London Gatwick and Istanbul Türkiye Trigger Massive Travel Surge as Pegasus Airlines Launches Ultra Cheap Daily Flights Across Europe Network

[London, June 26, 2026] — Pegasus Airlines has announced a significant expansion of its European operations with the launch of a new daily flight service connecting London Gatwick Airport (LGW) and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). This strategic move introduces ultra-low-cost travel options between the United Kingdom and Türkiye, aiming to capture the surge in demand for affordable international transit during the peak summer 2026 season.

The introduction of this route establishes a more robust "air bridge" between the two nations, providing travelers with increased frequency and more flexible scheduling options. By integrating Gatwick into its network, the airline is diversifying its presence in the UK market, offering a budget-friendly alternative for passengers in the Southeast of England and those seeking seamless connections to Asia, the Middle East, and other European territories.

New Daily Summer Flight Schedule for UK and Türkiye

The new service is specifically timed to maximize utility for both short-term tourists and corporate travelers. Starting in mid-June, the flights operate on a daily rotation, ensuring consistent availability throughout the high-demand summer window.

According to flight tracking data and official schedules, the outbound service from Türkiye, flight PC1185, departs Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen at 11:55 local time, arriving at London Gatwick at 14:15 local time. The return leg, flight PC1186, departs London Gatwick at 15:20 local time and touches down in Istanbul at 21:15 local time.

These specific timings are designed to facilitate same-day connections in Istanbul, allowing passengers to utilize the city as a transit point for onward journeys without requiring overnight stays. This operational efficiency is a cornerstone of the airline's strategy to attract transit passengers moving between the UK and the broader East.

Expanding Global Connectivity via Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen

The launch of the Gatwick route significantly amplifies the reach of the Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen hub. Industry observers note that the hub acts as a gateway to a vast network, allowing passengers from London to connect to approximately 160 destinations across 56 different countries.

Within the borders of Türkiye, the airline provides access to 39 domestic cities. This is particularly advantageous for summer travelers heading to popular coastal resorts and leisure hotspots, including:

• Antalya: A primary destination for beach tourism.
• Bodrum: A high-demand luxury and leisure hub.
• Dalaman: A critical entry point for the Turkish Riviera.

By leveraging this extensive network, the airline is positioning Istanbul as one of the most efficient and cost-effective transfer points for low-cost carriers in the European market.

Strategic Market Penetration at London Gatwick

The decision to add London Gatwick to its portfolio marks a pivotal shift in the airline's UK growth strategy. The carrier now serves six different airports across the United Kingdom, a move that strengthens its competitive edge in one of the world's most saturated aviation markets.

Previously, the airline operated a daily service between Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen and London Stansted. By adding Gatwick, the carrier now maintains a dual-airport presence in the London metropolitan area. This approach reduces the reliance on a single gateway, mitigates the impact of airport-specific congestion, and provides passengers with greater geographical flexibility.

Industry reports suggest that this dual-presence strategy allows the airline to penetrate different passenger demographics, catering to both the extreme budget segment at Stansted and the broader leisure and business mix typically associated with Gatwick.

Competitive Pricing and Impact on Travel Demand

To stimulate demand and ensure high load factors, the airline has implemented a highly aggressive pricing strategy. One-way fares, inclusive of all applicable taxes, are starting at approximately £54.99.

This pricing puts the service among the most affordable long-haul European connections departing from London. The low entry price is expected to attract a surge of younger travelers, digital nomads, and families who are increasingly prioritizing value-driven travel over full-service carrier experiences.

Flight Number	Departure Airport	Arrival Airport	Departure Time	Arrival Time
PC1185	Istanbul (SAW)	London Gatwick (LGW)	11:55	14:15
PC1186	London Gatwick (LGW)	Istanbul (SAW)	15:20	21:15

Aviation Market Analysis and Future Implications

The expansion into Gatwick is a clear indicator of the airline's confidence in the sustained growth of the UK–Türkiye travel corridor. By diversifying its access points in London and optimizing its hub operations in Istanbul, the carrier is building a scalable model that can withstand market volatility.

This move is not merely about increasing seat capacity but about reshaping the flow of budget international tourism. The ability to offer a seamless, low-cost transition from a major UK hub to a global connector like Istanbul allows the airline to compete more effectively with traditional flag carriers.

As the aviation industry continues to shift toward secondary airport connectivity and flexible pricing, this route is expected to serve as a blueprint for future expansions. The increased competition on the UK–Türkiye route is likely to drive down prices across the board, benefiting the consumer and increasing the overall volume of tourism between the two regions.

The long-term implication of this service is the further solidification of Istanbul's role as a global aviation pivot, bridging the gap between Western Europe and the emerging markets of the East.

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