Corendon Airlines met with members of the Istanbul Airports Reporters Association to share its 2025 performance and 2026 vision. Atılay Batu outlined the company’s growth targets and new routes.
Standing out with its innovative steps in the aviation sector, Corendon Airlines came together with members of the Istanbul Airports Reporters Association. During the meeting, held with the participation of Corendon Airlines Chief Operating Officer Atılay Batu, the company’s 20-year journey, its performance in 2025 and its vision for 2026 were shared with members of the press.
109 Countries, 542 Airports in 20 Years
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Corendon Airlines reached 10 million passengers annually as of 2025, with a flight network covering 170 cities in 45 countries. Having flown to 109 countries and 542 airports to date, the company continues to contribute to Türkiye’s tourism sector, service exports and employment with its fleet of 35 aircraft and steadily growing operations.
Speaking at the meeting, Atılay Batu emphasised that 2025 was not merely a calendar year for Corendon Airlines, but a significant milestone in its 20-year journey. Batu stated that the company would continue to move forward with a planned, stable and market-oriented growth model in 2026 and beyond, noting that Poland, the United Kingdom and the Middle East are among the key focus markets.
2025 Figures: Interesting Details in the Skies
Flight data for 2025 revealed Corendon Airlines’ passenger-centric approach through striking figures. Over the course of the year, the company’s aircraft covered a distance equivalent to circling the globe 193 times. Routes from Antalya to Düsseldorf, Cologne and Hanover ranked among the busiest.
In terms of passengers’ in-flight preferences, sandwiches and noodles emerged as the most popular choices. A passenger ordering four different meals on the Antalya–London route, and a fivefold increase in meal sales on Berlin–Antalya flights compared to other routes, clearly illustrated the level the onboard experience has reached.
Baggage Records and Fully Booked Flights
In 2025, a 250-kilogram piece of baggage carried on the Las Palmas–Nuremberg flight was recorded as the year’s heaviest. Seats on Düsseldorf–Rhodes flights selling out even before the day of departure highlighted the importance of early planning. The most preferred seats were 1A and 2F, while 77 child passengers travelling on the same aircraft on the Antalya–Brussels route turned the flight into something akin to a school trip in the sky.
Strengthening Markets in Europe, New Routes
Corendon Airlines continues its sustainable growth strategy in European markets with determination. While flights from Warsaw and Katowice to Antalya operate year-round in Poland, capacity increases and new destinations have been planned for the 2026 summer season. Among these steps are the launch of direct flights from Warsaw and Katowice to Heraklion.
In the UK market, the focus on sports tourism has been strengthened through Hull City sponsorship and Race to Belek golf tournaments, while flights from Germany to Türkiye, Egypt and Jeddah have established an important connection on the Middle East route.
90 Per Cent Load Factor on Hajj and Umrah Flights
Evaluating Middle East operations, Atılay Batu said:
“Direct flights we launched from Germany, Belgium, Austria and the Netherlands to Jeddah have provided an important alternative for Hajj and Umrah travel. We clearly see our passengers’ satisfaction. Our annual load factors have already reached around 90 per cent.”
Support for Sport Continues in the Sky and on the Field
Corendon Airlines’ support for sport continues both in Türkiye and across Europe. The stadium naming sponsorship of Antalyaspor continues under the name ‘Corendon Airlines Park’, while support for Corendon Alanyaspor also remains in place.
In addition, the EuroLeague match between Anadolu Efes and FC Bayern Munich being held in Antalya for the first time turned into an unforgettable event with the participation of 10,000 spectators.
A Taste Experience on Board with the Podolski Partnership
Corendon Airlines continues to position the flight experience as a culinary journey. Through a partnership with Mangal Döner, co-owned by Lukas Podolski, lahmacun and ayran will be offered to passengers on flights departing from Düsseldorf.
Atılay Batu stated: “We have made a difference in the sector in the food and beverage field. This area has now become one of our strengths.”
