Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport has added Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, to its European route network. Pegasus Airlines’ SAW–LJU flights were launched with a ceremonial event.
Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (ISG) International Airport continues to expand its European connectivity. Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana (LJU) has joined ISG’s list of European destinations. The Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen–Ljubljana flights to be operated by Pegasus Airlines officially commenced today with a formal ceremony.
Having closed 2025 with record growth figures, ISG aims with this new route to strengthen commercial, cultural and touristic relations between Türkiye and Slovenia, while also offering passengers an accessible and comfortable travel option to the heart of Central Europe.
Ranked as Türkiye’s second-largest airport by passenger traffic and the ninth busiest in Europe, Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen has further consolidated its strong position in Europe with the addition of the Ljubljana route.
High-Level Participation at the Inauguration Ceremony
The opening ceremony of Pegasus Airlines’ SAW–LJU route was attended by Slovenia’s Ambassador Gorazd Rencelj, Honorary Consul Mustafa Başar Arıoğlu, Pegasus Airlines CEO Güliz Öztürk, PGS Deputy General Manager for Commercial Affairs Onur Dedeköylü, PGS Sales Director Emre Pekesen, ISG Chief Commercial Officer (CCSO) Kerem Maybek, ISG Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Hanita Ahmad, and terminal staff.
Ambassador Rencelj: “Aircraft Connect Two Nations”
Speaking at the ceremony, Slovenia’s Ambassador Gorazd Rencelj highlighted the importance of the new route and said:
“A new airline route is not merely a means of transportation; it is also a way of connecting people. Turks hold a special place in the hearts of the Slovenian people. This new route will create a very beautiful story for both countries.”
Öztürk: “We Have Been Working on the Ljubljana Route for Over Five Years”
Pegasus Airlines CEO Güliz Öztürk stated that the Ljubljana route is a strategic project that has been in development for a long time, saying:
“At Pegasus, we see aviation not only as transportation but as an accessible and digital experience. Direct flights to Ljubljana will create new momentum across many fields, from tourism to trade. Today, we fly to 158 destinations in 55 countries, and we will continue to grow this network with determination.”
ISG: “The New Route Will Add Value to Ties Between the Two Countries”
ISG Chief Commercial Officer Kerem Maybek emphasised the more than 20 years of cooperation with Pegasus Airlines and underlined that the Ljubljana route will make a significant contribution to tourism, culture and commercial relations between the two countries.
ISG CFO Hanita Ahmad stated that Sabiha Gökçen is positioned not merely as an airport but as a platform that creates connectivity and value, adding that the new route strengthens its role as a hub linking three continents.
Three Weekly Frequencies, 2 Hours 20 Minutes Flight Time
- SAW – LJU flights: 3 times per week (Monday, Thursday, Saturday)
- Average flight duration: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Airline: Pegasus Airlines
This route is Sabiha Gökçen’s first connection to Slovenia.
Ljubljana: A Strategic Hub Between Central Europe and the Balkans
Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana is strategically located as a bridge between Central Europe and the Balkans. Listed among Europe’s greenest and most liveable cities, the city has strong potential for tourism, trade and business travel.
The Sabiha Gökçen SAW – Ljubljana (LJU) route is expected to strengthen touristic and commercial ties between Türkiye and Slovenia.
