British Airways Launches Route to Turkish Airport

British Airways has launched flights between Heathrow and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen.

A combination of A320 and A321 aircraft will fly the new route four times each week, on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

On Thursday, June 1, the maiden flight landed on Istanbul's Anatolian side.

BA’s head of corporate sales in Europe, Elisabeth Ruff, said: “As we continue our investment programme into new products, services, and technology, we’re excited to open up even greater connectivity between two of the world’s leading cities, Istanbul and London.”

The world's busiest single-runway and single-terminal airport, Sabiha Gökçen, connects 154 destinations in 51 countries with the help of aircraft provided by 45 carriers.

Captain Jessica Telford and first officer Kerry Bennett flew BA's debut flight as a salute to the airport's namesake, the first female fighter pilot in history.

Sabiha Gökçen chief executive Berk Albayrak said: “British Airways has become the 45th airline to operate to Sabiha Gökçen and now our passengers can benefit from its extensive global route network.

“British Airways serves 200 destinations in more than 65 countries and with their large fleet and renowned services, the addition of this route will undoubtedly further enhance the travel experience of our guests.”

Return fares start at £130 in Euro Traveller (economy) and at £368 in Club Europe (business class cabin).

In the first four months of 2023, Sabiha Gökçen handled almost 14 million passenger movements.

This month it has also added Rhodes (RHO) and Mytilene (MJT), Greece, to its destinations.