London Gatwick Airport has announced that budget carrier Pegasus Airlines will resume operations from the hub this summer, introducing daily flights to Istanbul's Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). This development adds to Gatwick's expanding network, bringing the total number of new airlines at the airport this year to six.
New Route Details and Connectivity
Pegasus Airlines will operate daily services connecting Gatwick to Sabiha Gökçen Airport, which lies 19 miles southeast of Istanbul's city centre on the Asian side of the transcontinental metropolis. Sabiha Gökçen serves as the primary operating base for both Pegasus Airlines and AJet. The non-stop flight duration is approximately 3 hours and 55 minutes.
While exact fares for the new route have not yet been disclosed, Pegasus flights from other London airports to Istanbul typically range between £100 and £150 for a return ticket, consistent with the airline's low-cost model.
Gatwick's Growing Airline Portfolio
Gatwick Airport highlighted the significance of this addition on social media, stating: "This launch marks our sixth new airline this year, meaning even more choice for you when you fly from London Gatwick. With 230 destinations to explore from London Gatwick this summer, your next adventure is closer than ever!" The airport continues to expand its roster of carriers, enhancing connectivity for passengers.
Istanbul: A City of Two Continents
Istanbul is uniquely positioned as the only metropolis in the world straddling Europe and Asia, divided by the Bosphorus Strait. The city has served as the capital of four major empires: Roman, Byzantine, Latin, and Ottoman. This rich history is reflected in its architecture, including the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque and the Blue Mosque, as well as its renowned cuisine and vibrant street life.
Cruising the Bosphorus is a popular activity, offering panoramic views of Ottoman mansions, grand palaces, medieval fortresses, and suspension bridges linking the two continents. The city also houses the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets globally, featuring over 60 streets and 4,000 shops where visitors can bargain for rugs, leather goods, jewellery, and ceramics.
Pegasus Airlines: From Charter to Low-Cost Leader
Pegasus Airlines was founded in 1990 as a joint venture involving Ireland's Aer Lingus, initially operating as a charter airline. In 2005, ESAS Holding, owned by the Sabancı family, acquired the airline and transformed it into a low-cost carrier, establishing Sabiha Gökçen Airport as its main hub. Today, Pegasus operates a modern fleet primarily composed of Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft.
The airline serves 38 domestic destinations within Turkey, including Izmir, Ankara, and Bodrum, alongside European cities such as Berlin, Madrid, Paris, Rome, and Amsterdam, as well as routes to the Middle East and North Africa. This expansion at Gatwick underscores Pegasus's commitment to offering affordable travel options to one of the world's most culturally significant cities.
