Turkish Airlines Joins Pegasus Airlines, and AJet Unveil Exciting New Routes and Frequency Increases, Redefining Istanbul’s Global Connectivity for Air Travel in 2026

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May 2, 2026 05:53 GMT+5:30

Istanbul’s status as a major hub in global aviation is set to grow even further with the introduction of new routes and frequency increases between June and December 2026. This expansion is being driven primarily by Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, and AJet, with exciting developments for travelers flying to and from Istanbul. Several new direct connections to destinations worldwide will be launched, alongside enhancements to existing routes, designed to cater to the growing demand for international travel. Here is an overview of the significant changes taking place.

New Routes Starting in Summer 2026

A number of fresh connections to Istanbul are scheduled to start, promising improved accessibility and broader travel options. These new routes represent a mix of direct links to both well-known and emerging destinations, further strengthening Istanbul’s global connectivity.

Pegasus Airlines to Launch Direct Flight to Oral, Kazakhstan

On June 4, 2026, Pegasus Airlines will debut a new direct route from Oral, Kazakhstan, to Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). The route will be operated twice weekly, on Thursdays and Sundays, making it easier for passengers traveling between Kazakhstan and Turkey. The new service will cater to both business and leisure travelers, strengthening ties between these two important cities.

AJet Connects Stockholm to Istanbul

Another exciting launch comes from AJet, which will inaugurate its service between Stockholm, Sweden, and Istanbul (SAW) on June 2, 2026. This direct flight will link Arlanda Airport in Stockholm with Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport, providing a convenient option for travelers between these two vibrant cities. The new route will contribute to increasing air traffic between Sweden and Turkey, making it easier for business and tourism exchanges to thrive.

Turkish Airlines Upgrades Santiago Service

As part of its ongoing expansion, Turkish Airlines will enhance its service between Santiago, Chile, and Istanbul (IST) starting June 16, 2026. This upgrade will see the airline increase the frequency of its São Paulo-Santiago-Istanbul route to a daily service, utilizing its state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 aircraft. The new service will cater to travelers looking to connect to South America from Istanbul, with more frequent flights improving the overall experience for passengers flying to Chile and beyond.

New Seychelles Route on the Horizon

Another thrilling development for 2026 is the introduction of a new direct flight from Istanbul (IST) to Mahé, Seychelles. This new seasonal route is still being finalized, but it will be an important addition to Istanbul’s expanding international network, providing travelers with an easy connection to the idyllic island destination. Set to launch in 2026, this route will further bolster Turkey’s connectivity to key global tourist hotspots, allowing tourists to explore the Seychelles’ beautiful beaches and resorts.

Expanded Services on Existing Routes

In addition to launching new routes, airlines are also increasing frequencies on existing flights to meet the growing demand for travel. These frequency increases will offer more travel options to passengers and reinforce Istanbul’s role as a key hub for international aviation.

Air Transat Boosts Toronto-Istanbul Service

To meet demand, Air Transat will increase its Toronto (Canada) to Istanbul (IST) frequency from two flights per week to three flights per week starting in June 2026. This enhancement is in response to increased demand for travel between Canada and Turkey, with more frequent flights providing greater flexibility for travelers looking to explore both countries.

Sydney-Istanbul Frequencies to Increase

Sydney, Australia has always been an important destination for travelers departing from Istanbul, and now the connection is set to become even more frequent. Starting in October 2026, Turkish Airlines will increase its flights from Istanbul to Sydney via Kuala Lumpur, boosting the route to six weekly flights. Additionally, non-stop flights from Istanbul to Sydney are expected to commence in late 2026, depending on the delivery of new aircraft. This exciting development will make the connection between these two cities even more accessible, catering to the growing number of travelers between Australia and Turkey.

Lisbon-Istanbul Service Gets a Boost

Due to high demand, Turkish Airlines will ramp up its Lisbon (Portugal) to Istanbul (IST) flights in 2026. This popular route will increase to 21 flights per week, operating three times daily. The frequency increase is expected to meet the surge in both leisure and business travel between Portugal and Turkey, making it easier for passengers to travel at different times of the day.

Major Network Adjustments by Turkish Airlines and AJet

While several routes are expanding, network adjustments are also underway, particularly among Turkish Airlines and AJet. These changes reflect shifts in demand, allowing the airlines to better allocate resources and focus on more profitable routes.

Turkish Airlines Cuts 18 International Destinations

In a strategic move, Turkish Airlines will suspend 18 international destinations during the second half of 2026. This decision is aimed at redeploying aircraft to more lucrative summer routes. Cities such as Aqaba, Billund, Havana, Kinshasa, and several locations in Iran will be temporarily removed from the airline’s schedule. This network realignment is part of the airline’s ongoing efforts to optimize its routes and ensure a higher return on investment.

AJet Reduces Capacity

AJet will also undergo a reduction in capacity during May and June 2026, canceling more than 200 departures as part of a broader network realignment. The reduction is expected to decrease the airline’s capacity by around 5%, focusing on streamlining operations and improving efficiency.

The period from June to December 2026 promises to be a significant one for Istanbul’s air travel scene, with new routes and frequency increases driving the expansion of Istanbul’s global connections. Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, and AJet are leading the charge, ensuring that Istanbul remains at the heart of global aviation. As these exciting developments unfold, travelers can look forward to more accessible options, whether they are headed to Seychelles, Chile, or Australia, or seeking more frequent connections to Canada and Portugal. However, alongside the growth, airlines are also making important network adjustments to streamline their operations and focus on the most profitable routes.