AirlinesAirports.com
Powered by Google TranslateTranslate
Travel planning byTravelerPulse.pro
İstanbul Hezarfen Airfield Regional Airport illustrationRegional Airport
Airports
small airport

İstanbul Hezarfen Airfield

Çatalca, Turkey
Explore Çatalca city guide Navigate to this airport
0
Routes out
0
Destinations
LTBW
ICAO
61 ft
Elevation
AirlinesAirports profile

Hezarfen Airfield: Istanbul's premier general aviation hub.

Location
Çatalca, Turkey
İstanbul Hezarfen Airfield (ICAO: LTBW) is a general aviation airport located in Çatalca, on the European side of Istanbul, Turkey. It serves primarily private, sport, and recreational aviation, and is one of the key general aviation facilities in the greater Istanbul region. The airfield is named after Hezarfen Ahmed Çelebi, the legendary Ottoman aviator who, according to historical accounts, glided across the Bosphorus in the 17th century. The facility supports flight training, skydiving, gliding, and light aircraft operations, making it a popular destination for aviation enthusiasts in Turkey. Due to its general aviation focus, Hezarfen does not handle scheduled commercial passenger flights. It operates under the oversight of Turkish aviation authorities and plays an important role in supporting non-commercial aviation activities in the Istanbul metropolitan area.
Getting to & from
The airfield is accessible primarily by private vehicle, located approximately 50–60 km northwest of central Istanbul near Çatalca.
Airlines here
No commercial airlines operate at Hezarfen Airfield, as it is dedicated to general, sport, and private aviation.
Notable facts
  • ›Named after Hezarfen Ahmed Çelebi, a 17th-century Ottoman aviator famous for allegedly gliding across the Bosphorus.
  • ›Serves general aviation including flight training, skydiving, gliding, and light aircraft operations.
  • ›Located on the European side of Istanbul in the Çatalca district.
  • ›Does not handle scheduled commercial passenger flights.
  • ›One of the main general aviation airfields serving the greater Istanbul region.
Wikipedia
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.

Airlines serving this airport

No scheduled airline data available.

Routes

No route data available.

Hotels near İstanbul Hezarfen Airfield

Pick what matters for your layover or early flight, then compare on your favorite booking site.

Compare stays for your dates

AirlinesAirports may receive compensation when you book or purchase through some of the links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Prices and availability are set by the booking provider and may change. We never share your private trip details with partners — only the destination, dates and party size you searched.

City & Place Guide

Ancient walls, green valleys, and quiet Black Sea charm.

Çatalca is a tranquil district on the western edge of Istanbul Province, sitting roughly 60 kilometres from the city centre. Despite its proximity to one of the world's busiest metropolises, it retains a rural atmosphere shaped by forests, farmland, and a string of freshwater lakes.

The area carries deep historical layers, from Thracian settlements through Byzantine fortifications to Ottoman-era mosques and hans. Its strategic location along the road to Istanbul meant it witnessed countless armies and migrations over the centuries, leaving behind monuments that reward curious visitors.

Today Çatalca appeals to those seeking a peaceful escape from urban Istanbul — hiking around Sazlıdere Reservoir, exploring crumbling medieval walls, or simply enjoying farm-fresh produce at the weekly market.

  • •Anastasios Wall (Long Walls of Thrace) — impressive 5th-century Byzantine defensive ramparts stretching across the peninsula.
  • •Çatalca Clock Tower — charming late Ottoman landmark anchoring the town square.
  • •Sazlıdere Reservoir — scenic reservoir ideal for walks, birdwatching, and nature photography.
  • •Burgaz Forest — dense woodland popular for picnics, cycling, and fresh-air hikes.
  • •Çatalca Historical Museum — small but informative collection covering regional archaeology and local heritage.
  • •Ferhatpaşa Village — picturesque rural settlement showcasing traditional Thracian village architecture.

Getting around: Çatalca is served by the Marmaray and suburban rail (Banliyö) lines from Istanbul's Halkalı station, making the town accessible by train in about an hour. Dolmuş minibuses connect the town centre to surrounding villages. Taxis are available near the main square for short hops, though they can be scarce in remote areas. Rideshare apps have limited coverage here, so renting a car is advisable for exploring the countryside and distant sights comfortably.

Best time: Spring (April–June) is the best time to visit, when wildflowers bloom, temperatures are mild, and the forests and reservoirs are at their most lush.

Local food: Try köy kahvaltısı (village-style breakfast) at local cafés, fresh dairy products from area farms, and hearty Thracian dishes such as ciğer tava (pan-fried liver) and homemade tarhana soup.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.

Entity data from open aviation datasets (OurAirports, OpenFlights) with AI-assisted editorial clearly marked. Always confirm time-sensitive details with the official airport website. Sources & verification