Pegasus Airlines launched direct service between Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) and Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC) on June 23, 2026, establishing the only nonstop link between Turkey's leading low-cost hub and Spain's Costa Blanca (Aviation Week).
The route operates four times per week. Flight time between Sabiha Gökçen and Alicante is approximately 3 hours 50 minutes, making same-day travel practical in both directions. Previously, Turkish travelers bound for Alicante had to connect through Madrid or Barcelona, or make a lengthy road journey from Valencia after landing elsewhere in Spain (Spainhomes.com).
Alicante and the wider Costa Blanca have long attracted Turkish buyers in the Spanish property market. The new direct flight removes a significant logistical barrier for investors and holiday homeowners who had faced layovers or road transfers to reach their properties (Tekce.com).
Pegasus operates primarily from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen, its main hub on the city's Asian side, and has expanded aggressively in 2026. The same expansion phase saw Pegasus launch London Gatwick service from SAW in June 2026, adding a sixth UK point to its network. Alicante joins Pegasus's existing Spanish destinations served from various Turkish airports. Passengers departing from SAW can connect to more than 37 domestic Turkish routes, extending the commercial reach of the new Alicante service well beyond Istanbul.
Sources
- https://spainhomes.com/blog/news/pegasus-airlines-launches-direct-flights-from-istanbul-to-alicante
- https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/airports-networks/routes-networks-latest-rolling-daily-updates-wc-june-22-2026
- https://tekce.com/blog/news/direct-flights-from-istanbul-to-alicante-start
Things to do at each end of the route
Top-rated tours & experiences in Istanbul and Alicante.