[annetted]

Hi, Just wondering if someone could confirm this, I have heard that you cannot drive to izmir airport and pick up members of your family unless you are registered as taxi. This seems a bit crazy and worrying as I will be in Kusadasi for a months holiday with some members of my family. and my husband and daughter are due in two weeks after us. I had planned to drive up and pick them up myself but Now I am afraid my car will be taken off me. could this be right, maybe someone has more information on this and could let me know any help would be appreciated. regards Annette

[CATHNJOHN]

Hi sounds like theres a crackdown at every Turkish Airport and unless you are TURSAB registered your car could be impounded,even collecting family and friends you would have to park elsewhere and walk to meet them,absoloutely ridiculous.

[FJO25]

When I visit Turkey and land in Izmir, my friend or a private mini bus picks me up out the front and they have never had a problem. Last time was 3 weeks ago, so quite recent.
I know there is parking so if you are worried why not park the car and walk to the terminal. The car park is not too far, just over from the international terminal.

[CATHNJOHN]

Hi this is something thats been done in the last 48 hours and is happening across Turkey,for further info check out TV forum and Turkishliving forum and just read some others experiences.

[**claire**]

taken from the Fethiye Times

Dalaman Airport

- Crackdown on Unlicensed Vehicles Hits Tourists Thursday, 07 June 2007
Dalaman Airport security is currently refusing entry to the airport by unlicenced transfer vehicles including company registered cars and hire cars. The current local measures were introduced following a campaign by the resident airport taxi co-operative to rid the airport of ‘cowboy’ transfer companies. The crackdown is only taking place at Dalaman Airport. Bodrum, Izmir and Antalya airport are unaffected.
But what initially began as a blitz to rid the airport of the cowboys has now turned into a full scale assult on anyone or any vehicle which is not suitably registered or which the authorities suspect may be carrying out a private transfer being refused entry.
The crackdown has seen some departing passengers being stranded at the airport gates as their vehicle has been refused entry to the airport. Arriving passengers, unaware of the situation, have been left stranded and forced to use the on airport taxi service (now you see why the campaign is paying off!). Even out of town taxis, which are legally allowed to drop off at the airport, are being subject to tighter scrutiny and being forced to deposit their papers with the airport authorities to ensure they don’t pick up any paying customers whilst at the airport. Legitimate transfer companies and rent-a-car companies are also being affected by the crackdown even though they have suitable licences.
The big tour company operators are unaffected by the restrictions so if you have booked a package with one of the big operators you should be unaffected. However, people staying with independent hotels or those renting villas should check with their transfer company before departing to clarify the latest position and confirm they will be picked up.
If you are stranded make sure you have enough cash to pay for a taxi ride to your resort and also take detailed directions if you haven’t visited your destination before as your taxi driver is unlikely to have the local ‘knowledge’! One way fares range from £50 to Fethiye to £120 to Kalkan. We will publish a guide in the next few days of alternative ways to get to/from the airport.
So what about private cars? What if you are due to pick up visiting friends and relatives from the airport this season? Well the latest information is that you should be OK if you don’t make the trip too regularly and aren’t recognised by the gate staff. Don’t forget to always carry your driving licence (both parts if a UK licence), passport and your car papers and always answer the security staff questions honestly. So if you are going to pick up your mum and dad, say so, in your best of British accent of course! However, if you are refused entry please let us know.

[CATHNJOHN]

Hi this is now happening at Bodrum and other Turkish airports,the Fethiye Times need updating.An ex pat went to collect relatives from Bodrum on Monday ,as he was pulling away from the pick up point he was stopped by the tourist board and the police and told he must not come into the airport again or his car would be impounded as he wasnt insured to collect passengers even relatives .They apparently quoted a rule that was passed in May so only Tursab registered can now drop off and collect from airports.

[**claire**]

Originally Posted by CATHNJOHN

.They apparently quoted a rule that was passed in May so only Tursab registered can now drop off and collect from airports.

I wonder if this only includes the drop off points??

ie ..if you parked in the car park (& paid to park) would you have a problem?

seems ridiculous!!!

[CATHNJOHN]

Hi it seems you will be allowed to collect direct family only ,all others will have to leave the airport grounds where you are free to collect them, a bus into Bodrum otogar is being provided.Lots of vehicles have now been impounded so be carefull .This also applies to trips like Ephesus etc.

[ally]

I know that taxis from Kusadasi cannot come and pick up arriving passengers from Izmir and Bodrum airports but I've never heard that you cant go and collect your family/relatives.
I was at Izmir airport last Tuesday night picking up my hubby and one of our staff and didnt have a problem; parked in the carpark and waited.
I think its a crackdown on people who are doing Airport Transfers privately (word of mouth sort of thing), in their own cars and picking up customers.
Im off to Izmir airport on the 19th to collect my mum and Im not anticipating any problem.

Alison

[CATHNJOHN]

Hi Ally this is something thats been happening since monday,cars have been impounded,peoples details have been taken ,they have had to produce residency and theyve been told to expect a fine within 14 days so if i were you i would check info from other sources like the forums mentioned then you can decide what to do for the best. It is to stop unlicensed transfers but sounds like theyve gone over the top.