Pegasus Airlines has revealed plans to introduce a new direct service connecting Bristol Airport with Istanbul’s Sabiha Gokcen International Airport. Operating three times a week, this new route provides passengers with seamless access to one of Turkey’s busiest hub airports.
Sabiha Gokcen serves as a key gateway for travel across Europe, Central Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East—opening up expanded travel options for UK travellers and international connections via Istanbul.
Pegasus Airlines will provide onward connections to many countries in the United Arab Emirates including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as Qatar, Egypt, Morocco, Doha, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Georgia, making it easier for customers to fly from their local airport in Bristol, and connect with family, friends and business partners all over the world.
It also offers an extensive domestic flight network across Turkey to top summer holiday destinations of Antalya, Bodrum, Izmir and Dalaman. The first flights to and from Bristol will start on 8 July and are already available to book.
The regular, all-year-round service, will not only provide people with opportunities to explore new destinations from Bristol Airport, without the need of travelling to London airports, but will also enable inbound visitors from a raft of countries to easily visit the local region – providing a welcome boost for regional tourism. As well as making it easier for loved ones to visit those living or studying in the South West.
Dave Lees, Chief Executive at Bristol Airport, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Pegasus Airlines to Bristol Airport, which will open up an extensive range of destinations for onward travel to countries including Turkey, UAE and Saudi Arabia.
“It will also allow for more visitors to explore our local region, who would previously have visited the UK through London airports.
“This is good news for inbound tourism; for those who want to connect with family and friends; and for businesses in the South West and South Wales who have overseas interests.”
Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport is located on the Asian side of Istanbul and is a hub for onward connections to many countries around the world.
Pegasus Airlines is the fastest growing Turkish airline and second largest carrier in Turkey.
Kathryn Davis, Chief Executive of Visit West, which has a leading role in the development of the region’s visitor economy, welcomed the additional airline service from Bristol Airport.
She said: “The visitor economy is critically important to the economic success of Bristol, Bath, and the wider West of England region. With Pegasus Airlines providing a year-round service, there will be opportunities for visitors to travel at different times of the year when there is often more capacity at attractions and hotels. This supports local businesses, particularly SMEs, local high streets and supports career opportunities.”
