Pegasus Airlines, sometimes stylized as Flypgs, a Turkish low-cost carrier headquartered in the Kurtköy area of Pendik, Istanbul with bases at several Turkish airports, has connected the capitals of Turkey and Portugal by introducing direct flights between Ankara and Lisbon.

The inaugural flight from Ankara Esenboğa Airport to Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport, Pegasus’ first destination in Portugal, took place on 2 April 2024. Flights are scheduled to operate three times a week.

The inaugural flight ceremony at Ankara Esenboğa Airport was graced by the presence of Onur Dedeköylü, the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Pegasus Airlines, along with other Pegasus officials. Also in attendance were João Macedo, the Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Portugal, Celeste Mota, the Economic and Commercial Counselor and the Director of AICEP in Türkiye, Mehmet Sefa Ceyhan, the Head of the Air Transport Department of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Yavuz Doğan, the Deputy Provincial Police Chief responsible for Esenboğa Airport, Nuray Demirer, the General Manager of TAV Esenboğa Airport, and Alp Karayalçın, the Deputy General Manager of TAV Esenboğa Airport.

Onur Dedeköylü, CCO of Pegasus Airlines, emphasized the significant role that Pegasus plays in Türkiye’s tourism industry and economy. He highlighted the cultural and economic connections established through the opening of new routes, such as the Ankara-Lisbon route, which extends Pegasus’ reach to Portugal. By launching this new route, Pegasus not only adds a new destination but also connects two capital cities, Ankara and Lisbon. Dedeköylü pointed out the appeal of Lisbon as one of the oldest cities in the world, known for its vibrant culture and hospitality, while highlighting Ankara’s status as the Turkish capital and a modern metropolis rich in history and culture. He expressed confidence in serving a large number of tourists between Türkiye and Portugal in the future and thanked all those involved in making the new route possible, including the Turkish and Portuguese Civil Aviation Authorities.

João Macedo, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Portugal, stated that the flights between Ankara and Lisbon will bridge not only two cities, but two capitals. He is confident that this new link will foster better understanding between the two countries. While tourism and trade will see positive outcomes, he stressed the importance of human connections for long-term impact. With a history of over 30 years and ongoing growth, he wished Pegasus Airlines success in this endeavor and hoped for its continued prosperity.