Ordu–Giresun Airport

Overview

Ordu-Giresun Airport (OGU) serves as the primary air gateway for the adjacent provinces of Ordu and Giresun on Turkey’s Black Sea coast. The airport is located in the town of Gulyali, roughly midway between the two provincial capitals. It handles a mix of domestic flights from major Turkish cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, as well as seasonal international charter traffic, particularly during the summer months when tourists visit the region’s lush highlands and coastal resorts. The airport opened in the 2010s and was built largely on reclaimed land along the shore, a remarkable engineering feat given the steep terrain of the area. It is operated by the Turkish State Airports Authority (DHMI).

Location & Access

The airport is situated in Gulyali district, approximately 15 kilometres east of Ordu city centre and 20 kilometres west of Giresun city centre. The Black Sea coastal highway (D010) runs directly past the terminal, making road access straightforward.

By Car: Ample parking is available – both free and paid parking lots operate on-site. The car park is wheelchair-accessible. Drivers from Ordu can take the D010 eastbound; from Giresun, head west. The drive to either city typically takes 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic.

By Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals hall. Fares to Ordu or Giresun are metered and reasonable, though it is wise to confirm the approximate cost before departing.

By Public Transport: A municipal bus service (Havaş or similar shuttles) connects the airport to central bus stations in Ordu and Giresun, timed to coincide with flight arrivals. Schedules are posted at the terminal and online. The journey takes around 30 minutes.

By Private Transfer: Many hotels and tour operators offer pre-arranged transfers; it is best to book in advance for peak periods.

The airport’s single terminal is compact and easy to navigate. Its location on a narrow strip between the mountains and the sea provides dramatic views of the Black Sea as you approach.

Facilities

Ordu-Giresun Airport offers a focused set of passenger services. The confirmed amenities include:

• Wheelchair Accessibility: The car park, entrance, and toilets are all wheelchair-accessible. There are also changing tables in the restrooms, making it family-friendly.
• Baggage Storage: Left-luggage facilities are available for passengers who wish to store bags securely for a few hours or days.
• Toilets: Clean and well-maintained restrooms with baby-changing facilities.
• Parking: Both free and paid parking options are provided. The free parking lot is suitable for short stays; the paid lot offers additional security and covered spaces.

Please note that the airport does not have a wide array of retail or dining outlets – expect a small café or snack bar near the departure lounge rather than a full food court. Basic necessities like newspapers and packaged snacks may be available at a kiosk. For a more substantial meal, it is advisable to eat in the city before heading to the airport. Free Wi-Fi is typically provided in the terminal (check with staff for the network details).

The airport is not open 24 hours; operating hours align with flight schedules. According to available data, the busiest times tend to be around 7 PM and 8 PM, when multiple arrivals and departures are concentrated. Passengers arriving outside those hours may find the terminal quiet and services limited.

About the Region

The Ordu-Giresun region is part of Turkey’s eastern Black Sea area, a verdant landscape of steep hills, dense forests, and terraced tea plantations. The climate is temperate and rainy, supporting lush vegetation. The region is world-famous for its hazelnuts – Turkey produces about 70% of the world’s hazelnuts, and Ordu province alone accounts for a large share. Giresun is similarly known for its hazelnuts and cherries.

Tourists are drawn to the natural beauty: the high plateaus (yaylalar) such as Kümbet and Çambaşı, where traditional wooden houses dot alpine meadows; the ancient monastery of Haci Bektaş-ı Veli; and the scenic Yason Burnu (Cape Jason) with its historic church. The Black Sea coast offers pleasant beaches, though the water can be cool. Ordu’s Boztepe hill provides panoramic views of the city and sea, accessible by cable car.

Cultural highlights include the Giresun Island (the only inhabited island on the Turkish Black Sea coast), the Ordu Archaeological Museum, and the traditional architecture of the Old Giresun district. Hazelnut-themed festivals take place in late summer. The region is also a gateway to the Pontic Mountains for trekking and eco-tourism.

Because the terrain is rugged, air travel is a convenient way to reach the area – roads from Samsun or Trabzon can be winding and slow. OGU has thus become crucial for business travellers (hazelnut exporters, tea traders, government officials) and tourists alike.

Practical Information

• Official Name: Ordu Giresun Havalimani (IATA: OGU, ICAO: LTCB)
• Website: https://www.dhmi.gov.tr/Sayfalar/Havalimani/Ordugiresun/AnaSayfa.aspx
• Phone: +90 452 226 28 52
• Address: Gulyali, Ordu, Turkey

The airport terminal opens approximately two hours before the first departure and closes after the last arrival. It is not open all day – passengers are advised to arrive close to their flight time, as there is no 24-hour access. Check the website for up-to-date flight schedules.

Parking fees are payable at machines or a small office near the car park. For baggage storage, enquire at the information desk. The facility is typically open during flight hours.

When departing, allow sufficient time for check-in and security screening. While the terminal is small, queues can form during peak hours (especially around 7–8 PM). There is a single security checkpoint and a small departure lounge with basic seating.

For local transport, taxis and shuttles operate according to flight timings. If you are arriving late, it is wise to arrange accommodation or a transfer in advance.

Ordu-Giresun Airport delivers a straightforward, efficient experience for travellers to this beautiful corner of Turkey. Its compact size means no long walks, and its essential facilities cover the needs of most passengers.