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Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen (ISG) International Airport added the northern Spanish city of Bilbao to its growing flight network, marking the latest expansion in its European route map.
According to a statement from the airport operator, Turkish budget carrier Pegasus Airlines has begun direct flights on the Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen–Bilbao (SAW–BIO) route. The service will operate four times per week — on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday mornings.
Bilbao becomes the fourth Spanish city connected to ISG, following Barcelona, Madrid and Seville.
Before the first departure, ISG hosted a ceremony at the terminal where passengers were greeted with traditional Turkish delight and posed for commemorative photos in a designated memory area.
The launch is part of Sabiha Gokcen’s wider 2025 expansion, which has added 25 new routes so far — 14 international and one domestic — bringing the airport’s total to 153 destinations in 54 countries. Of those, 39 are domestic and 114 are international.
Located on the banks of the Nervion River, Bilbao is internationally recognized as a hub for contemporary art and architecture, anchored by the iconic Guggenheim Museum. The city also maintains year-round demand through its industrial, commercial, port, and university infrastructure.
The broader Basque region, including nearby centers such as Vitoria-Gasteiz and Pamplona, contributes further to the area’s economic and cultural vitality. Bilbao’s reputation for Michelin-starred restaurants and regional cuisine has also boosted its tourism appeal.
The new route is expected to strengthen commercial and touristic ties between Türkiye and Spain, enhancing connectivity via one of Türkiye’s busiest international airports.
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