Pegasus Airlines inaugurated its first service linking Birmingham to Istanbul’s bustling hub, Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), on December 21, 2023. This milestone marks a pivotal moment in connecting two dynamic cities, offering an accessible and cost-effective travel option for passengers.
Operating three times a week – on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays – the new service by Pegasus Airlines provides a seamless connection between Birmingham Airport (BHX) and Istanbul. With one-way fares starting at just £39.99, the route is poised to become a popular choice for a diverse range of travelers including sunseekers, business professionals, pilgrims, and those visiting family in Türkiye and beyond.
Nick Barton, CEO of BHX, expressed his enthusiasm about the new service. He stated, “This is a wonderful early Christmas present for us and for the many customers in our region. The new services to SAW will undoubtedly be a hit with a broad spectrum of travelers. The strong onwards network of Pegasus Airlines covering Asia, Europe, and Africa from its SAW hub greatly enhances travel options for our customers.”
Pegasus Airlines’ expansive network from its SAW hub includes over 130 destinations across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Key destinations include Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah in the UAE, Doha in Qatar, Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada in Egypt, Beirut in Lebanon, and several cities across Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait. In addition, the airline connects guests to Türkiye’s top tourist spots such as Antalya, Bodrum, Dalaman, and Izmir.
Pegasus Airlines has emerged as one of the fastest-growing airlines in the post-pandemic era, having fully recovered its operating capacity and profitability by 2022. Committed to environmental sustainability, Pegasus Airlines is actively working towards decarbonizing its operations. This commitment aligns with the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Net Zero by 2050 pledge and global imperatives to protect the planet. A key aspect of their sustainability strategy includes investing in fuel-efficient, new generation aircraft. This investment has led Pegasus Airlines to boast one of the most modern fleets in Europe, with an average fleet age of 4.6 years as of September 2023.
Mirroring these ambitions, Birmingham Airport is also striving towards becoming a carbon net zero airport by 2033. The airport is undertaking significant initiatives, such as the installation of 12,000 solar panels across its northeast boundary. By May 2024, this green power initiative is expected to cover 20% of BHX’s electricity requirement, further cementing its commitment to environmental sustainability.
The new service by Pegasus Airlines from Birmingham to Istanbul represents more than just a new route. It signifies a strategic expansion in global connectivity and a commitment to sustainable and affordable travel. As both BHX and Pegasus Airlines continue to innovate and adapt to the changing demands of the travel industry, this new service stands as a testament to their dedication to providing accessible, efficient, and environmentally responsible travel options. With the inaugural flight taking off, the Birmingham to Istanbul route is set to become a vital link in international travel, catering to the needs of a wide range of passengers and paving the way for further expansion in global aviation connectivity.
