Turkey has a robust aviation sector, with a mix of major international carriers, low-cost airlines, and smaller operators. The country’s unique position bridging Europe and Asia, along with its booming tourism and business hubs like Istanbul, has fueled a competitive airline market. Below is an overview of the key players, their operations, and some context on how they tie into Turkey’s broader appeal.

Major Airlines

1. Turkish Airlines (THY)
   The national flag carrier, Turkish Airlines, is a global heavyweight. Headquartered in Istanbul, it operates out of its main hub at Istanbul Airport (IST). It flies to over 300 destinations worldwide—more countries than any other airline—covering Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Known for its extensive network, it’s a Star Alliance member, meaning it codeshares with airlines like Lufthansa and United. The airline’s known for decent in-flight service, often featuring Turkish cuisine highlights like pide, baklava, and Turkish coffee. Its Miles&Smiles program is popular for frequent flyers. Fun fact: they’ve won Skytrax awards for “Best Airline in Europe” multiple times, though opinions on their service can vary depending on the route and class.
2. Pegasus Airlines
   Pegasus is Turkey’s leading low-cost carrier, also based in Istanbul, primarily operating out of Sabiha Gökçen Airport. It focuses on budget travel, offering affordable domestic flights to cities like Antalya, Izmir, and Ankara, as well as international routes across Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Pegasus keeps costs down with extras like seat selection and meals as add-ons—don’t expect free lokum or ayran on board unless you pay. It’s a solid choice for travelers hitting up tourist spots like Cappadocia or Pamukkale on a budget, though their no-frills approach means tighter legroom and less pampering than Turkish Airlines.
3. SunExpress
   A joint venture between Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, SunExpress is another budget-friendly option, focusing on leisure destinations. It’s based in Antalya and has hubs in Izmir and Ankara, serving a mix of domestic routes and international ones, especially to Germany and other European spots popular with Turkish expats and tourists. They’re big on seasonal flights, so if you’re planning a summer trip to the Turkish Riviera (like Bodrum or Dalaman), SunExpress often has deals. Their in-flight menu sometimes includes Turkish staples like simit or köfte, though it’s not as extensive as Turkish Airlines’ offerings.

Smaller and Regional Operators

4. AJet (formerly AnadoluJet)
   A subsidiary of Turkish Airlines, AJet operates as a low-cost brand, primarily flying domestic routes from hubs like Ankara and Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen. It’s aimed at budget travelers and covers smaller cities like Adana, Trabzon, and Van, which are great for exploring off-the-beaten-path spots like Mount Nemrut or the Black Sea coast. They’ve been expanding internationally to places like the Middle East and Europe, but their bread-and-butter is cheap domestic hops. Don’t expect much in-flight frills—maybe a quick çay if you’re lucky.
5. Corendon Airlines
   Corendon is a smaller player, focusing on charter and leisure flights. Based in Antalya, it’s more about getting tourists to beach destinations like Bodrum, Izmir, and the Antalya coast. They also fly to Europe, catering to the holiday crowd. They’re less about daily scheduled flights and more about seasonal packages, often bundled with hotel deals. If you’re eyeing a Mediterranean getaway with some dolma and rakı on the side, they’re worth a look.

Cargo and Other Operators

Turkey also has dedicated cargo airlines like MNG Airlines and ACT Airlines, which handle freight but don’t carry passengers. They’re key for logistics, especially given Istanbul’s role as a trade hub, but they won’t get you to the Grand Bazaar or Ephesus.

Context for Travelers

Turkey’s airlines are a lifeline for exploring its top attractions, like the ones you mentioned earlier. Istanbul Airport (IST) is a massive hub, so flying Turkish Airlines into IST gets you close to the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar. Pegasus or AJet can whisk you from Istanbul to Cappadocia for those hot air balloon rides or to Antalya for Kaleiçi and beaches. SunExpress is handy for Mediterranean spots like Pamukkale or the ruins of Hierapolis. Domestic flights are frequent and affordable—often cheaper than long bus rides—making it easy to hop between regions.