Pegasus Airlines will launch a new direct route between Cologne/Bonn Airport and Diyarbakir in southeastern Turkey starting October 31, 2025.
The weekly service strengthens air links between Germany and Turkey and expands the carrier’s network of Turkish destinations served from Cologne/Bonn. The announcement was made by Cologne Bonn Airport, with flights now available for booking on Pegasus Airlines’ website.
The new route will operate every Friday, departing from Cologne/Bonn at 8:10 p.m. and arriving in Diyarbakir after approximately four hours. The return flight is scheduled every Saturday. The service will be operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft, offering passengers a direct and convenient connection to one of Turkey’s oldest and most culturally rich cities. Diyarbakir becomes the tenth Turkish destination in Pegasus Airlines’ Cologne/Bonn portfolio, underscoring the airline’s commitment to meeting growing demand for travel between Germany and Turkey.
Strengthening Cologne/Bonn’s Turkish Network
“With Diyarbakir, our route network gains a new destination that has a lot to offer culturally and historically,” said Thilo Schmid, CEO of Cologne/Bonn Airport. “The connection is suitable for both vacationers and visits to family and friends.” Schmid emphasized that the new link reflects Cologne/Bonn’s ongoing efforts to broaden its range of international routes and serve diverse traveler segments across Europe and the Middle East.
The addition of Diyarbakir marks a continued expansion of Pegasus Airlines’ footprint in Germany, where the carrier already connects Cologne/Bonn with major Turkish cities including Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, and Adana. With the new route, passengers in North Rhine-Westphalia will have direct access to southeastern Turkey, a region renowned for its deep history, unique architecture, and strong cultural identity.
Pegasus Airlines’ growing network reflects both leisure and diaspora travel patterns between Turkey and Germany. Cologne, home to one of Europe’s largest Turkish communities, remains a key hub for travel to cities across Turkey, particularly for passengers visiting family and friends. Diyarbakir, in turn, serves as a major urban and cultural center in southeastern Anatolia, offering a range of attractions for visitors exploring the region.
A Historic and Cultural Destination in Southeastern Turkey
Diyarbakir, situated on the banks of the Tigris River, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Turkey. The city is known for its extensive basalt walls — among the longest and best-preserved ancient fortifications in the world — and its UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage. Diyarbakir’s old town is a labyrinth of historic mosques, churches, caravanserais, and traditional markets, while its culinary scene is celebrated for authentic Kurdish and southeastern Turkish cuisine.
Recommended Hotels in Diyarbakir for First-Time Visitors
For travelers visiting Diyarbakir for the first time, these hotels offer comfort, convenience, and easy access to the city’s main attractions.
Amida Boutique Hotel
Set in the heart of Sur, close to major historic sites, Amida Boutique Hotel offers an authentic base in Diyarbakir’s old city. Air-conditioned family rooms include private bathrooms, tea/coffee makers, refrigerators, and garden or inner-courtyard views.
Facilities: Garden, lounge, free Wi-Fi, on-site coffee shop, 24-hour front desk, and free on-site parking. Diyarbakir Airport is 3.7 mi away.
Nearby: City Walls of Diyarbakir (4-minute walk); Ataturk City Stadium (1.1 mi).
Radisson Blu Hotel, Diyarbakir
A 5-star, full-service option with a spa, sauna, fitness center, indoor swimming pool, and a landscaped garden terrace. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi and a restaurant serving Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine.
Facilities: Spa & wellness amenities, terrace, restaurant, and proximity to an ice-skating rink. Diyarbakir Airport is 3.1 mi away.
Nearby: Ataturk City Stadium (5.6 mi); City Walls of Diyarbakir (6.2 mi).
With the introduction of direct Cologne–Diyarbakir flights, Pegasus Airlines aims to make travel to this culturally rich region more accessible for both German and Turkish travelers. The route is expected to attract tourists seeking authentic heritage experiences as well as travelers returning to visit family and communities in southeastern Turkey. The convenience of nonstop service reduces travel time and eliminates the need for connecting flights through Istanbul or Ankara, offering greater efficiency and comfort.
Pegasus Airlines, headquartered in Istanbul, has been steadily expanding its European operations over recent years, focusing on strengthening connectivity between Turkey and major European markets. The airline’s low-cost model combines affordable fares with reliable service and modern aircraft, positioning it as a leading carrier for cross-border travel between Turkey and Germany.
The airline operates a fleet primarily composed of Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 aircraft, known for fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. The Cologne–Diyarbakir service will be flown using an Airbus A320, consistent with Pegasus’ ongoing modernization of its fleet. This aircraft type allows the airline to maintain operational efficiency while providing an improved onboard experience for passengers traveling between Europe and the Middle East.
Cologne/Bonn Airport Expands Global Reach
Cologne/Bonn Airport continues to expand its international offerings with new routes targeting key diaspora and leisure markets. The airport has prioritized connections to Turkey, reflecting strong demand for both visiting friends and relatives (VFR) traffic and vacation travel to the country’s coastal and inland regions. Diyarbakir joins a list of Turkish destinations already served by Pegasus from Cologne/Bonn, including Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen, Antalya, and Izmir.
In recent years, Cologne/Bonn has positioned itself as a growing regional hub for affordable and flexible international travel, with multiple low-cost carriers and leisure airlines adding routes to North Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. The introduction of Diyarbakir service by Pegasus further reinforces the airport’s strategic role in linking Germany to diverse regions across Turkey and beyond.
Tickets for the new route are now available for booking at flypgs.com. Passengers can also book through Pegasus’ mobile app and authorized travel agents. The flights are expected to appeal to a broad customer base, including family travelers, leisure tourists, and members of the Turkish community residing in Germany’s Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region.
With the launch of this route, Pegasus Airlines and Cologne/Bonn Airport both strengthen their positions in serving high-demand markets and fostering greater connectivity between Europe and southeastern Turkey. As the airline continues to expand its flight network, Diyarbakir becomes a new gateway bridging Germany and Turkey’s historic heartland — a destination steeped in heritage and positioned to attract both cultural and community-based travel.
Top Photo Credit: Noppasin Wongchum / Shutterstock.com
