, along the D-400 highway that runs towards the Iraqi border. The most reliable way to reach the terminal is by taxi, which can be hired from the town's main square or arranged through hotels. Fares are typically around 100-150 Turkish lira each way (prices fluctuate with fuel costs). Some hotels in Yuksekova offer shuttle services for guests, but advance booking is essential. For those driving, the airport car park is free and wheelchair-accessible. From nearby Hakkari city, 35 kilometres north, the journey takes about 40 minutes via the same highway. Public minibuses (dolmuş) run along the D-400 but do not stop directly at the airport; passengers should ask the driver to drop them at the junction and walk the remaining kilometre. This is not recommended for those with heavy luggage. The road is generally well-maintained, but in winter snow and ice can cause delays, so travellers should allow extra time.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal is a compact single-storey building that serves both arrivals and departures. Check-in counters are on the left as you enter; the security checkpoint is straight ahead. Security staff are present but queues are rarely long – the busiest times are around 1:00 pm on weekdays, when the main flight of the day departs. The waiting area has about 100 seats, with a small cafe offering tea, coffee, and packaged snacks. Bottled water is available, but food options are limited, so eating before arrival is advisable. The airport has a wheelchair-accessible entrance, car park, and toilet, plus a separate accessible toilet and a changing table for infants. Baggage storage is available at the information desk – cost is approximately 10 TL per piece per day, but confirm with staff. The atmosphere is calm and functional; announcements are in Turkish and English. WiFi is free but intermittent; do not rely on it for critical tasks. The tarmac is walkable – no air bridges – so be prepared for a short walk in the open air regardless of weather.

Hakkari Yuksekova Selahaddin Eyyubi Havalimani and Yuksekova

Yuksekova is a town of roughly 70,000 people, situated at 1,900 metres elevation in the Taurus Mountains. It lies in a fertile valley that has been inhabited for millennia, with Kurdish culture dominating local life. The name Yuksekova means "high plain" in Turkish, which accurately describes the landscape: surrounded by rugged peaks, including Mount Cilo (4,135 m) to the northwest. The region is one of the most remote in Turkey, and until the airport opened, reaching it involved a long and winding road journey from Van or Diyarbakir.

The airport's name honours Saladin (Selahaddin Eyyubi), the 12th-century Ayyubid sultan who was born nearby in Tikrit but is revered across the Islamic world. This naming reflects the area's historical ties to the Ayyubid dynasty and Kurdish heritage. For visitors, Yuksekova offers a glimpse of traditional life on the Turkish-Iranian border. The town's market is busy with traders from both countries; you can find Iranian ceramics, Kurdish textiles, and local honey. Natural attractions include the Cilo-Sat Mountains National Park, a vast area of glaciers, alpine lakes, and wildflower meadows that attracts hikers and climbers in summer. Lake Durusu (also called Lake Bataryazı) is a large artificial lake northeast of town, popular for picnics and birdwatching. The nearby village of Derecik (formerly Bayındır) sits right on the border and has an open-air market where goods from Iran are sold.

Yuksekova has a long history as a transit point for trade and migration. The Silk Road passed through this valley, and today the towns in the region retain a frontier feel. Travelers here should be aware of the political context: the area has seen civil unrest in the past, and checkpoints are common. That said, visitor infrastructure is improving, and the airport has made the region more accessible. Most tourists come for the mountains, but the cultural experience – Kurdish hospitality, fresh local food, and the dramatic landscape – is a draw in itself.

Practical Information

The airport is not open 24 hours. Based on flight schedules, it operates from roughly 07:00 to 22:00 daily, but confirm with the airport authority. Contact: +90 438 300 33 33. Website: https://www.dhmi.gov.tr/Sayfalar/Havalimani/Hakkariyuksekova/AnaSayfa.aspx.

Actionable tips: If you have a connecting flight, allow plenty of time – delays are common due to weather or military airspace restrictions. Baggage storage is useful if you plan to explore the area for a few hours between flights. The airport has no currency exchange; bring enough Turkish lira. For food, the cafe has limited hours; it is wise to bring your own snacks. Public transport to the airport is minimal; pre-arranging a taxi with your accommodation is the simplest option. Finally, be aware that the strongest mobile signal is from Turkcell; other carriers may be unreliable. One concrete piece of advice: arrive at least 90 minutes before departure, even for domestic flights. The busiest period is around 1 pm on weekdays, so if you travel then, expect slightly longer queues at security.