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SunExpress Cancels Dozens of UK-Turkey Flights This Summer
SunExpress has reportedly cancelled dozens of flights from the UK to Turkey, affecting routes to Antalya, Bodrum, Dalaman, and Izmir.
According to Turizm Ekonomi, SunExpress has decided to scrap numerous flights from the UK to Turkey scheduled between June and the first week of July.
The airline had already cancelled a number of flights from Manchester to Bodrum. Following the latest decision, the additional cancellations include:
- 23 flights on the Luton to Antalya route between 7 June and 1 July.
- 15 flights on the Glasgow to Antalya route between 3 June and 3 July.
- 6 flights on the Bristol to Antalya route between 7 June and 8 July.
- 14 flights on the Leeds to Antalya route between 8 June and 1 July.
- 6 flights on the Glasgow to Dalaman route between 10 June and 1 July.
Context & Background
What is happening?This news comes amid a broader reduction in flight capacities between the UK and Turkey for the summer holiday season. SunExpress (a joint venture between Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines) is not the only airline making adjustments; other prominent carriers serving British holidaymakers, such as easyJet and Wizz Air, have also scaled back or adjusted some of their Turkish routes, particularly to Aegean destinations like Dalaman and Bodrum.
Why are the flights being cancelled?
According to industry analysis from Turizm Ekonomi and regional tourism representatives, the primary driver behind these cancellations is an economic shift affecting holiday demand:
Rising Costs and Inflation: Rapid inflation within Turkey has heavily driven up the costs of food, drink, and hospitality. For British tourists, who traditionally viewed Turkey as a highly affordable alternative to Spain or Greece, the destination has become significantly more expensive.
Weakening Load Factors: Because of the drop-off in early summer bookings caused by higher local prices, airlines are facing lower "load factors" (the percentage of seats filled on a flight). To remain profitable and tightly control operational expenses, airlines are consolidating their schedules and axing underperforming flights during the June and early July shoulder period rather than flying half-empty aircraft.
