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British tourists ditch popular holiday hotspot as it's become 'too expensive'
Daily mirror | March 19, 2026 8:40 PM CST

We're approaching that period when countless Brits start planning their getaways; yet reports suggest holidaymakers are increasingly turning their backs on a formerly popular destination. This follows the emergence of unsettling footage showing deserted airports at the tourist hotspot, sparking widespread discussion amongst travellers.

Clips of these scenes have spread rapidly across TikTok, with one visitor capturing an airport appearing completely abandoned. Despite us merely nearing the beginning of the season, he observed the airport resembles a "ghost town", with haunting footage demonstrating just how deserted the travel hub has become.

This isn't the only time the issue has been raised, either. Last year, reports also indicated the destination was empty even then.

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Discussing what he encountered in Turkey, dadhealthandtravel posted: "I get it's only March, and the resorts are just starting to get busy ahead of the season starting, but I have NEVER seen Antalya Airport this quiet. Through check-in, passport control and security in under five minutes.

"For anyone curious, it's hot, and getting hotter by the day! Currently around 23 to 24 degrees mid-afternoon."

The clip has racked up thousands of views, with numerous people swiftly responding. One commented: "It's so expensive."

Someone else contributed: "That place is a rip-off." A third wrote: "We left from Antalya Airport last week and it was the quietest I'd ever seen it."

Meanwhile, a fourth person remarked: "This is true. When we arrived two days ago it was like a ghost town." Another simply stated: "It's too expensive."

Yet others acknowledged they've been recently and experienced something entirely different. One visitor observed: "It's not the season yet, so most flights are not flying."

Someone else contributed: "We arrived on Monday and there was many people." Another individual mentioned: "Flew back from Antalya yesterday. It did seem quiet, but had the best week out there."

Why has Turkey's cost increased?

In recent years, numerous holidaymakers have noticed Turkey becoming considerably pricier. Several factors are believed to be behind this shift.

A major element is the severe inflation and the rapid weakening of the Turkish Lira. Over recent years, the currency has reportedly plummeted dramatically in worth.

Elevated operational expenses, surging demand in holiday hotspots and substantial import duties have also stripped away its previous status as an affordable getaway. Due to economic uncertainty, companies regularly hike prices to offset projected future expenses, a trend that's triggered a dramatic price escalation.

Additionally, hefty levies are imposed on imported products, electronics and alcoholic beverages, rendering these considerably costlier than elsewhere. Some more affordable regions do still exist, though.

Whilst tourist hotspots in big cities like Istanbul have become pricey, there are still affordable alternatives available, such as dining in local districts or visiting during the off-peak season. There are strategies to navigate around it.


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