Rising Demand for Flights Between Germany and Turkey: An In-Depth Look at the Expanding Aviation Market
Rising Demand for Flights Between Germany and Turkey: An In-Depth Look at the Expanding Aviation Market
As of 2023, there has been a noticeable surge in the demand for flights from Germany to Turkey, propelling airlines to increase their capacity, routes, and fleets. This trend is indicative of a broader interest in Turkey as a prime holiday destination, resonating particularly among German travelers.
Expanding Operations to Meet Increasing Demand
Major airlines such as SunExpress, Corendon, Condor, and Mavi Gök Airlines have responded to this growing interest by planning significant expansions over the next few years. SunExpress, a leader in the German holiday market, aims to increase its passenger capacity to 14.8 million in 2023, up from 12.6 million. The airline plans to exceed its pre-pandemic number of passengers traveling to Turkey, aiming to surpass 2.4 million travelers it transported in 2019.
SunExpress CEO, Max Kownatzki, reported a 23% increase in bookings compared to the previous year, underscoring a robust recovery and growing enthusiasm for travel to Turkey. The airline operates 634 flights per week from Germany to Turkey, connecting 16 German airports to 20 Turkish airports. Notably, there are daily multiple flights from Düsseldorf, Cologne, and Berlin to Antalya. "This summer season, we are introducing eight new routes from Germany to Turkey and planning to double our fleet by next year. By 2035, we expect our fleet to reach 165 aircraft," Kownatzki added.
Rival Airlines Ramp Up Operations
Eurowings is also expanding its footprint, with plans to operate flights to Turkey from 25 locations. Like SunExpress, Eurowings is not just focusing on the Aegean and Mediterranean regions but is also extending services to other cities like Samsun, Kayseri, and Adana.
Condor, after a three-year hiatus, resumed flights to Antalya in 2023 and is now operating daily flights from Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Leipzig/Halle, and Munich, highlighting the enduring appeal of Turkey's coastal regions.
New and Emerging Players
Among the newer entrants to the market is Mavi Gök Airlines (MGA), affiliated with ANEX Tourism Group, which houses brands like Anex, Öger Tours, Bucher, and Neckermann. Selay Özçelik, the Commercial Chief of MGA, noted, "This year, we increased our capacity from Germany and Austria to Antalya by 50%. We are connecting Antalya with 10 airports in Germany, with daily flights from Düsseldorf, Hannover, and Nuremberg, totaling 45 flights per week during the high season."
Corendon Airlines, another major player, has declared 2024 as a year of consolidation. Established 20 years ago, Corendon flew 1.4 million passengers in 2023, marking a 40% increase. The airline, which operates a fleet of 32 Boeing 737-800s, added an additional aircraft to meet the high demand and is planning to enter a sustainable growth phase starting next year.
Local Carriers Expand Offerings
Turkish national airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, Tailwind, and Freebird are also expanding their offerings, alongside new market entrants like Air Anka, represented by Broker Involatus.
Conclusion
The demand for flights between Germany and Turkey is a testament to Turkey's appeal as a diverse and culturally rich destination. With airlines expanding their operations, the connectivity between these two nations is set to improve, potentially bringing more tourists and fostering greater cultural and economic exchanges. As the market evolves, the strategies implemented by these airlines will likely serve as a blueprint for others in the global aviation industry.
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