British Airways launches route to Turkish airport

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

The new route will operate four times a week – on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays – with a mix of A320 and A321 aircraft.

The inaugural flight touched down on the Anatolian side of Istanbul on Thursday, June 1.

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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.”

Sabiha Gökçen, the world’s busiest single-runway and single-terminal airport, serves 154 destinations across 51 countries via flights operated by 45 airlines.

In a nod to the airport’s namesake, the world’s first female fighter pilot, BA’s inaugural flight was operated by captain Jessica Telford and first officer Kerry Bennett.

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.