Pegasus Airlines to launch first direct flights between Cukurova and London

Travelers from the Mediterranean region of Turkey are set to benefit from a major new travel link as Pegasus Airlines prepares to launch its first direct flights between Cukurova International Airport (COV) and London Stansted (STN). This new route, scheduled to begin on April 2, 2026, marks the first time the newly opened Cukurova hub will be directly connected to the UK capital.

The service will operate on a weekly basis, with flights scheduled every Thursday. This development is particularly significant for the large diaspora community from Adana, Mersin, and Osmaniye currently living in North London boroughs like Enfield, Haringey, and Hackney. Previously, travelers from these regions had to endure layovers in Istanbul or Antalya, but the new direct service will reduce travel time to approximately 4 hours and 50 minutes.

A boost for regional tourism and trade

Cukurova International, which replaced the older Adana Şakirpaşa Airport, was designed to handle large-scale international traffic, and the addition of a London route is a key part of its expansion strategy. Local business leaders in the Islington and Hackney business communities have welcomed the move, noting that it will simplify trade and logistics for the many Turkish-owned businesses specializing in textiles and agricultural imports from the Cukurova plain.

The launch of the London service follows a successful summer season for Pegasus, which recently added direct routes from London Stansted to Gaziantep and Kayseri. By connecting the "heart of the Mediterranean" to London, the airline aims to capture a growing market of British tourists looking for alternative sun-and-sea destinations beyond the traditional Aegean resorts.

Booking and flight details

Tickets for the new route are expected to be available for purchase through the Pegasus website and mobile app starting this week. While introductory prices are yet to be fully finalized, similar regional routes have seen one-way fares starting from approximately £59.

The weekly Thursday schedule is designed to cater to both long-weekend visitors and residents visiting family. With the full enforcement of the UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) beginning just weeks before this launch, travelers are reminded to ensure all digital permissions are in order before heading to the new Cukurova terminal.