Onur Air Officially Declared Bankrupt in Turkey

One of Turkey’s First Private Airlines, Onur Air, Declared Bankrupt

One of Turkey’s pioneering private airlines, Onur Air, has officially been declared bankrupt after a prolonged legal process in Istanbul. The court has now finalized proceedings and initiated the liquidation of the company’s remaining assets.

✈ A Pioneer in Turkey’s Aviation Industry

Founded in 1992, Onur Air was among the first private airlines in Turkey and played a significant role in shaping the country’s modern aviation sector. During its peak years, the airline operated flights to more than 120 destinations across 25 countries.

Over its operational history, Onur Air carried more than 90 million passengers and maintained a fleet of 29 aircraft, becoming one of the most recognizable names in Turkish private aviation.

🟥 Financial Collapse After the Pandemic

The airline began facing severe financial difficulties following the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many carriers worldwide, it struggled with reduced demand, rising operational costs, and disrupted international travel.

In 2021, Onur Air completely suspended all flight operations and never resumed services.

On April 16, 2026, the Istanbul court officially declared the airline bankrupt, marking the legal closure of the company and the start of asset liquidation to repay creditors.

🟦 Legacy of a Low-Cost Pioneer

Onur Air was also one of the first Turkish airlines to adopt the low-cost carrier model, making air travel more accessible to a wider audience during its early expansion years.

Despite its financial collapse, the company remains an important part of Turkey’s aviation history, remembered for its contribution to the development of affordable air travel in the country.

With the court’s decision, Onur Air’s long aviation journey officially comes to an end, closing a chapter in Turkey’s private airline industry.