Dalaman is a district, as well as the central town of that district, situated on the southwestern coast of Turkey, in the Muğla Province.
The Dalaman Stream (Dalyan çayı) forms much of the western border of the district, where its neighbors are Köyceğiz and Ortaca districts. The town of Dalaman is located in the coastal plain, whereas the rest of the district – towards Fethiye district on the coast and towards the high mountains on the northern border to Denizli Province – is upland, dominated by the valleys of the Dalaman Stream's eastern tributaries.
Dalaman is known for its international airport which serves as a gateway to the tourists who visit this part of Turkey every year, heading especially to seaside resorts to the west and east of Dalaman such as Marmaris, Fethiye, Köyceğiz, Dalyan, Ölüdeniz and Hisarönü. The airport (IATA: DLM, ICAO: LTBS) is small in comparison to other airports in Turkey, has parking spaces for 14 jet aircraft and is served by many operators. Turkish Airlines offer daily flights to Turkey's commercial and financial capital Istanbul and serves as a seasonal base for other airlines notably Onur Air, Pegasus Airlines and Free Bird Airlines. A new international airport terminal has recently been opened.
Apart from aviation activities, Dalaman plays host to one of Turkey's biggest open prisons where less dangerous prisoners are sent as part of their rehabilitation programme. Yet another vast farm establishment is a state farm. Agriculture, particularly citrus fruits, plays an important role in the local economy, since it is situated in a fertile plain at sea level.
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