Jazmin Li
Dalaman Airport in Turkey has been described as a rip-off due to its high prices. The airport has been criticised for its expensive food and drinks, with a Big Mac meal costing over £10 and a KFC bargain bucket costing £30. Excess baggage charges and trolley rental fees also contribute to the overall expense of the airport. The high prices are partly due to the privatisation of the airport by the Turkish government and the subsequent high rental costs for shops. Despite the beauty of Turkey as a tourist destination, many travellers advise against using Dalaman Airport or spending money there.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for high prices | Turkish government privatized the airport at a very high price |
| High rent prices | Shop owners rent shops at high prices, which affects the cost of goods and services |
| Excess baggage charges | £24 for being 2kg over |
| High food prices | £11 for a Big Mac, £3.50 for chips, £2.50 for a small water, £7 for a 500ml bottle of Diet Coke and 500ml bottle of water |
| Trolley charges | £20 per person |
| VIP lounge charges | £20 per person |
| Lack of seating | People had to sit on the floor while waiting for their flight |
| Inconvenient arrival process | Two security barriers to go through after check-in |
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What You'll Learn
High rent prices for airport shops
Dalaman Airport in Turkey has been described as "the most expensive airport in the world" by travellers. The high prices at Dalaman Airport are attributed to several factors, one of which is the high rent prices charged by the airport owners to the shops operating within the airport.
The high rent prices for airport shops are a significant factor contributing to the overall expense of Dalaman Airport. The airport owners set high rental rates for commercial spaces, which are then passed on to customers in the form of inflated prices for goods and services. This results in travellers facing exorbitant costs for food, drinks, and other amenities while awaiting their flights.
One traveller recounted their experience of being charged £7 for a 500ml bottle of water and a 500ml bottle of Diet Coke. Another traveller was asked to pay £11 for a Big Mac, £3.50 for a box of chips, and £2.50 for a small bottle of water. These prices are significantly higher than what one would typically expect to pay for such items, and many travellers have expressed their outrage and frustration over being subjected to these excessive charges.
The high rent prices at Dalaman Airport have had a ripple effect on the overall cost of goods and services within the airport. With shops and restaurants passing on the high rental costs to their customers, travellers are faced with limited options but to pay the inflated prices or go without. This dynamic has led to descriptions of the airport as a "rip-off" and a "daylight robbery", with some travellers advising others to avoid the airport altogether or to bring their own food and drinks to circumvent the excessive charges.
The situation at Dalaman Airport underscores the impact of high commercial rents on the end consumer. With airport owners prioritising revenue generation through high rental charges, travellers are faced with the burden of exorbitant prices, transforming what should be a convenient and comfortable travel experience into a costly and frustrating endeavour.
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Privatisation by the Turkish government
The high prices at Dalaman Airport have been attributed to the privatisation of major airports by the Turkish government. In 2022, Ferrovial Airports acquired a 60% stake in the company that manages the Dalaman International Airport concession. This privatisation has led to high rental costs for shops and services within the airport, which has resulted in inflated prices for goods and services. The airport has been described as a "rip-off", with exorbitant prices for food, drinks, and baggage charges.
The privatisation of Dalaman Airport has had a significant impact on travellers, with many complaining about the excessive costs of basic items. For example, a small cookie has been reported to cost 7 liras, a can of soda 5 liras, a Big Mac meal over £10, and a KFC bargain bucket more than £30. These prices are not limited to food and drinks, as travellers have also reported high charges for trolley rentals and VIP lounge access.
The issue of high prices at Dalaman Airport is not an isolated incident, with similar complaints arising at other privatised airports in Turkey, such as Bodrum and Antalya. The Turkish government's decision to privatise major airports has resulted in increased costs for travellers, impacting their overall experience and perception of the country as a tourist destination.
While privatisation has led to improvements in infrastructure and energy efficiency, with the airport recognised for its architectural design and implementation of renewable energy projects, the excessive prices have left a negative impression on many visitors. Some travellers have suggested that the airport is intentionally pricing its goods and services at a premium, knowing that passengers have little choice but to pay, especially in cases of delays or when travelling with children.
The privatisation of Dalaman Airport by the Turkish government has had a significant impact on the airport's operations and traveller experiences. While the move towards privatisation may have brought about developments in infrastructure and sustainability, it has also resulted in inflated prices that have drawn criticism and disappointment from travellers.
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Excess baggage charges
One traveller reported being charged approximately £43 for being 4kg over the weight limit, while another was charged £8 per kg over. In some cases, passengers have been charged for excess hand luggage, with one couple paying £24 for their hand luggage being slightly over the size limit.
It is worth noting that the excess baggage charges are collected by the handling company, which then shares a portion of the revenues with the airlines. This may incentivize staff to maximize excess baggage charges.
To avoid unexpected fees, some travellers recommend bringing your own luggage scales to ensure your bags are within the weight allowance. Pre-paying for excess baggage online before check-in can also result in a discount on airport charges.
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High food and drink prices
Dalaman Airport in Turkey has been described as a "rip-off" due to its high food and drink prices. One passenger reported that they were charged £7 for a 500ml bottle of Diet Coke and a 500ml bottle of water. Another passenger was charged £11 for a Big Mac, £3.50 for a box of chips, and £2.50 for a small bottle of water. A KFC bargain bucket was said to cost over £30.
The high prices at Dalaman Airport are attributed to the high rent charged to airport shops by the airport owners, which is then passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices for goods and services. The privatization of major Turkish airports by the Turkish government at very high prices has also been cited as a reason for the expensive food and drink options at Dalaman Airport.
Some passengers have suggested bringing your own food and drinks to avoid the high prices, but others have reported having their outside food confiscated and being forced to purchase expensive alternatives. The lack of seating in the airport, particularly during delays, further adds to the frustration of passengers dealing with high food and drink costs.
The expensive food and drinks at Dalaman Airport have been a longstanding issue, with reports dating back to 2010. Despite the beautiful country and people, many travelers advise avoiding Dalaman Airport or at least refraining from purchasing anything there due to the excessive prices.
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Costly transfer services
Dalaman Airport in Turkey has been described as a "rip-off" by many travellers due to its high prices. One of the reasons for this is the costly transfer services from the airport to nearby towns and resorts. The airport is located 5.5 km (3 miles) south of the town centre and the only way to get there is by taxi or bus. While there are bus options available, they are limited and may not be feasible for travellers arriving outside of morning or early afternoon. As a result, many passengers are forced to use private transfer services, which can be expensive, especially for larger groups.
One traveller noted that they were charged £24 for being 2kg over their baggage allowance, which is in line with other comments about excessive baggage charges. The high cost of transfer services is likely due to the airport's monopoly on transportation to and from the airport, allowing them to charge a premium for this service.
In addition to the costly transfer services, the food and drinks at Dalaman Airport have been described as "way beyond expensive". A Big Mac meal has been reported to cost £10 or more, while a KFC bargain bucket can cost upwards of £30. Even basic items like a small bottle of water can cost £2.50. These prices are significantly higher than what one would typically expect to pay, and many travellers have expressed their outrage at being "ripped off".
The high prices at Dalaman Airport are not limited to food and transfer services, but also extend to other goods and services. For example, renting a trolley for a short distance can be costly, and the duty-free shops also charge high prices for their goods. The airport's privatisation by the Turkish government at very high prices has likely contributed to these inflated prices, as the airport owners then rent shops and services at high rates, which is passed on to consumers.
Despite the costly transfer services and high prices, Dalaman Airport remains a popular destination for tourists travelling to the Aegean region and Marmaris in Turkey. However, many travellers recommend avoiding shopping or purchasing food at the airport and instead waiting until reaching the city centre, where prices are more reasonable.
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Frequently asked questions
The Turkish government has privatized major airports, including Dalaman Airport, at very high prices. Airport owners rent shops at high prices, which affects the cost of goods and services.
A Big Mac meal at Dalaman airport costs £10 or more, a KFC bargain bucket costs £30, a small cookie costs 7 liras, a can of pop costs 5 liras, a box of chips costs £3.50, and a small bottle of water costs £2.50.
The food courts are often empty as people only buy there if they have no other choice. It is advisable to wait until you arrive in the city center to eat.
