Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (ISG) has expanded its European route network by adding Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, further strengthening its presence across the continent.
According to a statement from ISG, Türkiye’s second-busiest airport by passenger traffic and the ninth-busiest in Europe has enhanced its connectivity portfolio with the new destination, broadening its global network.
The new Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen–Ljubljana route, operated by Pegasus Airlines, marks ISG’s first direct connection to Slovenia and is expected to expand travel options between the two countries. Reciprocal flights began today and will operate three times a week on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
The launch ceremony was attended by Slovenia’s Ambassador to Ankara Gorazd Rencelj, Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Slovenia Mustafa Başar Arıoğlu, Pegasus Airlines CEO Güliz Öztürk, Chief Commercial Officer Onur Dedeköylü, Sales Director Emre Pekesen, ISG Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer Kerem Maybek, ISG Chief Financial Officer Hanita Ahmad, and airport staff.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen currently connects Istanbul to a total of 154 destinations in 55 countries through 23 airlines, including 39 domestic and 115 international routes.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Gorazd Rencelj said that Turkish people hold a special place in the hearts of Slovenians, and that this feeling is mutual.
“I have no doubt that these flights will be full,” Rencelj said. “I believe this will be a great success story for both countries, the airline and the airport. I have personally witnessed the excitement this news has created among Slovenian citizens living in Istanbul and other parts of Türkiye. The new route offers a valuable opportunity for those wishing to experience Istanbul and Türkiye, as well as for travelers eager to discover Ljubljana.”
Pegasus Airlines CEO Güliz Öztürk noted that the airline had been working on launching the route for more than five years and expressed her excitement about the new connection.
“At Pegasus, we do not see aviation merely as a transportation service,” Öztürk said. “We aim to transform travel into an accessible, digital and customer-focused experience. In this respect, launching direct flights to Ljubljana is an important milestone.”
Öztürk added that Pegasus is among the world’s most efficient and fastest-growing low-cost airlines, driven by its young fleet, digital-focused business model and strong operational discipline.
“By connecting our guests to 158 destinations in 55 countries, we continue to strengthen an accessible air travel experience for everyone,” she said, describing the new route as a strong bridge that will boost tourism, trade and cultural exchange between Türkiye and Slovenia.
ISG Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer Kerem Maybek highlighted the 20-year partnership between Pegasus Airlines and Sabiha Gökçen Airport, describing it as a cornerstone of the airport’s steady growth and operational excellence.
“Ljubljana, with its unique character, calm atmosphere and high quality of life, is a perfect sister city to Istanbul,” Maybek said. “I am confident that this new route will add tremendous value to tourism, cultural exchange and commercial ties between our two countries.”
ISG Chief Financial Officer Hanita Ahmad emphasized Sabiha Gökçen’s role as a key gateway shaping first impressions of Türkiye.
“Our top priorities are operational efficiency, safe travel and maximum customer satisfaction,” Ahmad said, adding that ISG strongly supports Pegasus Airlines’ continued network expansion and efforts to broaden access to air travel.
Under the strategic leadership of Malaysia Airports, Ahmad said, Sabiha Gökçen is being operated as more than just an airport.
“For us, this is a platform that creates value through connectivity, trade and customer experience,” she said. “With this new connection, we warmly welcome passengers from Ljubljana to Istanbul and look forward to taking further steps together with Pegasus Airlines to strengthen our partnership.”
Source: Anadolu Ajansı/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök