New strategic connection from Sabiha Gökçen: Direct flights to Atyrau have begun
Direct flights have begun from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Atyrau, a key stop on the historic Silk Road and the port city of Kazakhstan. The Istanbul-Caspian bridge, which will be strengthened by flights operating twice a week, is expected to further strengthen economic, cultural, and social ties between the two countries.
Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (ISG) International Airport, Türkiye's second-largest airport and Europe's eighth-largest in terms of passenger numbers, continues to offer passengers more connection options by increasing its flight diversity.
Direct flights from Istanbul, where Asia and Europe meet, to another point where these two continents meet, Kazakhstan's main port city of Atyrau, based at Sabiha Gökçen Airport, began on May 14, 2025. Atyrau, bisected by the Ural River, which forms Europe's eastern border with Asia, is almost entirely located in Asia, with a small portion in Europe.
Pegasus Airlines has launched direct flights from its main hub, Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), to Atyrau (GUW), operating twice a week, on Wednesdays and Sundays. The first flight from Istanbul to Atyrau took off following a ceremony held at Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Pegasus' Atyrau route adds another strong link to the airline bridge between Central Asia and Turkey.
This new connection marks Sabiha Gökçen's fifth flight destination in Kazakhstan, adding a new one to Pegasus's existing flights to Almaty, Shymkent, Astana, and Aktau.
Atyrau, the pearl of the Caspian Sea, is now closer
The launch of direct flights to Atyrau, a key stop on the historical Silk Road, opens an exciting door for those seeking to explore diverse cultures and strengthen business connections. Atyrau, which combines the spirits of the West and the East on the banks of the Ural River, is a strategically located, modern, and dynamic city. Located on the shores of the Caspian Sea, Atyrau, a port city with rich oil and natural gas reserves, plays a critical role in the Kazakh economy. The newly launched SAW-GUW connection is expected to facilitate travel between Turkey and Kazakhstan, making significant contributions to trade, cultural relations, and tourism.
Sabiha Gökçen Airport, Istanbul's gateway to the world, strengthens its access to Europe, the Middle East and North Africa every day, while connecting Istanbul's cultural and historical riches to 52 countries and 105 international destinations worldwide.