Türkiye’s State Airports Authority (DHMİ) has extended the 50% winter and early-season discount on landing and parking fees at major tourist airports, including Antalya, until 31 May 2026. While the move has been welcomed by the tourism and aviation sectors, industry representatives argue that the measure alone is insufficient to safeguard the early season.
Under the 2026 fee tariff published by DHMİ, the discount continues to be applied based on aircraft Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW), as confirmed by official pricing tables. The incentive is seen as particularly critical for the sustainability of charter and non-scheduled flights planned for the March–May period.
“Passenger taxes and service costs must also be reduced”
However, sector experts emphasize that reductions limited solely to DHMİ charges do not adequately address current market conditions. According to industry sources cited by Turizm Ekonomi, sister B2B portal of Türkiye Travel News, passenger service charges and airport taxes, along with ground handling, terminal services and other public and private supplier costs, must also be lowered.
In addition, airlines—led by the national carrier—are urged to fully pass these cost advantages on to tour operators and ticket prices in order to stimulate demand.
TGA’s promotional support seen as insufficient
Industry representatives state that if this comprehensive support chain were implemented, a 50% increase in passenger numbers between 22 March and 31 May 2026 compared to the same period in 2025 would become a realistic and achievable target.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, together with the Directorate General for Promotion and the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), has allocated a limited joint advertising budget for travel agencies specifically for March. It has been announced that additional funding would be provided if a 50% year-on-year tourist growth is achieved by 22 May. Nevertheless, the sector considers this support inadequate amid shrinking demand and challenging global economic conditions.
Call for sales-driven campaigns and stronger visibility
The tourism industry is calling for an urgent, sales-oriented international campaign for March, April and May, aimed directly at boosting demand for Türkiye. Such a campaign, to be led by TGA either independently or in cooperation with tour operators, is viewed as essential.
Stakeholders underline that a coordinated campaign involving TGA and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism would not only enhance destination promotion, but also directly support tour operator sales performance, airline load factors and the protection of early-season revenues.
The sector broadly agrees that if Türkiye’s early-season advantages in pricing, accessibility and attractiveness are communicated effectively—and supported through coordinated public, airline and tour operator cooperation—the 2026 season can begin on a strong footing.
