Dalaman International Airport (DLM), a key gateway to Turkey’s southwestern coast, offers a modern and efficient experience for travellers exploring the Turkish Riviera.
The passenger experience at Dalaman, or DLM, is shaped by its two-terminal setup, handling over 10 million passengers annually across 120 destinations in 23 countries. Serving as a base for Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, and seasonal carriers like Ryanair and easyJet, the airport features a well-organised system with clear signage. The international terminal, designed by Emre Arolat and opened in 2018, spans 95,000 square metres with natural lighting and a brise-soleil system for energy efficiency, while the older domestic terminal handles local flights. Travellers find the atmosphere functional, though summer crowds can make it feel busy.
Accessing the airport from Dalaman’s city centre, 6 kilometres away, is straightforward. The Muttas bus (Lines 8-11) connects to the central bus station in 15-17 minutes for £0.60, payable in cash or card, though services run every 1-2 hours and stop by 7:20 pm. Havaş shuttles serve Marmaris (90 minutes, £4) and Fethiye (60 minutes, £2.80), timed to domestic flight arrivals.
Taxis, available 24/7 outside the international terminal, cost around £8 to the city centre, while car rental agencies like Avis, Europcar, and Sixt operate on-site. A 550-space car park offers rates from £3 per hour, with online reservations available.
The airport’s layout includes two terminals—Terminal 1 for domestic flights and Terminal 2 for international—connected by a 200-metre covered walkway, though airside transfers require re-clearing security. Terminal 2’s upper levels house 87 check-in desks and 12 gates, while Terminal 1 has 60 desks and bus-boarding stands. The design prioritises efficiency, but long walking distances and multiple security checks, including a gate-specific screening for UK-bound flights, can slow progress. Ongoing solar power projects may cause minor construction disruptions.
Delays are most common in July and August, when passenger volumes peak at 3.9 million monthly, leading to crowded check-in areas and security queues. Weather, particularly summer storms, and slow baggage handling can also cause hold-ups. Arriving three hours early for international flights and two for domestic is recommended, with flight status checks via airline apps advised to manage gate changes or delays.
Dining options include Burger King, Subway, Sbarro, and KFC in Terminal 2’s international departure area, alongside Brava Cafe and a supermarket in Terminal 1 offering Turkish snacks. Prices are high, with a coffee costing up to £5, so packing snacks is wise. Retail features Heinemann Duty Free shops stocked with perfumes, alcohol, Turkish lokum, and souvenirs, plus luxury brands like Swarovski. A small supermarket and newsagent cater to essentials, though most outlets close by 10 pm.
Facilities ensure comfort, with free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes via passport-activated kiosks, though premium access via WiSpotter Dalaman costs extra. ATMs, currency exchange, prayer rooms, and baby care facilities are available, alongside 24-hour medical services. Accessibility features include ramps, lifts, and wheelchair assistance, bookable 48 hours in advance. The CIP and DLM Lounges in Terminal 2, open 24/7, offer rest zones and snacks for a fee. Nearby hotels, like Dalaman Airport Lykia Resort (4 kilometres away), provide layover options.
On-time performance is generally reliable, supported by a single runway and parallel taxiway, though summer congestion and additional security for UK flights can delay boarding. Connections are manageable within terminals, with Schengen-to-Schengen transfers taking 30-45 minutes. Non-Schengen transfers, requiring customs and security, may take up to an hour, so a minimum two-and-a-half-hour layover is advised for self-transfers.
Dalaman International Airport blends modern amenities with access to Turkey’s coastal gems, offering a practical experience for travellers. Its proximity to resorts and ongoing sustainability efforts make it a convenient hub for exploring the Mediterranean.
Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus check-in is in the international terminal, check-in hall (dynamic desks 1-50; self-service kiosks available, usually in the desks 1–20 range). Departures are most commonly from gates 1-30 (non-Schengen area; dynamic, announced ~30-45 minutes before departure). Specific gates are displayed on airport departure boards. Dalaman is a seasonal route (summer months), and Ireland’s non-Schengen status may require additional passport checks. Arrive 90 minutes before departure.
Ryanair
Ryanair check-in is in the international terminal, desks 1-50 (dynamic; self-service kiosks available, usually desks 1–15). Exact desk numbers are displayed on airport screens.Bag drop opens 2 hours prior. Departures are most commonly from gates 1-30 (non-Schengen; dynamic, announced ~30-45 minutes before departure). Ryanair operates flights to Dublin on Wednesdays and Sundays. Digital boarding passes are accepted for Ireland routes, but a printed boarding pass is required for flights to England.
SunExpress
SunExpress Dalaman service starts April 2026. Check-in desks open 2 hours prior and close 20-45 minutes before departure (online check-in 36-72 hours prior via sunexpress.com). Gates are announced 45-60 minutes prior. Departures wil most likely be from gates 1-30 (non-Schengen area; dynamic, announced ~30-45 minutes before departure).
