The General Directorate of State Airports Authority (DHMI) announced that Dalaman Airport served 2,906,953 passengers in the first seven months of the year. In July alone, 905,345 passengers passed through the airport.
According to DHMI’s statement, Dalaman Airport handled 2,906,953 passengers over the seven-month period. In July, the airport served 905,345 passengers, saw 7,193 aircraft movements, and handled 10,917 tons of cargo.
While this is the picture on the aviation side, I wondered: what’s the situation inside? Passenger capacity has nearly doubled this year, but how about the service?
I was truly curious about this because Dalaman Airport occupies a very strategic location, right at the junction of the Aegean and the Mediterranean. It has the potential to become one of the world’s most important airports.
Naturally, having been in the sector for many years, I wanted to look deeper. I found a great connection, an old friend: Begüm Güler, who handles communications consultancy for Paterna Group. Thanks to Begüm, I was introduced to Yiğit İlgüy, CEO of Paterna Group, which operates Dalaman Airport’s F&B outlets and lounges. What I heard was incredible: they’ve been operating there for nearly 17 years.
With such experience and high service standards, I couldn’t miss the chance to ask him a few questions.
I was particularly interested in how they represent Türkiye in such a key region, and he kindly shared his insights.
Here’s the special interview:
You’ve been operating at Dalaman Airport since 2009. In which areas is your group active?
At YDA Dalaman Airport, Paterna Group serves passengers with 15 different brands and concepts across both domestic and international terminals. Each brand is positioned according to the passenger profile and expectations of the terminal. This approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also directly contributes to guest satisfaction.
On the international side, we have designed an F&B experience that focuses on seated, time-consuming concepts. Key brands include Allsports Pub and Faro Kitchen & Bar, one offering a sports atmosphere, the other focusing on Mediterranean cuisine and cocktails. Meanwhile, our three market concepts (BitBy, EatUp, Mini Pack) serve quick consumption needs. We also operate international franchises such as Caffè Nero and two Simit Sarayı locations.
For domestic passengers, our offerings are tailored to shorter waiting times, local habits, and the faster-paced terminal. Here we have two Simit Sarayı, a Subway, and a Chill restaurant. In the arrivals area, Snack’n Pack cafe/market caters to practical needs.
Additionally, Paterna operates Dalaman Airport’s lounges: we own and manage the DLM Lounge for domestic CIP passengers, while in the international terminal, we manage the bar section within the lounge area.
Lastly, Chill restaurant also serves airport staff and VIP guests, offering refreshments and hot meals.
You’ve managed Dalaman’s lounge for a long time. How many passengers did you serve last year compared to this year? What’s the growth rate in the first half of the year?
In June, domestic passenger numbers dropped 2.4% compared to the same period last year. Despite this decline, Paterna Group outlets captured 43.1% of domestic passenger preference, a strong penetration rate. Even with fluctuations in passenger numbers, we constantly update our services based on consumer insights. The double-digit growth in Dalaman Lounge clearly shows the strong demand for high-quality, personalized service.
Our targeted menu management, fast service capability, and reliable service infrastructure allowed us to maintain efficiency even with fewer passengers. Meanwhile, Dalaman Lounge grew 12% during the same period, sustaining consistent growth.
Post-pandemic, passengers want more hygienic and comfortable travel. How are you addressing this?
Passenger expectations have shifted dramatically since the pandemic. Hygiene, personal space, and contactless services are no longer luxuries — they are essentials.
At Paterna, we closely monitored this transformation. We redesigned hygiene protocols in all our lounges and F&B outlets. Food safety standards were updated in line with international norms, and staff training incorporated these practices.
We developed solutions to minimize contact in self-service areas and introduced digital menus. On the comfort side, we reconfigured seating layouts to offer more personal space, creating calmer, more peaceful environments.
No experience can be successful if passengers don’t feel safe. That’s why we restructured every touchpoint with this principle in mind.
Are you satisfied with your lounge capacity? Do you have expansion plans?
Currently, the domestic lounge accommodates 200 seats with a daily capacity of 1,400 guests.
However, with growing interest in the Dalaman region and the airport’s expansion potential, we are already planning future growth. Our philosophy is always to prioritize passenger satisfaction. Comfort, quality dining, and a serene atmosphere during long waits are key priorities for us. In line with this, we are working on expanding both the physical space and the overall experience. We’re also exploring alternative concepts and areas to serve different passenger segments.
You’re located at the intersection of the Aegean and Mediterranean rivieras. What advantages does this bring?
Being at the crossroads of the Aegean and Mediterranean provides immense advantages, not only geographically but also culturally and gastronomically. Dalaman Airport is a gateway to Türkiye’s most valuable tourism destinations — Fethiye, Göcek, Dalyan, and Marmaris, right at our doorstep. This creates both a huge potential for international passenger traffic and significant advantages in supply chains.
At Paterna Group, we transform this regional strength into an advantage by blending local ingredients and recipes with modern gastronomy. From menu planning to sourcing strategies, our entire culinary approach is inspired by this multicultural context. In a sense, we’re bringing together the lightness of the Aegean and the warmth of the Mediterranean on the same plate.
This location also supports sustainability by enabling seasonality, direct access to producers, and local agricultural products. It’s not just about the location itself; it’s about how we make the most of it.
Do you have any in-flight catering services?
Yes, beyond providing premium passenger experiences, Paterna Group also delivers innovative solutions for airlines. From production to service at Dalaman Airport, we apply the highest levels of food safety and hygiene standards. With internationally certified infrastructure, traceable processes, and experienced staff, we deliver excellence at every stage.
We also act as a reliable partner in operational processes, such as providing bulk catering during flight delays.
What about your sustainability efforts?
Our supply chain is well-established at both local and national levels. We prioritize working with producers in Muğla and its surrounding regions, especially for fresh, seasonal products. A significant portion of our vegetables, fruits, and dairy products comes from this area. This not only enhances freshness and flavor but also directly supports the local economy while reducing our carbon footprint.
Menu planning is also part of this sustainability vision. Menus are continuously updated in line with seasonal cycles, reflecting a gastronomy philosophy that respects both nature and produce.