For many travelers, the joy of discovering a new region often begins with the simple convenience of getting there. That journey is about to become easier for anyone eager to explore northern Spain, as Pegasus Airlines has officially launched direct flights between Istanbul and Bilbao.
The airline announced that the new service began on 1 December 2025, connecting Türkiye’s largest city with one of Spain’s most culturally dynamic destinations. According to Pegasus Airlines, the route will operate four times a week in both directions, offering fares starting at €69.99 / £69.99.
The addition of Bilbao expands Pegasus Airlines’ reach into a region known for art, architecture and lush Atlantic landscapes, enhancing accessibility for travelers looking to explore “Green Spain.” Flights from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport depart on Monday mornings at 09:20 and at 10:15 on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, while return flights from Bilbao depart between 12:55 and 14:00 depending on the day of travel. Tickets can be booked online through flypgs.com, the Pegasus mobile app or authorized sales partners.
The Istanbul–Bilbao connection arrives at a moment when demand for travel between Türkiye and Spain continues to rise. For Pegasus Airlines, the new flights represent both a strategic network expansion and a cultural bridge between two regions with strong tourism appeal. “We are delighted to launch these new direct flights connecting Istanbul, Türkiye’s dynamic gateway between continents and one of the region’s most important centres for business, tourism and culture, with Bilbao, a standout destination in northern Spain known for its rich heritage, culinary scene, and growing appeal for both leisure and trade,” said Onur Dedeköylü, Chief Commercial Officer of Pegasus Airlines.
Bilbao Airport leaders welcomed the new link as a boost for regional connectivity. The city, once an industrial hub, has grown into a world-recognized cultural center anchored by the Guggenheim Museum—a monumental Frank Gehry creation that transformed Bilbao’s global profile. “We welcome Pegasus Airlines to Bilbao, Bizkaia and the Basque Country. Bilbao Airport is the main gateway for Northern Spain, and we are proud to boost the commercial, touristic and industrial links between the Basque Country and Türkiye with more flights to such an important partner for our region,” said Iván Grande, Managing Director of Bilbao Airport. He added that travelers arriving from Türkiye will find forests, mountains, architecture and a celebrated gastronomy waiting for them.
For travelers, the new route unlocks an appealing range of experiences across both destinations. Istanbul remains one of the world’s great crossroads, drawing visitors to its markets, mosques and waterfront neighborhoods along the Bosphorus. Meanwhile, Bilbao offers a blend of modern design, traditional Basque culture and easy access to Spain’s northern coast, where rugged cliffs and green valleys shape the landscape.
The schedule also supports business travel between two energetic economic regions. Bilbao’s growing tech and creative sectors complement Istanbul’s position as a commercial hub connecting Europe and Asia. With steady growth in tourism across the Basque Country and expanding interest in Türkiye’s cultural and culinary offerings, Pegasus Airlines’ new service positions itself at the intersection of rising demand.
As winter travel begins and 2026 approaches, Pegasus Airlines expects the new flights to draw both leisure and business travelers seeking fresh, affordable links across the continent. The airline highlights that opening fares start at €69.99 / £69.99, making the route one of the more accessible options between southeastern Europe and Spain’s northern coast. For more details or to book tickets, travelers can visit flypgs.com.
