Flights to Turkey: Airlines, Airports and How to Find Good Fares

Turkey is one of Europe’s most connected destinations. From London, there are direct flights to Istanbul year-round, and direct flights to Antalya, Bodrum, and Dalaman during the summer season. From most western European cities, getting to Turkey involves a single flight of two to four hours.

Istanbul’s Two Airports

Istanbul is served by two airports, and the distinction matters.

Istanbul Airport (IST) opened in 2019 on the European side of the city and is now one of the world’s busiest airports. Turkish Airlines uses this as its main hub. It handles the majority of long-haul traffic and most full-service European carriers. The airport is large, modern, and well-connected to the city by metro. Transfer time to central Istanbul is roughly 45–60 minutes by public transport; longer by road in traffic.

Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) is on the Asian side, roughly 50km from the city centre. It is used primarily by budget carriers — Pegasus Airlines in particular operates the bulk of its flights here. Wizz Air and some charter operators also use SAW. Transfer times to the European side of Istanbul are 60–90 minutes depending on traffic and route — factoring in bridge crossings over the Bosphorus.

For flights, compare both airports. SAW is often significantly cheaper than IST for the same route, and the transfer time difference is manageable.

Other Key Airports

Antalya (AYT) is the main gateway for the Turkish Riviera — Antalya, Side, Alanya, Belek, and the surrounding resorts. It handles heavy charter and low-cost traffic from the UK, Germany, Russia, and Scandinavia during the summer.

Bodrum (BJV — Milas-Bodrum Airport) serves the Bodrum Peninsula and is primarily a seasonal airport, busiest May through October.

Dalaman (DLM) serves the western Aegean and Mediterranean coast — Fethiye, Göcek, Marmaris, and Köyceğiz are all accessible from here. Seasonal direct flights from the UK.

Ankara Esenboğa (ESB) is the main airport for the Turkish capital. Less commonly used by leisure travellers, but worth checking for those visiting central Turkey.

Trabzon (TZX) on the Black Sea coast is the gateway for the northeastern region — Rize, the Kaçkar Mountains, and the Sumela Monastery area. Direct flights from Istanbul are frequent and affordable.

Airlines Flying to Turkey

Turkish Airlines operates one of the world’s most extensive networks from Istanbul Airport. On European routes, it is often competitive with budget carriers, especially when you factor in included baggage. Its quality is generally high.

Pegasus Airlines is Turkey’s main low-cost carrier, based at Sabiha Gökçen. It flies to a large number of European cities and is often the cheapest option on many routes. Baggage is charged separately.

Wizz Air flies to both Istanbul airports and to Antalya from a wide range of eastern and central European bases.

Ryanair and easyJet serve Turkey from UK and European airports, primarily on seasonal coastal routes to Antalya, Bodrum, and Dalaman.

British Airways and Lufthansa operate year-round service to Istanbul Airport from London and Frankfurt respectively.

How to Find the Cheapest Fares

Fares to Turkey fluctuate significantly by season. Summer (June–August) routes to coastal airports are expensive and book out early; Istanbul is more consistent year-round. Spring and autumn tend to offer better value.

Aviasales searches across airlines and booking aggregators to find the lowest available fare at any given time. It’s useful for comparing Istanbul Airport vs Sabiha Gökçen on the same search, and for spotting sales across multiple carriers.

Search for flights to Turkey on Aviasales to compare current fares.

Once you land, see our guide to getting around Turkey for domestic flights, car hire, and transfers.

Baggage

If you’re flying with a budget carrier, check the baggage policy before booking. Pegasus and Wizz Air charge for hold luggage separately — this can add £30–60 to a return fare. Turkish Airlines includes a 20–30kg checked bag on most economy fares depending on route and fare class.