SunExpress to Launch 10 New Routes in 2026: Expanding Its Network and Investing in the Future

SunExpress has unveiled its plans for the upcoming winter season and 2026, following a strong performance in the 2025 summer season. Completing the summer with record operational success, the airline is preparing for both winter and next summer with an expanding flight network and strategic investments to support fleet growth.

The airline, operating with a fleet of 85 aircraft, has carried more than 13 million passengers since the beginning of the year — marking an 8% increase compared to the same period last year. SunExpress also achieved an 85% load factor and added 15 new international routes to its network during the 2025 summer season. The airline continues to strengthen its leading position in direct flights from German-speaking countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), as well as from the UK and Ireland to the Turkish Riviera and Anatolia.

SunExpress CEO Max Kownatzki emphasized that demand from the UK and Ireland had significantly increased. “In addition to our strong position in the German market, the UK and Ireland are among our fastest-growing markets. Since 2022, we’ve quadrupled our seat capacity in this region and have become the airline flying to the most UK airports from Turkey. So far this year, we’ve recorded a 22% increase in passenger numbers compared to 2024. We’re proud to help more travelers discover Turkey’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and hospitality through our direct flights,” he said.

Expanding Destinations in the New Season

For the 2025/26 winter season, SunExpress will launch a new Izmir–Porto route twice a week starting November 5. The airline will also increase Izmir–Madrid flights to three per week and Izmir–Barcelona to five per week, reaching its highest-ever capacity on the Iberian Peninsula. Domestically, SunExpress connects 21 Turkish cities through flights departing from Antalya and Izmir.

Looking ahead to the 2026 summer season, Kownatzki noted that demand for Turkey remains strong. “We’re seeing a 12% rise in early bookings compared to last year. Turkey continues to stand out in Europe with its cultural heritage, natural beauty, and hospitality. While it remains an attractive destination in terms of value for money, preserving this advantage requires strong collaboration across the tourism sector. At SunExpress, we believe wholeheartedly in Turkey’s tourism potential. With an expanding network and a growing fleet, we’ll keep contributing to the country’s tourism and economy,” he said.

SunExpress will launch 10 new international routes in summer 2026, including its first-ever flights from Bodrum to the UK. The new routes are Antalya–Cork, Antalya–East Midlands, Antalya–Memmingen, Izmir–Porto, Izmir–Sofia, Milas Bodrum–Gatwick, Milas Bodrum–Manchester, Edremit–Hannover, Edremit–Munich, and Hatay–Düsseldorf.

Fleet Modernization and Hangar Investment

Having nearly doubled its fleet size compared to the pre-pandemic period, SunExpress continues to enhance comfort, sustainability, and operational efficiency with next-generation aircraft. The airline has a total of 132 Boeing aircraft orders, including 87 firm commitments. By the early 2030s, SunExpress aims for most of its fleet to consist of Boeing 737-8 and 737-10 models.

“Our fleet renewal represents not only growth in numbers but also a transformation in comfort, sustainability, and efficiency,” Kownatzki said. “A younger, modern fleet allows us to reduce environmental impact while achieving significant gains in fuel consumption, utilization, and cost efficiency. This transformation underlines our commitment to offering passengers a superior travel experience while preparing for a sustainable future.”

Another key project is the hangar investment at Antalya Airport, a major milestone in the airline’s history. Planned for completion within three years, the 12-aircraft-capacity facility will position Antalya as a strategic hub for aircraft maintenance and repair in the region.

Kownatzki added, “This hangar will allow us to conduct line and base maintenance for our fleet in-house. It will also provide services to other airlines operating in the region. Beyond being an infrastructure investment, this project represents a strategic step to support skilled workforce development in Antalya and strengthen the aviation ecosystem.”

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