SunExpress will expand its UK presence to 12 airports for summer 2026, adding East Midlands to its network with a new service to Antalya operating three times weekly.
The budget airline, a joint venture between Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, is significantly growing its UK and Ireland operations with multiple new routes launching next year.
The expansion includes new services from London Gatwick and Manchester to Bodrum, each operating twice weekly, alongside new flights from Cork to Antalya and Dublin to Dalaman, both running two services per week.
The carrier will operate 196 weekly flights across 30 routes from 14 airports in the UK and Ireland during summer 2026, offering 2.1 million seats - representing a 10 per cent increase compared to 2025.
Antalya, Turkey, has beautiful landscapes
GETTY
The expansion builds on strong demand for Turkish destinations, with the airline having already added 10,000 extra seats across five key UK routes for summer 2025.
These additional seats were introduced on services from London Gatwick, London Stansted, Bristol, Birmingham and Edinburgh to Antalya and Dalaman between August and October.
SunExpress is also increasing its programme at several airports where it already has an established presence.
The lesser-known airline positions itself as a value carrier with a strong presence on the Turkish Riviera and throughout Anatolia, operating 237 routes to 92 destinations across 35 countries.
The airline offers various fare bundles tailored to different passenger needs, including options for baggage allowances, seat reservations, check-in choices and booking flexibility.
Beyond traditional beach holidays, SunExpress serves diverse travel segments including cultural, archaeological and culinary tourism, as well as sports travel. Tickets for the expanded summer 2026 programme are available through SunExpress.com or via travel agents.
In more airline news, TUI has announced new direct flights from the UK to a dream winter destination. The flights will begin this year.
The travel company will run new direct flights from Newcastle Airport to Sofia, Bulgaria, beginning December 20, 2025. This will be a weekly Saturday service, supporting Crystal Ski Holidays' winter 2026 programme.
New flights will be heading from the UK to AntalyaGETTY
The route will provide north-east travellers with convenient access to Bulgarian ski destinations including Bansko, Pamporovo and Borovets, marking TUI's response to strong customer demand for Bulgarian ski holidays.
Loganair has also delighted holidaymakers with the return of a popular route. Holidaymakers will be able to travel on selected dates in December 2025 and January 2026.
The flights will connect the Isle of Man and Belfast City, following the popularity of last year's seasonal service, helping passengers reunite with loved ones during the holiday period.