Air Canada and Pegasus Airlines Partner to Expand Connectivity to Türkiye’s Top Destinations

In the world of travel, the best stories often begin with a connection. Whether it’s a bridge between two cultures or a flight between two continents, the magic lies in how easily we can reach the places that move us. This February, Air Canada and Türkiye’s leading low-cost carrier, Pegasus Airlines, have written a new chapter in that story by announcing a strategic partnership that brings the wonders of the Eastern Mediterranean closer to North American travelers than ever before.

For anyone who has dreamed of sipping tea overlooking the Bosphorus or wandering through the ancient streets of Ephesus, the journey just got a whole lot simpler.

One Ticket, Infinite Possibilities

Announced on February 19, 2026, the new interline agreement between Air Canada and Pegasus Airlines is designed to strip away the logistical headaches of international travel. Traditionally, flying to secondary hubs or specific regions in Türkiye from Canada meant juggling separate bookings, re-checking bags in busy European terminals, and crossing fingers that delays wouldn’t ruin the next leg of the trip.

With this partnership, that complexity evaporates. Travelers can now book their entire journey from North America to Türkiye on a single itinerary. This “one-ticket solution” ensures that your boarding passes are issued for the whole trip and—perhaps most importantly—your baggage is checked through to your final destination in Istanbul or Izmir.

The European Gateway: Your Launchpad to the East

The beauty of this alliance lies in its clever use of Europe’s most iconic transit hubs. Air Canada already boasts a robust transatlantic network, and now, those flights serve as a springboard into Pegasus’s extensive Turkish network.

Passengers can fly Air Canada to eight major European gateways and hop onto a Pegasus flight to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) or Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB). The connecting cities include:

• Frankfurt & Munich: The German powerhouses offering direct links to both Istanbul and the coastal beauty of Izmir.
• Amsterdam & Zurich: Perfect for those looking for a smooth transit through some of the world’s most efficient airports.
• Copenhagen, Vienna, & Geneva: Providing elegant northern and central European routes to the East.
• Athens: The Mediterranean shortcut that aligns perfectly with a sun-soaked itinerary.

More Than Just a Flight: Strengthening Ties

“Air Canada’s strategy is built on connecting people, markets, and opportunities around the world,” says Mary-Jane Lorette, Vice President at Air Canada. This isn’t just corporate speak; it’s a recognition of Türkiye’s skyrocketing popularity. From the vibrant tech hubs of Istanbul to the thriving business sectors in Izmir, the demand for reliable, flexible travel is at an all-time high.

On the other side of the tarmac, Onur Dedeköylü, Chief Commercial Officer at Pegasus Airlines, sees this as a way to bring the world to Türkiye’s doorstep. Pegasus has built its reputation on the belief that “everyone has the right to fly,” offering a young, efficient fleet and budget-friendly fares. By partnering with a full-service giant like Air Canada, they are blending affordability with global reach.

Looking Toward the Horizon: Codeshares and Loyalty

While the current interline agreement is a massive win for travelers, it’s only the beginning. Both airlines have signaled that they are exploring a full codeshare agreement.

What does that mean for you? In the near future, we could see:

1. Reciprocal Loyalty Benefits: The ability to earn and redeem Aeroplan points on Pegasus flights, and vice versa.
2. Deeper Integration: Even more routes and synchronized schedules to reduce layover times.
3. Expanded Footprint: Access to more of Pegasus’s 150+ destinations across 55 countries.

Why This Matters for the Human Traveler

At its heart, this partnership is about time and peace of mind. It’s for the family in Toronto visiting relatives in Izmir who no longer have to worry about hauling three car seats and five suitcases through Frankfurt customs. It’s for the solo adventurer from Vancouver who wants to land in Istanbul ready to explore, rather than exhausted by administrative hurdles.

By bypassing the traditional hub dominance of larger carriers and utilizing the strategic Sabiha Gökçen airport on Istanbul’s Asian side, Air Canada and Pegasus are offering a faster, often more cost-effective alternative to the status quo.

Conclusion: The World Just Got Smaller

The partnership between Air Canada and Pegasus Airlines is a testament to the modern era of aviation—one where collaboration trumps competition to benefit the passenger. As Türkiye continues to evolve as a global crossroads for culture, history, and commerce, these new “bridges in the sky” ensure that you’re only one connection away from your next great adventure.

Whether you’re traveling for the spice markets of the Grand Bazaar or a board meeting in the Aegean, the path is now clear. All that’s left to do is pack your bags.

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