SunExpress launches direct flights between Izmir and Almaty
SunExpress has launched direct flight services connecting the Turkish city of Izmir with Almaty in Kazakhstan.
The inaugural flight, which took place on 1 August 2026, carried 177 passengers, marking a new chapter in air connectivity between Turkey and Central Asia.
For travellers, this new route means increased accessibility to Izmir, a vital gateway to Turkey’s beautiful Aegean coast.
The area surrounding Izmir is renowned for its historical sites, stunning beaches, and popular holiday destinations such as Çeşme and Kuşadası, as well as its proximity to landmarks like Ephesus and Pamukkale. Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city and former capital, represents a growing market for Turkish tourism.
Direct flights make it easier for residents of Kazakhstan to visit Turkey without stopovers, which is expected to help increase visitor numbers and strengthen the tourism economy in the Izmir region.
The establishment of such a direct route by an airline like SunExpress demonstrates a belief in the region’s tourism potential and could signal increased competition on existing routes.
This may potentially lead to more attractive prices and a greater range of options for travellers flying to and from Izmir. For the average tourist, including Nordic travellers, this development means that Izmir is becoming increasingly well-connected to the world, which generally enhances the destination’s appeal and accessibility.
Although the route is not directly linked to Scandinavia, it contributes to building Izmir’s profile as an international hub.
Travellers considering a holiday to Turkey’s Aegean coast should take note of such route expansions, as they often reflect increased demand and can influence capacity and ticket prices over time.
This makes travel planning to Izmir more flexible and potentially more favourable for a wider audience.
Source: Turizmguncel
