New Route of the Day (1 December 2025): Pegasus Airlines between Istanbul SAW and Bilbao
Pegasus Airlines added another destination in Spain to its route network by launching flights between Istanbul SAW and Bilbao on Monday 1 December. The 2,665-kilometre service will be maintained 4-weekly, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, with a mix of A320neo and A321 aircraft. The carrier faces no direct competition on the route, although the Spanish city is served from Istanbul IST by Turkish Airlines.
What they said
Onur Dedekoylu, Chief Commercial Officer at Pegasus Airlines, said: “We are delighted to open its first service to Spain’s Basque region. Bilbao is a standout destination in northern Spain known for its rich heritage, culinary scene, and growing appeal for both leisure and trade. This route both expands our flight network and establishes a strong connection between Türkiye and Spain.”
Iván Grande, Director of Bilbao Airport, added: “Starting from our airport, travellers from Türkiye can discover the treasures of the Cantabrian coastline, where forests, mountains, architecture and outstanding gastronomy await them. We warmly welcome Pegasus Airlines to Bilbao, Bizkaia and Euskadi. Bilbao Airport is the main gateway to northern Spain, and we are proud to strengthen commercial, tourism and industrial ties between Euskadi and Türkiye, with more flights thanks to such an important partner for our region.”
Pegasus Airlines expands Spain network
Pegasus Airlines continues to expand its footprint in Spain. Apart from Bilbao, the airline serves both Madrid and Barcelona from its main hub at Istanbul SAW, as well as from Izmir. The carrier also operates flights between Istanbul SAW and Seville.
As of this month, the airline operates a total of 38-weekly flights between Türkiye and Spain, offering just over 8,390 seats per week in each direction. Istanbul SAW – Madrid and Istanbul SAW – Barcelona feature the highest frequency, at eleven and ten weekly flights respectively.
Pegasus has also signed a wide-ranging codeshare agreement with Iberia to enhance connectivity across both networks, positioning the partnership as a strategic response to the existing cooperation between Turkish Airlines and Air Europa.
