Authorities at Antalya Airport (AYT) have implemented significant changes to the procedures for meeting arriving travelers, effective immediately. According to reports from the Association of Tour Operators (ATOR) and the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB), the traditional practice of using hand-held signs with company names or passenger surnames is now prohibited within the terminal meeting areas. This measure aims to streamline the flow of visitors and improve the organizational structure at one of Turkey’s busiest international gateways.
New Counter System for Organized Tour Groups
Under the revised regulations, arriving passengers will no longer search for representatives holding placards. Instead, travelers are directed to a series of specialized counters labeled with letters from A to M. These stations are positioned in the arrivals hall, spaced approximately 30–40 cm apart to maintain order. Tour operators are now required to provide clients with a specific letter designation for their assigned counter prior to their flight. Upon arrival, passengers must:
- Locate the counter corresponding to the letter provided by their travel agency.
- Verify their surname on the digital or physical list at the designated station.
- Follow the staff's instructions to the location of their assigned shuttle or bus.
Adjustments for Individual Transfers and Terminal 2
The recent changes follow a series of logistical adjustments initiated earlier this year. In May 2024, the airport management modified the protocol for individual private transfers specifically at Terminal 2. Currently, private vehicles and individual transfer services are required to wait for passengers in a remote parking facility rather than directly at the terminal exit. These steps are part of a broader effort to reduce congestion at the terminal doors and prevent unauthorized transport services from operating within the airport perimeter.
The modernization of the meet-and-greet process at Antalya Airport reflects the facility's need to manage high passenger volumes efficiently, especially during the peak summer tourism season. Travelers planning a trip to the Turkish Riviera are advised to double-check their arrival instructions and ensure they have the necessary counter codes to avoid delays in reaching their hotels in Belek, Side, Alanya, or other regional resorts.