This summer, Pegasus Airlines is rewriting the map of accessible travel between the UK and Türkiye with the launch of two brand-new direct routes. Now offering flights from London Stansted to Gaziantep and Kayseri, the airline is not only expanding its European footprint—but also opening gateways to some of Türkiye’s most culturally rich and visually stunning destinations.

With the first takeoffs already underway, these routes are more than just new flight paths. They are invitations to explore the culinary heart of Türkiye and the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia, both now just a few hours from London.

Gaziantep: A Flight into the Soul of Turkish Cuisine

On 21 June 2025, Pegasus inaugurated its new London Stansted–Gaziantep route, connecting travelers directly to Türkiye’s unofficial food capital. Located in the country’s southeast, Gaziantep is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, where every street corner tells a story of ancient flavors.

From the sizzling aroma of chargrilled kebabs to the syrup-soaked crunch of baklava, this city offers a feast not just for the stomach but for the soul. It’s here that culinary traditions date back centuries, blending Ottoman, Arabic, and Anatolian influences into dishes that have stood the test of time.

Pegasus’ once-weekly Saturday evening departure makes it an ideal weekend getaway for food lovers seeking authenticity off the beaten path. Return flights leave Gaziantep early Sunday morning, just in time to beat the London brunch crowd—with stories (and sweets) in hand.

Kayseri & Cappadocia: Doorway to a Fairytale Sky

Only a few days after the Gaziantep launch, Pegasus expanded further east with its 25 June opening of the London Stansted–Kayseri route, unlocking direct access to Cappadocia—Türkiye’s most photogenic dreamscape.

Cappadocia, carved from ancient volcanic ash, is a region like no other: chimney-like rock formations, underground cities, and sunrise skies filled with hundreds of hot air balloons. The area has long captured the imagination of travelers, artists, and explorers—and now, thanks to Pegasus, that journey begins with a Wednesday night departure from London.

Return flights leave Kayseri early Thursday morning, making it the perfect midweek escape for adventure-seekers, couples, and even digital nomads craving a remote reset in a region where Wi-Fi meets wonder.

Just a short drive from Kayseri Airport lies the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing medieval monasteries, churches, and murals—all hidden within the rose-tinted rocks of Central Anatolia.

Hot Air Balloons, Festivals & Free Flights

Pegasus’ Kayseri launch comes just in time for the Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Festival, running from 7–10 August 2025. Hundreds of balloons in every shape and shade—from traditional woven baskets to cartoon-themed marvels—rise with the sun, offering a panoramic view of one of the world’s most extraordinary terrains.

To celebrate the new route, Pegasus Airlines is giving away a pair of return flights from London to Kayseri. To enter, fans simply need to visit London Stansted Airport’s social media channels before 01 July 2025.

A Broader Vision for Accessible Exploration

These new routes reflect Pegasus Airlines’ ongoing mission to make extraordinary travel experiences more accessible. While major cities like Istanbul and Antalya continue to draw large crowds, the airline is looking beyond tourist hubs—connecting global travelers with the rich regional stories that define modern Türkiye.

Whether you’re sampling pistachio-laced desserts in Gaziantep or drifting over ancient valleys in Cappadocia, Pegasus is positioning itself not just as a carrier, but as a curator of cultural journeys.

“Every new route is a bridge,” said a Pegasus representative. “We’re proud to open doors to Türkiye’s lesser-known wonders, making it easier than ever for travelers to discover the stories waiting beyond the usual landmarks.”

Flight Details at a Glance

Route Departure from London Stansted Return from Türkiye Frequency
London → Gaziantep Saturdays at 20:40 Sundays at 04:20 Weekly
London → Kayseri Wednesdays at 20:40 Thursdays at 04:30 Weekly

From London to the Heart of Türkiye

As summer unfolds, Pegasus Airlines’ new routes remind us that luxury doesn’t always require a five-star suite. Sometimes, it’s as simple—and soul-stirring—as tasting baklava where it was born, or rising with the sun above a pink-stone canyon.

In a season defined by wanderlust, Pegasus delivers not just destinations, but unforgettable chapters in the traveler’s storybook.