Flights to Turkey in 2026: Airlines, Airports and How to Choose
In 2026, Turkey remains one of the few countries with a stable and predictable international air transport system. Despite major changes in global aviation after 2022, flights to Turkey have not only continued but have become more structured, with clearly defined hubs, understandable seasonality, and reliable airlines.
This article is based on real route networks and actual flight experience, not airline marketing claims. Below is a complete overview of which airlines genuinely operate flights to Turkey in 2026, which airports matter most, and how to choose the most efficient route.
How air travel to Turkey works in 2026
Turkey’s aviation system in 2026 is built around three key pillars:
- major international hubs
- national and regional airlines
- seasonal resort destinations
The most important development of recent years is the strengthening of Istanbul as a global transit hub and the consolidation of Antalya as the largest resort airport in the region.
Airlines operating flights to Turkey in 2026
Turkish airlines
Turkish Airlines
Turkey’s national flag carrier and one of the strongest players in global aviation. In 2026, Turkish Airlines operates an extensive international network with connections across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond. A modern long- and medium-haul fleet, stable schedules, and convenient transfers via Istanbul make it a universal choice for business, tourism, and long-distance travel.
Pegasus Airlines
A low-cost carrier with high flight frequency and strict fare rules. In 2026, Pegasus is widely used for flights to Istanbul and Antalya. It is suitable for travelers who prioritize price and are comfortable managing baggage and additional services independently.
AJet
An airline positioned between a classic carrier and a low-cost model. In 2026, AJet is often chosen by passengers who want transparent conditions without excessive onboard services.
International and regional airlines
Aeroflot
In 2026, Aeroflot continues to operate on key routes to Turkey, primarily serving Istanbul and Antalya. The airline is chosen by passengers who value predictable schedules, familiar service standards, and clear baggage policies.
S7 Airlines, Utair, Red Wings, Nordwind Airlines, Azur Air, Smartavia
These airlines form a significant share of seasonal and charter traffic, particularly on resort-focused routes to Antalya.
Pobeda
A low-cost airline focused on minimal base fares. In 2026, Pobeda operates direct seasonal flights to Gazipasa (Alanya), making it popular among travelers heading to Turkey’s southern Mediterranean coast.
Middle Eastern and Asian airlines
Turkey is also actively used as a transit point by the following carriers:
- Emirates
- Etihad Airways
- Qatar Airways
- Flydubai
- Air Arabia
- Jazeera Airways
- Oman Air
These airlines are especially relevant for passengers combining Turkey with onward travel to Dubai, Asia, and Southeast Asia.
International airports in Turkey in 2026
| Airport (Code) | Popularity | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Istanbul (IST) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Global transit, frequent connections |
| Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Low-cost airlines, budget travel |
| Antalya (AYT) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Resorts, families, seasonal tourism |
| Gazipasa (GZP) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Alanya, seasonal low-cost flights |
| Bodrum–Milas (BJV) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Bodrum and Aegean resorts |
| Dalaman (DLM) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Fethiye, Marmaris, Oludeniz |
| Adana (ADA) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Southern Turkey, regional travel |
2026 Tip: When choosing your arrival airport, consider not only ticket price but also onward logistics. The drive from Gazipasa Airport (GZP) to central Alanya takes 30–40 minutes, while a transfer from Antalya (AYT) may take 2–2.5 hours.
Turkish Airlines vs Pegasus vs AJet vs Aeroflot: which airline to choose in 2026
In 2026, airline choice depends less on ticket price and more on the purpose of travel.
- Turkish Airlines — maximum comfort, modern fleet, global connections
- Aeroflot — direct routes with predictable service standards
- Pegasus — lowest base fares with strict conditions
- AJet — a balanced option between price and comfort
Low-cost airlines in 2026: how to save without sacrificing comfort
By 2026, low-cost airlines have become a normal part of air travel. Understanding baggage rules, seat selection, and connection timing helps travelers avoid stress and fly efficiently on a budget.
Why aircraft quality matters on longer flights
A modern aircraft fleet reduces fatigue, noise, and physical discomfort. This is why for flights longer than 4–5 hours, passengers increasingly prioritize newer aircraft rather than simply choosing the cheapest ticket.
How aviation changed after 2022 and why this matters for investors
After 2022, aviation became more regional and resilient. Turkey has emerged as a key aviation hub connecting Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. For people who travel frequently or manage international assets, this means greater logistical stability and lower long-term risk.
About RestProperty
RestProperty is an international real estate agency with over 20 years of experience working with foreign clients. The company began operating in Turkey long before the country became a mainstream destination for relocation, investment, and seaside living.
In practice, RestProperty specialists work daily with clients who regularly travel between countries and evaluate not only property prices, but also factors such as:
- flight convenience
- stability of air connections
- airport accessibility
- the ability to reach the country quickly at any time of year
That is why real aviation logistics are always taken into account when working with clients — not just maps or distances.
Today, RestProperty supports transactions and consultations not only in Turkey, but also in other high-demand destinations in 2026:
The company works exclusively with verified properties, official contracts, and a transparent legal structure — especially important for clients planning frequent travel, long stays, or relocation abroad.
RestProperty experience shows: in 2026, comfortable life abroad begins not with buying a ticket or choosing a district, but with understanding how easy and reliable it is to get there.
