Air Canada and Pegasus Airlines Announce Strategic Partnership to Enhance Türkiye Connectivity
Air Canada and Pegasus Airlines have unveiled a significant new interline partnership that will dramatically expand travel options for customers seeking to visit Türkiye. This strategic collaboration, announced on February 19, 2026, creates convenient connections through major European gateways to two of Türkiye's most sought-after destinations: Istanbul and the Aegean coastal city of Izmir.
Expanded Route Network and Customer Benefits
Through this new agreement, Air Canada customers gain access to nine routes operated by Pegasus Airlines, significantly broadening the airline's reach into the dynamic Turkish market. Travelers flying to Air Canada's European gateways—including Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Munich, Geneva, Vienna, Zurich, and Athens—will enjoy seamless onward connections to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport. Additionally, Frankfurt serves as a gateway to İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport.
The partnership delivers substantial customer advantages, including the convenience of single itineraries and through-checked baggage, eliminating the hassle of multiple bookings and baggage rechecks during connections. This streamlined approach enhances the overall travel experience while providing greater flexibility and choice for passengers.
Executive Perspectives on the Partnership
Mary-Jane Lorette, Vice President of Revenue Management, Partnerships and International Affairs at Air Canada, emphasized the strategic importance of the collaboration. "Air Canada's strategy is fundamentally built on connecting people, markets, and opportunities around the world," Lorette stated. "Our partnership with Pegasus Airlines expands our reach into Türkiye, offering customers more ways to explore one of the world's most dynamic regions while reinforcing our role as a leading global airline."
Onur Dedeköylü, Chief Commercial Officer at Pegasus Airlines, expressed similar enthusiasm for the partnership's potential. "We are pleased to partner with Air Canada to strengthen connectivity between Canada and Türkiye," Dedeköylü commented. "This interline agreement will provide travellers with convenient access to Istanbul and İzmir via key European gateways, enhancing flexibility and ease of travel. We look forward to developing this partnership further as we continue expanding our international network."
Future Expansion Plans
Both airlines have indicated their intention to deepen the partnership beyond the initial interline agreement. Air Canada and Pegasus Airlines are actively exploring the implementation of a full codeshare arrangement in the future, which would include:
- Reciprocal loyalty program benefits for frequent flyers
- Enhanced cooperation across both carriers' international networks
- Further streamlined booking and travel experiences
- Potential expansion to additional destinations
About the Partner Airlines
Air Canada, headquartered in Montréal, serves as Canada's largest airline and flag carrier. As a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's most comprehensive air transportation network, Air Canada provides scheduled service to more than 180 airports across six continents. The airline holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax and operates Aeroplan, Canada's premier travel loyalty program with over 10 million members worldwide.
Pegasus Airlines, a prominent Turkish carrier, continues to expand its international network, making this partnership particularly timely as both airlines seek to strengthen their global presence and provide enhanced travel options to their respective customer bases.
