Çukurova International Airport

Cukurova International Airport (COV) opened in 2024 as the region's main air hub, replacing the aging Adana Şakirpaşa Airport. Located roughly 20 kilometres south of Tarsus and 40 kilometres east of Mersin, it sits in the fertile Çukurova plain — a flat expanse of cotton fields and citrus groves that stretches toward the Mediterranean. The airport was built to handle the increasing passenger traffic in a region that mixes industry, agriculture, and tourism. One concrete runway, a single terminal, and a control tower that rises cleanly above the farmland define the landscape.

Getting There

The airport sits near the E90 highway (O-51), about 25 minutes by car from central Tarsus and 35 minutes from Adana. From Mersin, count on a 40-minute drive via the D400 coastal road. Taxis are available from all three cities; a trip from Adana runs approximately 400 Turkish lira as of 2025. Municipal buses from Tarsus and Mersin connect to the airport at limited intervals — check the local transport authority websites for current schedules. Ride-hailing services like BiTaksi operate in the area, though drivers may ask for cash at the curb. If you rent a car, the parking lot offers both free and paid options: the free lot sits a short walk from the terminal; the paid covered lot sits directly opposite the entrance. Both are well-lit and monitored.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal is compact and modern — two floors linked by stairs, an elevator, and ramps. The ground floor handles arrivals with a baggage claim area and customs; the upper floor contains the departures hall with check-in counters and security. A wheelchair-accessible entrance and accessible toilets are available at both levels. The airport has changing tables in the family restroom near the waiting area. Toilets are kept clean, with attendants on duty during flight times. The seating areas are sparse but functional — rows of plastic chairs with a few armrest-free benches. A small duty-free shop and a café serve drinks and basic snacks, but don't expect a full meal. The pace inside is unhurried; the airport handles around a dozen flights per day, so queues are generally short. Still, the busiest times — Monday through Thursday at 9 pm — can see a surge of passengers as evening flights to Istanbul and Ankara depart. Security screening is thorough but efficient, and staff are accustomed to helping travellers who speak English or Turkish.

Cukurova International Airport and Tarsus

Tarsus is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It was here that the apostle Paul was born, that Cleopatra and Mark Antony met, and that Alexander the Great recovered after a serious illness. The city's history is layered: Roman roads, Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques, and early Republican buildings sit side by side. The ancient Tarsus Waterfall, actually a series of cascades in the city centre, is a local picnic spot. The Cleopatra Gate — a reconstructed Roman arch — marks the old city entrance. The St. Paul Church and Well draw Christian pilgrims, though the site is modest compared to others in Turkey.

Beyond the city, the region offers variety. To the south, the Mediterranean coast brings beaches at Kızkalesi and the resort town of Mersin, where a long waterfront promenade is lined with cafés. To the north, the Taurus Mountains rise, with hiking and the historic castle of Namrun (Çamlıyayla). Unesco-listed Göreme and the Cappadocian valleys are a four-hour drive east. The local cuisine leans heavily on fresh produce: çukurova kebab, şalgam (turnip juice), and the sticky pastry called bici bici. Agriculture dominates the economy — Tarsus is known for its cotton, oranges, and lemons. Most visitors to the airport are either Turkish citizens returning home, business travellers working in the region's industrial zones, or tourists drawn to the Mediterranean coast. The airport itself has become a minor attraction for aviation enthusiasts, who photograph the sleek terminal against the flat plains.

Practical Information

The airport is open daily, but the terminal does not operate 24 hours. It opens approximately two hours before the first departure and closes after the last arrival. Arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international ones, as checking in, clearing security, and walking to the gate take longer than one might expect — services are still ramping up. Contact the airport at +90 324 503 00 00 for flight and service inquiries, or visit the website at https://www.cukurovaairport.aero/. The free parking lot fills quickly during busy hours, so the paid lot is a reliable backup. Wheelchair users and passengers with limited mobility will find the terminal accessible, but it is wise to request assistance through your airline at least 48 hours ahead. One concrete piece of advice: bring your own snacks and a book — the café's selection is minimal and there is no newsstand.