Published on
December 4, 2025
Pegasus Airlines has inaugurated a new direct flight route connecting Istanbul with Bilbao, further developing its European network and offering a smooth connection for touristic and business travel. The new service, to be operated four times weekly beginning December 1st, was expected to further enhance the ties of tourism between Turkey and northern Spain, making it easier for travelers to discover both destinations’ valuable cultural and historical riches.
Flights from Istanbul go at 09:20 AM on Mondays and 10:15 AM on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Return flights from Bilbao leave at 12:55 PM on Mondays, 2:00 PM on Wednesdays and Fridays, and 1:50 PM on Sundays. The flexible schedule offers ample opportunities for travelers to visit the culturally vibrant cities of Istanbul and Bilbao, with their unique blend of history, modernity, and artistic flair.
Strengthening Tourism Ties Between Turkey and Northern Spain
The launch of the Istanbul-Bilbao route is expected to have a significant impact on tourism exchange between the two regions. Istanbul, as a major hub of history, culture, and business, attracts millions of international visitors every year. With direct access to Bilbao, a city renowned for its architecture, art, and culinary heritage, Turkish tourists will now find it easier to experience the Basque culture and explore attractions like the Guggenheim Museum and the city’s rich medieval history.
For Spanish visitors, the new route opens up a direct gateway to one of Europe’s most dynamic cities—Istanbul. Famous for its ancient landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, Istanbul’s tourism appeal has never been more accessible, with affordable airfares connecting the two cities. The ease of travel enhances opportunities for cultural exchanges, educational trips, and city breaks.
Pegasus Airlines’ Commitment to Affordable Tourism
Pegasus Airlines has long been recognized for its commitment to offering affordable flights while maintaining high standards of service. The launch of the Istanbul-Bilbao route is in line with the airline’s broader strategy to make international travel more accessible. Fares for the route start at £69.99 (US$92.44), making it one of the most competitively priced connections between Turkey and northern Spain, appealing to both budget-conscious tourists and those seeking to explore new destinations.
By offering such affordable pricing, Pegasus helps make Bilbao an attractive option for Turkish travelers, while offering Spanish visitors an easy way to access the cultural richness of Istanbul without breaking the bank. This approach promotes sustainable tourism growth by encouraging more visitors to explore both urban and cultural tourism in Spain and Turkey.
Impact on Local Tourism in Bilbao and Istanbul
The direct flights between Istanbul and Bilbao are likely to result in increased tourist arrivals in both cities. Bilbao, in particular, will benefit from the growing interest in Basque culture, art, and gastronomy. The addition of the direct flight route makes Bilbao more accessible to international travelers, helping the city position itself as a key cultural destination in northern Spain.
Meanwhile, Istanbul can expect a boost in Spanish tourism, particularly from visitors eager to experience the city’s vibrant art scene, historic landmarks, and dynamic cuisine. For both cities, the availability of affordable, frequent flights offers tourists the convenience of visiting without long layovers or complex travel arrangements, thereby enhancing the overall tourism experience.
Building Stronger Tourism Networks Across Europe
This new direct route also represents a strategic expansion in Pegasus Airlines’ growing network across Europe. By connecting Istanbul to Bilbao, the airline is further cementing its role as a leading player in low-cost European travel, facilitating greater access to key cultural and tourist destinations. This also aligns with the growing trend of multi-city travel, where tourists are increasingly combining visits to different destinations within the same region, facilitated by affordable flight options like those offered by Pegasus Airlines.
Supporting Economic and Tourism Development
Beyond just tourism, the Istanbul-Bilbao route is expected to strengthen commercial ties between Turkey and northern Spain. This connection will foster deeper economic collaboration, with tourism acting as the bridge to facilitate business exchanges, investment, and trade. For both regions, the growth in tourism will likely spur job creation in sectors like hospitality, transportation, and local businesses, reinforcing the economic importance of tourism as a long-term development strategy.
The Future of Tourism Between Turkey and Spain
Looking ahead, the Istanbul-Bilbao connection signals a new chapter in the relationship between Turkey and Spain in terms of tourism. As both cities attract more visitors from each other’s countries, Pegasus Airlines is setting the stage for a new wave of cross-border tourism that benefits both nations. The airline’s role in connecting these two dynamic cities will only grow as demand for cultural exchanges, art tourism, and multi-destination trips continues to rise.
This new route is a promising development in cultural tourism, where travel goes beyond just visiting destinations—it is about experiencing and understanding the rich cultural heritage of each place. With affordable travel options, Istanbul and Bilbao are poised to become two of the most popular cities in Europe for those looking to experience history, culture, and art in a vibrant and accessible setting.
A New Era for Tourism Between Istanbul and Bilbao
The beginning of this direct flight will definitely reinforce the cultural and tourist ties between Turkey and Spain. With its affordable fares, high-frequency flights, and ease of access to the rich cultural landscapes of both cities, this route will further contribute to tourism growth, improve bilateral relations, and play a role in the long-term development of the European tourism market. This route is another step in the mission of Pegasus Airlines to provide affordable travel across Europe while promoting deeper levels of cultural exchange and global connectivity.
Image Source: Pegasus Airlines
