COP31 in Antalya: What the 2026 UN Climate Summit Means for Your Holiday

What is COP31?

The United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP31, will be held in Antalya, Türkiye, from Monday 9 to Friday 20 November 2026. This major international summit brings together government delegations, officials, environmental experts, journalists and campaigners from almost every country in the world. Türkiye is hosting it, while Australia holds the presidency of the negotiations — a joint arrangement agreed at COP30. A World Leaders’ Summit takes place in Antalya on Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 November 2026, near the start of the fortnight.

While this is a significant event for the city, British holidaymakers planning a quiet autumn break in the region should understand how the summit might affect their travel plans, airport transit, and local hotel bookings.

Where is the summit being held?

The main venue for COP31 is the Antalya Expo Center. This modern exhibition complex is located on the eastern edge of Antalya, just off the main D400 motorway.

Crucially for visitors, the Expo Center is situated very close to Antalya Airport (AYT). Because of this proximity, the immediate area around the airport and the eastern outskirts of the city will be the main hub of activity for the conference, rather than the holiday resorts further along the coast.

What to expect at Antalya Airport

If you are flying into Antalya Airport between 9 and 20 November 2026, you should prepare for a much busier environment than is normal for late autumn.

November is typically a quiet month when British holidaymakers enjoy a peaceful arrival. However, during the two weeks of COP31, you can sensibly expect:

• Longer queues at passport control and baggage reclaim as delegates arrive from flights worldwide.
• Heightened security inside and around both international terminals, which may slow down your progress through the airport.
• A busy arrivals hall with temporary information desks, official transport coordinators, and media presence.

It is sensible to allow extra time when arriving and, more importantly, when departing for your flight home.

Travel times and road traffic

The roads immediately surrounding Antalya Airport and the Antalya Expo Center will experience significantly more traffic than usual.

If your accommodation is near the city or the immediate eastern suburbs, your journey time to and from the airport might be longer. Under normal conditions, typical journeys from Antalya Airport are:

• Kundu: 10 km, taking about 15 minutes by road.
• Lara: 13 km, taking about 20 minutes by road.
• Antalya City Centre: 15 km, taking about 25 minutes by road.
• Konyaalti: 22 km, taking about 30 minutes by road.

During the summit, these short journeys could take longer, especially during morning and evening peak hours when delegates travel to and from the Expo Center. If you book a private transfer from Antalya Airport, your driver will be aware of local traffic patterns, but it is still wise to factor in extra travel time for your return journey to the airport.

Hotel availability and choosing your resort

With delegations, staff and media all needing beds for a fortnight, hotels in Antalya city centre, Lara and Kundu are likely to be booked up far earlier than they would be in a normal November.

If you want a traditional, quiet autumn holiday, you should look at coastal resorts further away from the city and the Expo Center. These sit well away from the venue, either further east along the coast or over to the west:

• Belek: 35 km (about 35 minutes) east of the airport, famous for its golf courses.
• Kemer: 55 km (about 55 minutes) to the west, offering quiet beaches backed by pine-clad mountains.
• Kumkoy: 60 km (about 55 minutes) east of the airport.
• Colakli: 60 km (about 55 minutes) east of the airport.
• Evrenseki: 62 km (about 58 minutes) east of the airport.
• Side: 65 km (about 60 minutes) east of the airport, ideal for historic sightseeing.
• Manavgat: 72 km (about 65 minutes) east of the airport.
• Alanya: 125 km (about 110 minutes) east of the airport.

Resorts this far out should feel much like a normal November. Most hotels that remain open for the winter season in these towns will have standard holidaymaker crowds rather than diplomatic delegations.

What is not yet known

At this stage, several operational details are still to be finalised by the local authorities. Closer to November 2026, it is wise to check for updates on:

• Specific road closures or dedicated lanes on the D400 motorway near the airport and Expo Center.
• Public transport adjustments, including tram or bus schedules serving the airport.
• Any temporary security zones around major international hotels in Lara and Kundu.

Checking with your airline or tour operator a few weeks before you travel is highly recommended to ensure your arrival is as smooth as possible.

Why November in Antalya is still worth it

Despite the summit, November remains an excellent time to visit the Turkish Riviera. The weather is mild, with daytime temperatures often reaching the high teens or low twenties, which is perfect for exploring without the intense summer heat.

You can visit spectacular ancient ruins like the Roman theatre at Side or the ruins of Perge without the usual crowds. The beaches are quiet, the pace of life is slower, and local restaurants offer a relaxed atmosphere. By choosing your resort carefully and planning your transport in advance, you can enjoy a peaceful holiday while the international community meets down the road.