ISG Opens New Doors at the Meeting Point of Asia and Europe

Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (ISG) has added a new route to its network in line with its goal of expanding destination diversity in Europe. Direct flights from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen to Bilbao, which began today with the 2025 winter season, have expanded the range of travel options between Turkey and Northern Spain. Flights on the SAW-BIO route will operate four times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, in the morning.

The first flight on the new route was sent off to Bilbao this morning with a ceremony held at the terminal. Passengers were welcomed with Turkish delight at the Gate and posed for photos in the designated area before boarding.

Bilbao, the cultural, artistic and gastronomic center of the Basque Country, was Pegasus Airlines' last route opening with SAW departures in 2025.

ISG opened a total of 25 lines in 2025

Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (ISG) International Airport expanded its flight network by launching 14 new international and 1 new domestic flights, in addition to additional routes to existing routes, and opened a total of 25 routes in 2025, 23 international and 2 domestic.

Sabiha Gökçen Airport currently connects Istanbul to a total of 153 destinations in 54 countries, including 39 domestic and 114 international destinations.

Passengers arriving directly or via connecting flights from Sabiha Gökçen Airport can comfortably and easily reach the popular city of the dynamic Basque region thanks to Bilbao Airport's (BIO) proximity to the city center and the amenities it offers.

The favorite city of art lovers: Bilbao

Bilbao, the heart of the Basque Country in northern Spain and a favorite among art lovers, stands out with its architectural wonders and the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum, situated on the banks of the Nervión River. Transformed by the Guggenheim Museum's influence on modern art, Bilbao has become an inspiring city with a contemporary identity while simultaneously retaining its historical character.

With its strong industrial, commercial, port, and university infrastructure, the region offers sustainable demand throughout the year and also appeals to a broad demographic. Encompassing Bilbao, as well as major centers such as Vitoria-Gasteiz and Pamplona, ​​this region fosters economic and cultural dynamism.

The city, which stands out with its rich Basque cuisine, is a strong draw for international visitors, with its internationally renowned gastronomic heritage, Michelin-starred restaurants, and rich local delicacies such as San Sebastián, which gives its name to the world-famous dessert, further enhancing the destination's tourist appeal.

Bilbao, Sabiha Gökçen's fourth destination in Spain after Barcelona, ​​Madrid and Seville, is expected to strengthen touristic and commercial ties between Spain and Bilbao.

Source: HORECA TREND and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (ISG)

Maintaining strong growth momentum in 2025 IGA Lounge; reached new records in service quality, passenger satisfaction and operational efficiency.

İGA Istanbul Airport Serving on an area of ​​over 7.500 m² with two lounges on international lines and one on domestic lines IGA LoungeThe number of guests hosted in the 's compared to the same period last year increased by 25 percent. IGA Lounge total since opening Hosting over 6 million guests made.

Independent auditing organization Skytrax by “Top 3 Airport Lounges in the World” shown between IGA Lounge, “Turkish Hospitality” In line with its principle, it serves thousands of passengers from different cultures every day. IGA Lounge, aims to offer its guests the highest quality and most comfortable experience accompanied by distinguished flavors from world cuisine, with its new kitchen, gourmet menu, increased product variety and expanded area, as well as new concept sections, constantly renewed menus and expanded warm service.

Making a statement on the subject Abdulkadir Özkök, Deputy General Manager of IGA Istanbul Airport – Taya Passenger Services He made the following statements: The iGA Lounge is a key component of iGA Istanbul Airport's global brand value. Throughout 2025, we aimed to elevate the experience we offer to our passengers beyond comfort, to one that fosters an emotional connection and reflects our brand's hospitality. By redefining the lounge experience, we are proud to position iGA Istanbul Airport as a leader among premium lounges worldwide. 

As we elevate the flight and travel experience at our airport every day, we will continue to make the Türkiye and Istanbul brand one of the world's most inspiring and unforgettable experiences for our guests."

Halil Anasoy, İGA Istanbul Airport Trade Director, highlighted the vision of cooperation and said: 

"By establishing collaborations across various sectors and building strong connections with financial institutions and membership systems, we are increasing our commercial capacity daily. In line with this understanding, our greatest goal is to provide our business partners with the most efficient and sustainable lounge service in the world. As İGA Istanbul Airport, we are thrilled to develop innovative solutions that will enhance the passenger experience, driven by this vision we pioneer on a global scale."

IGA LoungeBy 2025, it continues to expand its passenger base and reach through partnerships with more than 40 airlines, over 20 premium travel programs, corporate companies, event management companies, banks, insurance companies, and financial institutions. It also continues to solidify its strong global brand position through corporate partnerships with various sectors, including event management, tourism, and hospitality.

Source: HORECA TREND and IGA Istanbul Airport

This agreement represents a significant milestone in the long-standing partnership between the two companies and bolsters Turkish Airlines' wide-body fleet and global growth plan. As Türkiye's flag carrier and the airline that flies to more countries than any other airline in the world, Turkish Airlines flies to 355 destinations in 131 countries worldwide with a young and growing fleet of 504 aircraft.

Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee Prof. Dr. Ahmet Bolat"This agreement represents a significant step for Turkish Airlines, our flag carrier, in pursuit of our goal of reaching over 800 aircraft by 2033. It also reinforces Türkiye's critical role as a global aviation hub. We are delighted to continue our collaboration with GE Aerospace while maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence and passenger safety," he said.

Developed with cutting-edge materials and advanced design techniques, GEnx represents a significant advancement in propulsion technology. Since entering service in 2011, the GEnx engine family has accumulated over 69 million flight hours. To date, the GEnx has surpassed 3.900 units in service and orders, making it GE Aerospace's fastest-selling high-thrust engine. Like all GE Aerospace engines, the GEnx can run on approved Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blends.

Russell Stokes, President and CEO of GE Aerospace Commercial Engines and Services, ""At GE Aerospace, we are proud to be a part of Turkish Airlines' fleet expansion. Powered by our advanced GEnx engine, this agreement demonstrates our commitment to delivering exceptional efficiency, reliability, and a quieter passenger experience. At GE Aerospace, we are delighted to support Turkish Airlines' goal of connecting the world."

GE Aerospace has a strong partnership with Turkey for nearly 60 years. With offices and facilities in Istanbul, Ankara, and Gebze, GE Aerospace's more than 500 employees in Türkiye support an installed base of over 2.500 commercial and defense engines nationwide. Highly qualified engineers at the Turkey Technology Center are involved in GE Aerospace's global engineering efforts in new engine programs, software development, and additive manufacturing, strengthening Türkiye's position as an advanced aviation hub. GE Aerospace's joint venture with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TEI) contributes to the global supply chain by producing hundreds of engine components for GE Aerospace and its partners.

Source: HORECa TREND and Turkish Airlines